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Common Name:	Cajun dwarf crayfish
Scientific Name:	Cambarellus shufeldtii
Size:	usually 3-4cm (excluding claws)
Temperature:	best kept at 70°F-80°F but can tolerate temperatures from the high 30s to low 90s.
Water Parameters:	should be kept in both soft or medium hard water at ph levels of 6.9-7.5 for best results.
Food:	fish food (flake, pellets etc), hair and string algae, "anything edible"
Origin:	Southern United States
Larval Development Type:	Completely Suppressed: Larvae assume a benthic lifestyle after hatching, i.e. they are miniature versions of the adults. There is no planktonic larval stage.

The cajun dwarf crayfish is a perfect little crayfish for the invertebrate hobbyist. It is very peaceful, stays small, does not eat plants and readily breeds in the home aquarium. It can be kept with both dwarf shrimp and small, peaceful fish. The species has very variable coloring with very dark, light, spotted and striped individuals.

A tank for these crayfish should have lots of hiding places. Some bushy plant growth close to the ground provides them with needed cover which they seek if needed. If kept under the right conditions the cajun dwarf crayfish will produce between 20-60 eggs, which hatch after about 2 weeks. The young are then carried around for another day or two before they start exploring the tank. The parents usually leave the the offspring alone as long as enough tank space and enough hiding spaces are provided. Although the cajun dwarf crayfish is native to the United States, it is still barely ever seen in the hobby, never found in stores, and only a handful of people keep them. In other countries, such as Germany, this crayfish has conquered the hearts and tanks of most invertebrate lovers and is an established species in the the invertebrate hobby. Once you own one of these tiny beauties, you will understand why.