Description
White Crayfish (Albino Crayfish / Procambarus clarkii – White Morph)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Procambarus clarkii (Albino/White morph)
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Common Names: White Crayfish, Albino Crayfish, Ghost Crayfish
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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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Striking pure white or pale ivory exoskeleton, sometimes slightly translucent.
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Some have pinkish or reddish eyes (true albino form).
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Hardy and adaptable, but aggressive and territorial.
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Active diggers and tank rearrangers.
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Molts multiple times per year; vulnerable while molting.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous scavenger.
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Diet: Algae wafers, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, cucumber), protein foods (shrimp, worms, snails, frozen fish food).
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Feeding Schedule: Once per day in small portions.
🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance
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Tank Size: At least 30 gallons per adult crayfish.
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Filtration: Strong and efficient – they produce a lot of waste.
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Decor: Provide hiding caves, driftwood, PVC pipes, and rocks.
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Substrate: Sand or gravel suitable for digging.
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Water Changes: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
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Best kept singly due to territorial aggression.
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Can coexist with fast, mid-to-top-dwelling fish (e.g., danios, barbs).
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May attack slow fish and bottom dwellers (loaches, corydoras).
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Keeping multiple requires a very large tank with many hiding spots.
✅ Do’s
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Keep the tank covered (they can climb and escape).
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Provide multiple hiding places for safety during molting.
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Feed a balanced diet to maintain good health and shell strength.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t house with small or peaceful community fish.
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Don’t overcrowd with other crayfish – high risk of fighting.
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Don’t expect plants to survive – they dig and uproot.
⭐ Quick Tips
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Eye-catching centerpiece crayfish with a ghostly white appearance.
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Hardy and beginner-friendly but requires careful tankmate selection.
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Best suited for a species-only tank or with fast, non-bottom-dwelling fish.
