Species profile

Red Swamp Crayfish

Procambarus clarkii

Common names: Red Swamp Crayfish, Louisiana Crayfish, Louisiana Crawfish, Red Swamp Crawfish

Recognized speciesCrayfish

Adult size

Up to 12 cm

Typical adult length 8–12 cm.

Up to 12 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

Mature planted aquarium setups
Advanced shrimp keepers
Breeding colonies

Think carefully if

The aquarium contains shrimp-eating fish
The tank is newly cycled
Water conditions change frequently

A large, adaptable and highly invasive crayfish that is powerful, destructive, and best kept only where legal in a secure species aquarium.

Appearance and Identification

Dark red to brick-red adult coloration with raised tubercles on the claws and body; juveniles and some forms may be brown, olive, or differently coloured.

Procambarus clarkii is the Red Swamp or Louisiana Crayfish. It is widely introduced and regulated in many regions, so identification and local legal checks are essential.

Sexes are identified using reproductive structures and abdominal features rather than colour.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 400–500 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 100–150 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 100 litres
Minimum tank length: 90 cm
Minimum group size: 1
Recommended group size: 1
Activity level: High
Flow preference: Low to moderate
Planting preference: Lightly planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: High

Use a heavy escape-proof lid, protected equipment, deep shelters, and décor that cannot collapse. Never release this species or aquarium water containing juveniles outdoors.

Behaviour and Tankmates

Aggressive, adaptable crayfish that digs burrows, climbs, leaves water when able, rearranges décor, and captures tankmates.

Safest kept singly. Adults may seriously injure or cannibalize one another.

Highly territorial, particularly around shelters and during moulting.

Use a species-only aquarium. Fish, shrimp, snails, plants, and other crayfish are at high risk.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 18–28 °C
pH: 6.5–8.2
GH: 6–18
KH: 3–14
TDS: 150–400
Stability importance: Very important

Provide hard, well-buffered water, powerful filtration, shelters, and a tightly fitted cover. This robust crayfish is destructive and highly opportunistic.

Parameter caveat

This species is invasive and legally restricted in many jurisdictions. Check current local rules before acquisition, possession, transport, or breeding.

Feeding

Diet types: Omnivore, Predator, Scavenger
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Complete crayfish foodUse as the nutritional base.
Vegetable and leaf materialOffer regularly.
Animal-based sinking foodUse in moderate portions.

Opportunistic omnivore with strong predatory and scavenging behavior. Feed a balanced complete diet with plant material and moderate animal protein.

Remove leftovers, monitor waste production, and provide minerals and secure shelter for moulting.

Breeding

Breeding type: Direct Developer, Egg Brooder
Breeding difficulty: Easy
Breeding temperature: 24 °C
Breeding pH: 7.4
Brood or egg count: Approximately 200–500 eggs, varying with female size
Incubation: 21 days
Parental care: Maternal care
Baby foods: Fine complete crayfish foodSeparate by size and provide dense shelter to reduce cannibalism.

Females carry large numbers of eggs and hatchlings beneath the abdomen. Reproduction can be rapid under suitable conditions.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Mexico, Northern Mexico, United States
Natural habitat: Burrow, Ditch, Floodplain, Pond, Slow River, Swamp
Aquarium contexts: Large Freshwater Aquarium, Species-Only Aquarium
Audience level: Advanced

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Procambarus
Family: Cambaridae
Species group: Crayfish

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