(UCC) White Crayfish (Albino Crayfish / Procambarus clarkii – White Morph)

Description

White Crayfish (Albino Crayfish / Procambarus clarkii – White Morph)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Procambarus clarkii (Albino/White morph)

• Common Names: White Crayfish, Albino Crayfish, Ghost Crayfish

• Family: Cambaridae

• Origin: Captive-bred morph (original species native to Southern USA & Mexico)

• Size: 4 – 6 inches (10 – 15 cm)

• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years

• Tank Zone: Bottom dweller

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 150 – 300 ppm

• pH: 6.5 – 8.0

• Temperature: 20 – 26°C (68 – 79°F)

• Hardness: 6 – 15 dGH

🦞 Characteristics

• Striking pure white or pale ivory exoskeleton, sometimes slightly translucent.

• Some have pinkish or reddish eyes (true albino form).

• Hardy and adaptable, but aggressive and territorial.

• Active diggers and tank rearrangers.

• Molts multiple times per year; vulnerable while molting.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous scavenger.

• Diet: Algae wafers, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, cucumber), protein foods (shrimp, worms, snails, frozen fish food).

• Feeding Schedule: Once per day in small portions.

🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance

• Tank Size: At least 30 gallons per adult crayfish.

• Filtration: Strong and efficient – they produce a lot of waste.

• Decor: Provide hiding caves, driftwood, PVC pipes, and rocks.

• Substrate: Sand or gravel suitable for digging.

• Water Changes: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Best kept singly due to territorial aggression.

• Can coexist with fast, mid-to-top-dwelling fish (e.g., danios, barbs).

• May attack slow fish and bottom dwellers (loaches, corydoras).

• Keeping multiple requires a very large tank with many hiding spots.

✅ Do’s

• Keep the tank covered (they can climb and escape).

• Provide multiple hiding places for safety during molting.

• Feed a balanced diet to maintain good health and shell strength.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t house with small or peaceful community fish.

• Don’t overcrowd with other crayfish – high risk of fighting.

• Don’t expect plants to survive – they dig and uproot.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Eye-catching centerpiece crayfish with a ghostly white appearance.

• Hardy and beginner-friendly but requires careful tankmate selection.

• Best suited for a species-only tank or with fast, non-bottom-dwelling fish.