Least Dwarf Crayfish

Cambarellus diminutus is the smallest of the dwarf crayfish and is only 2-2.5cm long. The common name “Least Dwarf Crayfish” is therefore absolutely correct. This tiny creature originally comes from the USA, where it is widespread in Mississippi, Alabama and Illinois. As a rule, this type of dwarf crayfish is colored in various shades of brown, although bluish colored animals are rarely found.

Care in the aquarium

Due to its small size, the Least Dwarf Crayfish is also suitable for smaller aquariums of 30 liters or more, although the floor space is more important than the aquarium height for the animals that mainly live on the bottom. However, if you want to keep a group of animals, we recommend an aquarium with a size of 54 liters (edge length of 60 cm) or more. The tank should be well structured using roots, stones, plants, leaves, etc. so that the animals can stay out of each other’s way. The aquarium must also be made escape-proof, as this crayfish is a good climber. Since the Least Dwarf Crayfish can react sensitively to suboptimal water values ​​and major changes in them, regular water changes and good filtering are important. Cambarellus diminutus feels most comfortable in the species tank, but it is possible to keep it with dwarf shrimp and small fish species that tend to live in the middle to upper areas of the tank.

Feeding

As an omnivore, the Least Dwarf Crayfish is not picky. Shrimp food, green food, leaves and granular food for crabs and crayfish are good options. Newly hatched snails are also often eaten, which is sometimes quite useful.

Sexual characteristics and breeding

Male dwarf crayfish can be recognized by the V-shaped gonopods (sexual opening), which are located between the walking legs at the transition to the abdomen. The reproduction of the Least Dwarf Crayfish is possible in the aquarium. The female carries the fertilized eggs between its swimming legs until they hatch and even beyond. The newly hatched offspring are fully developed and can be fed with fine rearing food.