Family: Cambaridae
Distribution: Procambarus vasquezae is another Central American crayfish distributed in Mexican waters.
PH: 7.0 is a suitable level.
Temperature: 18 – 26°C (64 – 79°F)
Hardness: 9 – 13 dGH (but can withstand many different levels)
Description: Procambarus vasquezae will grow, if healthy, up to 7 cm in length; males are slightly larger than females. This species comes in an attractive dark brown colour; females have a broader tail and males have bigger pincers and a gonopod. These huge pincers can have the Procambarus vasquezae confused for some Orconectes species.
Diet: This species is omnivorous but is not a huge eater. You should avoid overfeeding this species: it is a scavenger by nature. Feed it typical crayfish foods: fish pellets, flake, frozen shrimp, vegetables, etc. It won’t touch your plants, which is a good thing.
Breeding: Procambarus vasquezae has a fairly standard breeding procedure. As long as your water parameters are good and there are several males and females in your tank, you should have no problems reproducing this species. One notable trait of the female Procambarus vasquezae is the larger than usual eggs it produces.
Comments: Provide plenty of hiding places and plants for this species to thrive. Don’t worry; it will not eat your plants. A tank of 60 cm x 30 cm is suitable for three pairs of Procambarus vasquezae. This hardy species is suitable for beginners to the hobby, particularly given how easy it is to breed.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: Procambarus vasquezae is a chilled-out, laid-back species; it won’t cause any trouble at all. It can be housed with prawns, shrimp, fish and snails. This species is perfect in both a community tank environment and in a one-species tank.
Originally posted 2010-01-25 13:09:25. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
