Characteristics of the boy crab – Cambarellus puer: One that we think is very suitable Cancer genus for beginners. Not only because it can be kept in smaller aquariums, but also because of its particularly peaceful nature. It does not dig up like other species and is also very chic.
Baby Crayfish - Cambarellus puer Origin and Distribution
In nature, the boy crab occurs in waters in the southern United States. It is usually found in the coastal regions of Mexico to Louisiana. The Mississippi Delta is often chosen as a habitat in nature. Also swamps, ponds, pools are chosen, which flow slowly and are rich in plants.
Baby Crab – Cambarellus puer: Appearance
The boy crab is a smaller type of the dwarf crayfish. The females reach a size of about 4 centimeters. The males are only 2 to 3 centimeters. The basic color of the crabs is light brown to copper red. Above it are two dark brown vertical stripes. The stripes begin above the eyes and end at the base of the tail fan. The legs are also darkly striped. The exact coloring may vary slightly depending on the variant. Both sexes are colored the same. The coloring is particularly pronounced after moulting. The males have gonopods on the underside of their abdomens. This allows the species to be determined precisely.
As you can see from the pictures, the appearance can be very different. This makes the boy crab particularly attractive.
Young Crab – Cambarellus puer: Aquarium requirements
A tank size of 45 liters is sufficient for keeping a pair. If more animals are kept, the tank should be correspondingly larger. There should be about 20 x 20 centimeters of space for a couple. The crabs defend their territory and must be able to avoid each other.
Fine brown gravel should be chosen as the substrate. There should be enough hiding places in the tank. These can be created, for example, with roots or stones. The aquarium should be stocked with robust plants. There should also be moss, quickly decomposed fallen leaves and algae in the aquarium. Since crabs are generally considered escape artists, the aquarium should be covered with a well-fitting glass plate.
The water temperature should be between 16 and 25 degrees Celsius. The carbon hardness should range between 6 and 20 degrees dKH. The total hardness of the water should not be more than 20 degrees dGH. The pH in the tank should be between 6,5 and 8. In general, the boy crab is a very adaptable animal. Nevertheless, the specified values should be observed. Dwarf crayfish generally like oxygen-rich and clean water. Good ventilation and an optimally working filter is therefore a basic requirement for keeping young shrimp. The water current must not be too strong.
The animals do not make any great demands on the lighting. Therefore, a lamp with blue and white LEDs is usually sufficient. The blue lights serve as night mode.
Young Crab – Cambarellus puer forage
Well-rotted leaves, food leftovers from other aquarium inhabitants or sprouting algae come into consideration as food for the young shrimp. Special food for crayfish is also popular. This can be granules, pellets, food tablets, frozen food or flake food. The crabs can also be offered dried, finely crumbly nettle leaves or finely chopped and scalded vegetables.
Boy Crayfish - Cambarellus puer: Behavior and Socialization
Young crabs are social animals and can be kept in 2 to 3 pairs depending on the size of the tank. In this case, there must be a corresponding number of hiding places in the tank. The tank should also be divided into different zones so that the animals can mark their territories. The structures should be absolutely stable. The crabs do not bury themselves and do not eat plants.
It can also be socialized well with small fish species and dwarf shrimp. A socialization with other dwarf crayfish should not take place. The animals are stressed unnecessarily.
Breeding of the Crayfish
Breeding young crabs is just as uncomplicated as keeping them. In order to get as many offspring as possible, a breeding pair should be kept in a separate tank with about 20 liters. The breeding tank should also be equipped with enough hiding places to offer the female enough opportunities to retreat from the stormy males. A boy crab is sexually mature after about 3 months. The females then lay up to 60 eggs after mating. After about 1,5 months, the young hatch. After about 1 to 2 days they are completely independent and go in search of food. The young are prone to cannibalism. After the young animals are independent, the parents can be caught out of the tank.
Conclusion on boy cancer
Let's summarize the most important things again briefly. In our opinion a real beginner crab. Small aquariums, very good socialization with other fish, great appearance and easy breeding are just a few of the advantages that the young shrimp - Cambarellus puer brings with it. The requirements for food and setup of the aquarium can also be overlooked. A great animal for everyone who wants to deal with the first crabs.