Smallest Dwarf Crab – Cambarellus diminutus Characteristics: A true cancer for beginners. The smallest dwarf crayfish - Cambarellus diminutus is not only convincing because of its colorful splendour, but also because of its peaceful nature. Much in common with the boy cancer or with the orange one Pygmy crayfish Cambarellus patzcuarensis CPO can be found here. But first, let's start with some general things.
General information about the smallest dwarf crayfish – Cambarellus diminutus
This dwarf crayfish is naturally found in the southern United States in the states of Mississippi and Alabama. The smallest dwarf crayfish likes to settle in small standing or slow-flowing water bodies.
Appearance of the Smallest Dwarf Crab – Cambarellus diminutus
It is not for nothing that this type of crayfish is called the "smallest" dwarf crayfish. This species is the smallest of its genus. Both females and males grow to a maximum of 2,5 centimeters. The age is 2 years. Due to its size, this species is particularly suitable for breeding and keeping in the aquarium. This species of dwarf crayfish is very diverse in coloring. The animals can be brown, red or blue. The abdomen can also be decorated with a pattern of dark spots. The gonopods are arranged in a V-shape. These sit on the underside between the breastplate and abdomen. In females, the genital opening is at the base of the second pair of walking legs. There is no discernible color difference between males and females.
Aquarium requirements
The smallest dwarf crayfish is considered one of the most peaceful species in its genus. Therefore, it is quite possible that a pair can already be kept in an aquarium with a capacity of 45 liters. In larger aquariums it is not a problem to keep several pairs. It is important that the aquarium is elongated and does not have a high water level.
The aquarium should be equipped with fine-grained and preferably dark gravel without sharp edges. There should be enough hiding places such as crab caves, perforated rock or ceramic tubes in the tank. As plants, fine-leaved aquatic plants are particularly suitable for hiding and broad-leaved plants for climbing. There should also be brown fall leaves in the tank. This serves as both a source of food and a hiding place. All crabs need a good aquarium cover to prevent escape attempts.
Temperatures in the aquarium should be around 20 to 26 degrees Celsius. In the best case, the temperature is lowered to around 16 degrees Celsius at night. The carbonate hardness should be between 3 and 15 degrees dKH. The crabs like a total hardness of 6 to 20 degrees dGH. The pH should be between 6,8 to 8. Sufficient ventilation should be provided in the tank, the smallest dwarf crab, like all crabs, breathes through gills and thus filters the oxygen out of the water. Adequate filtering is also important and necessary. Mat filters and sponge filters have proven themselves here.
What does the dwarf crayfish – Cambarellus diminutus eat
You should offer the smallest dwarf crab special crayfish food in the form of tabs, pellets or granules. Green fodder is also a popular feed. This can come in the form of small crushed, scalded vegetables and powdered nettles.
behavior and socialization
The smallest dwarf crabs are very sociable animals and, depending on the size of the tank, can be kept in several pairs. It is important that each couple has enough space. There should be no socialization with other crabs or crabs. Also, no fish sleeping on the bottom or fan shrimp should be added. In the worst case, these can be injured by the small dwarf crab.
On the other hand, socialization with small free-swimming fish and dwarf shrimp is considered to be relatively easy.
Breeding of Cambarellus diminutus
Breeding the small dwarf crab is relatively easy. In a normal community tank, this can ensure a constant population of animals. If the animals are to be bred, it makes sense to place a breeding pair in a separate tank. This should be well planted. This dims light somewhat. In addition, there should be enough hiding places for the female and later young animals.
When the female has mated with the male, the female lays about 20 to 30 eggs. It sticks these to the swimming legs and abdomen. These are carried around for a few days. Even after the young have hatched, they still seek protection under their mother's belly for some time.
When the young are able to swim freely, mother care is discontinued. The parents can then be placed back in the community tank. The young animals tend to cannibalism among themselves. Special rearing food in the form of granules, dust or frozen food is suitable as food for the young animals.