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.
