Description
Red Ghost Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii – Red Ghost Morph)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Procambarus clarkii (Red Ghost morph)
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Common Names: Red Ghost Crayfish, Ghost Red Lobster
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Family: Cambaridae
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Origin: Captive-bred morph (original species native to Southern USA & Mexico)
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Size: 4 – 6 inches (10 – 15 cm)
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Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
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Tank Zone: Bottom dweller
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 150 – 300 ppm
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pH: 6.5 – 8.0
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Temperature: 20 – 26°C (68 – 79°F)
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Hardness: 6 – 15 dGH
🦞 Characteristics
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Pale, semi-transparent red exoskeleton with a “ghostly” appearance.
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Some individuals appear bright red under aquarium lighting, while others show a faint pinkish glow.
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Hardy and adaptable but aggressive toward tankmates.
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Digs burrows and rearranges tank decor frequently.
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Molts several times per year; very vulnerable during molting.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous scavenger.
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Diet: Sinking pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber), protein foods (shrimp, bloodworms, snails, frozen fish food).
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Feeding Schedule: Once daily, small amounts; remove leftovers.
🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons per adult.
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Filtration: Strong filter, as crayfish produce significant waste.
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Decor: Provide caves, driftwood, PVC pipes, and rocks for hiding.
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Substrate: Sand or gravel – allows digging and burrowing.
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Water Changes: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
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Territorial and best kept alone.
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Can coexist with fast, upper-level fish like danios, barbs, or larger tetras.
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May attack slow-moving or bottom fish, snails, and shrimp.
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Multiple crayfish together = high risk of fighting unless tank is very large with many hiding spaces.
✅ Do’s
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Provide multiple hiding spots for molting safety.
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Cover the tank (they are excellent climbers).
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Offer a balanced diet to maintain strong shell growth.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t keep with small community fish – risk of predation.
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Don’t overcrowd with other crayfish.
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Don’t expect delicate plants to survive – they dig and uproot.
⭐ Quick Tips
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Eye-catching crayfish with a unique ghostly red coloration.
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Hardy, beginner-friendly, but aggressive – best for single-specimen tanks.
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Works best in a species-only tank or with carefully chosen fast-moving fish.
