Cancer Montezuma

The Mexican dwarf crayfish or Montezuma crayfish (Cambarellus montezumae) belongs to the Cambaridae family. It comes from the reservoirs of Central America from the territory of modern Mexico, Guatemala and Nicaragua. It differs from its large relatives in miniature size. Color varies from gray to brown. Very similar to its close relative, the Dwarf Orange Crayfish.

Maintenance and care

The Mexican dwarf crayfish is unpretentious, perfectly adaptable to a wide range of pH and dH values. The design should provide for a large number of shelters where the cancer will hide during molting. Compatible with many types of shrimp and peaceful fish. It feeds mainly on uneaten food residues, prefers protein foods – pieces of meat from worms, snails and other crustaceans, does not disdain carrion, however, the latter is a source of infection in a closed aquarium ecosystem. If possible, it can catch a young shrimp and eat it, but more often the cancer avoids meeting with them, especially with adults. Sexual maturity is reached by 3-4 months, the incubation period lasts up to 5 weeks. The female carries the eggs with her under her abdomen.