Red Swamp Crawfish (Procambarus Clarkii)

Red Swamp Crawfish, Red Swamp Crayfish, Louisiana Crawfish, Louisiana Crayfish, Mudbug

Distribution

This crayfish, also known as the red swamp crayfish, originates from North America - the United States and Mexico. It is now available worldwide and has adapted to live in a wide range of habitats. It can be found in small ponds, shallow streams, marshland, swamps, seasonal waters, rice fields, drainage ditches, etc. It is an invasive species that displaces the rightful inhabitants of natural habitats.

Appearance

The crayfish is characterized by a red-bordeaux body color with navy black pigmentation on the upper part of the carapace and in the abdomen. The entire surface of the shell is heavily textured. This crustacean has powerful, elongated claws. In aquarium breeding, selectively bred color varieties are available: red-orange and white. Males and females can be distinguished by looking at their underbellies. The female has a clearly visible sperm storage organ located centrally between the 4th and 5th walking legs, and she also has smaller claws. Males, on the other hand, can be recognized by the first two pairs of abdominal legs, which converge mutually and run parallel towards the abdomen.

Disposition

This crayfish is a very resilient animal that tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions, including low levels of oxygen and high temperatures. However, if we want to enjoy them for a long time, we should avoid such situations. In nature, these crayfish dig long burrows, so it should not surprise us that they constantly undermine stones, roots or other decorative elements in the aquarium (which should be properly secured). Like most crayfish, they are more active at night. This is quite an aggressive but slow crayfish. It can be kept with quick and nimble fish and shrimp. We avoid predatory, bottom-dwelling fish and those with veiled fins. A single individual is more aggressive. In a larger group, hierarchy is established and the dominant individual is distinguished by the largest claws (which can be half the length of its body). During moulting, like other crustacean species, it hides until the new carapace hardens. It is then practically defenseless and very susceptible to attacks.

Aquarium

The most important criterion for crayfish is the surface area of the tank floor – the larger, the better. The second important thing is to provide them with an adequate number of hiding spots – especially when they are kept with other animals. They must be arranged so that they are invisible to each other, divided into zones. We use stones, rocks, caves, pvc pipes, wooden (e.g. bamboo), ceramic, coconut shell, roots and sticks, etc. to build them. Here, the size of the animals must be considered – to prevent them from jamming. Properly chosen colors of equipment can highlight and intensify the color of the inhabitants. Thirdly, highly oxygenated water is essential for these crustaceans. Crayfish have gills and do not breathe atmospheric air. They can stay on dry land, but only as long as their gills are moist. If the aquarium lacks oxygen, the crayfish will try to escape (a tight cover of the tank is necessary). Crayfish prefer to stay in turbid waters, but this does not mean that the water has to be dirty. These animals are sensitive to the presence of ammonia and nitrite. Therefore, effective filtration and regular water changes are required. The lighting should not be too intense, diffuse is best. When choosing a substrate, use those with soft, rounded edges. From time to time, we put dry oak, beech leaves or alder cones on the bottom of the tank (necessary components of the crayfish diet).

Reproduction

The breeding season of this crayfish species begins in late autumn, and the breeding process is no different from other crayfish. The female carries eggs under her abdomen for up to 6 weeks (this depends on the water temperature – the warmer it is, the shorter the duration). Fertilized eggs are black, non-viable ones are orange. In the breeding season, a female can lay up to 600 eggs. After hatching, she cares for and protects the young for a long time - in the aquarium for several weeks, in nature until they reach sexual maturity (about 3 months). If our aquarium is too small or if we only have one female, she should be immediately separated from the male as soon as we notice eggs under her tail. Otherwise, the male will most likely continue to mate, which can even lead to the death of the female.

Food

This is a typical carnivore that will not refuse insect larvae, snails, dead animal remains, worms. They can be fed any available animal-derived food - dry, frozen and live. It is important that the diet is varied and sinks to the bottom. The diet of this species should be enriched with alder cones, oak leaves, beech or almond tree leaves - the ingredients contained in these products reduce the risk of shell ulcers in crayfish (so-called rusty spotting). These products should be brown, dry and clean, and should be scalded with boiling water before serving.