![]() ![]() Like all crustaceans, Procarambus Clarkii becomes very lethargic for a few days beforehand and does not eat as much. Interesting facts: The molting process is controlled by environmental and endocrine hormones, which are located in their eyestalks. For example, baby crayfish molt every few days, while juvenile crayfish may molt every 7 – 10 days. Molting interval and growth rate is affected by a number of variables, including water temperature, population density, water quality, and food quality and quantity.ĭepending on the age and water temperature, molt intervals for crayfish range from 4 to 30 days. Procambarus clarkii MoltingĬrayfish must molt or shed its hard exoskeleton to increase in size. Interesting fact: Despite the great importance of these shelters, they seem not to return to previously occupied burrows at the end of their foraging excursions despite the time and energy expended to excavate them. In the wild, burrows are used as a refuge to avoid predation, dehydration and environmental stress as well as to nest.Īccording to observations, the average length of the excavated tunnels ranges from 20 – 80 cm (8 – 30 inches). In the absence of shelter, both males and females began burrowing rapidly. Like many crayfish species, Procarambus Clarkii is an efficient digger. Tip: If you are new to handling crayfish or have children handling the animals, you may want to consider scooping your little friend up into a plastic cup when handling must occur. It is possible to hold your crayfish on a flat palm when they are calm, but keep in mind that they are able to defend themselves. So a large tank will be crucial in the attempt to keep multiple crayfish together in the same environment. They will pinch and claw when they feel threatened. Procarambus Clarkii is a solitary and territorial creature. They are very aggressive and tend to fight almost all the time. ![]() They have 2 movement patterns, with one or more short peaks of intense locomotion (“wandering” phases) alternated with periods of scarce mobility, with slow speeds or no movement (“stationary” phases). ![]() Although some individuals do not mind be active even in the day time. Procarambus Clarkii can make great aquarium pets if you understand their natural tendencies and behaviors and care for them accordingly. Life span does not exceed 3 years but can reach 5 years in higher latitudes. There are reports that in the wild some individuals can measure up to 15 cm (6 inches). Juveniles are usually light green with a narrow dark band on either side of the abdomen and a broader lighter band along the dorsal surface.įully grown Procarambus Clarkii can reach 3.5 – 12 cm (2.2 to 4.7 inches) in length. In addition, unlike other crayfish species, Procarambus Clarkii does not have areola on the back (unlike its cousin Procambarus Alleni (Blue crayfish)). One of the unique things about them is that they have a hook on the claws. Yellow (Orange ghost or Fireball crayfish).However, in the aquarium trade, it is possible to find different color variations such as: In general, this species has a dark red body (carapace). In the wild, they can be found in standing freshwater such as lakes, ponds, canals, irrigation ditches, rice fields, marshes, and swamps. Red swamp crayfish live in a variety of freshwater habitats. It is native to parts of Mexico and the United States and has established in all continents except Antarctica and Oceania. Natural Habitat of the Procambarus clarkii Quick Notes about Procambarus clarkii NameĬolor variations – Neon red crayfish, Scarlet crayfish, Ghost crayfish, White specter crayfish, etc.ĭifferent color variations: orange, reddish-dark, blue, yellow, white, black but red is the main one. For example, this species is listed among the 100 worst invasive species in Europe, under the EU Regulation 1143/2014 regarding alien invasive species. This is a restricted (banned) species in some US states and European countries due to their potential to become invasive. NEVER release Procarambus Clarkii into the wild. All these qualities make it an excellent choice for beginner aquarists. Red swamp crayfish are also highly resistant to environmental stress, including extreme temperatures, the absence of water, high salinity, and the presence of pollutants. The only problem is that it is not suitable for planted or community tanks. Its ability to grow and mature rapidly made it the dominant freshwater crayfish in the world. Procarambus Clarkii can live in almost any freshwater aquarium and are among the toughest freshwater tank inhabitants available to the hobby. As always on my blog, you will find here not a vague description but facts. ![]() In this guide, I have done extensive research on Procarambus Clarkii, commonly known as Red swamp crayfish, Louisiana red swamp, Red crayfish or Mudbug, to describe care, diet, and breeding in all possible details. ![]()
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