Cambarellus puer

About This Species

Basic Description

Perfect for beginners and nano tanks, this tiny scavenger helps keep the aquarium clean by eating leftover food, detritus, and biofilm from the bottom. It is generally peaceful but can be territorial towards its own kind, so provide small hiding spots. Known as a clever escape artist, a tight-fitting lid on the tank is absolutely essential. It's an active, hardy, and low-maintenance creature that brings a lot of personality to a small aquatic setup.

Detailed Description

Hobbyists appreciate this crustacean for its minimal bioload contribution, making it well-suited for smaller, established aquariums. As a true omnivore, its diet should be varied, including sinking foods, decaying plant matter, and blanched vegetables. It may also consume softer aquatic plants. While peaceful towards most fish, its territorial nature necessitates multiple hiding spots like caves and dense foliage to mitigate aggression between individuals. Breeding is straightforward, often occurring without special intervention, but a secure aquarium is paramount to prevent escapes, as they can climb airline tubing and filter intakes.

Scientific Description

Cambarellus puer, a benthic decapod native to North America, is adapted to low-flow freshwater systems. Its physiological tolerances for a wide range of pH and water hardness levels demonstrate its adaptability. As a detritivore, it plays a role in the tank's nutrient cycling by consuming biofilm and organic debris. This species exhibits a low metabolic rate and corresponding low oxygen consumption and waste production. Behaviorally, it is characterized by intraspecific territoriality. Its ease of captive breeding and minimal impact on water chemistry make it a suitable subject for studies in crustacean behavior and low-impact aquaculture.