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CPO

Cambarellus patzcuarensis · family Cambaridae

Also: Mexican Dwarf Crayfish, Orange Dwarf Crayfish

CPO (Cambarellus patzcuarensis) — aquarium crayfish
Wikipedia / Various contributors / CC BY-SA

Parameters

Temperature
18–25 °C
pH
7–8
Hardness
8–20 °dGH
Tank volume
from 40 L
Maximum size
up to 5 cm
Group size
min 1, ideal 3
Temperament
Peaceful
Difficulty
Intermediate
Lifespan
2–3 years

Pros and cons

  • The most peaceful aquarium crayfish — doesn't hunt healthy fish
  • Small size fits a 40 L tank
  • Bright orange coloration
  • Breeds in freshwater
  • Eats soft plants (Vallisneria, Ludwigia will suffer)
  • Hunts juvenile shrimp and snails
  • Males duel — provide at least one hiding spot per animal
  • Won't survive with aggressive cichlids or large bettas

Description

The most peaceful aquarium crayfish. Bright orange, just 4–5 cm. Can be kept in a community tank with peaceful fish and shrimp (though it will eat juvenile shrimp).

FAQ

Can CPO be kept with cherry shrimp?
You can, but juvenile shrimp will keep disappearing. Adults are left alone. If your goal is to breed shrimp, keep them in separate tanks.
Goldie editorial team — collective profile photo
AuthorGoldie Editorial

Goldie editorial team

Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication

Goldie Science Board — collective scientific review panel
Reviewed byGoldie Science Board

Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians

Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown

Sources

  1. Wikipedia: Cambarellus patzcuarensis · Wikipedia · 2026-05-22