Photo any DOA in the sealed bag on the day of delivery. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
Quarantined livestock • Professionally packed • Insulated with weather protection
100+ AquariumsQuarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned
Care Level
Beginner–Intermediate
Temperature
65–75°F
pH Range
6.5–8.0
Min. Tank
10 gal
Dwarf Orange Mexican Crayfish$8.99
Species Profile
Dwarf Orange Mexican Crayfish
Cambarellus patzcuarensis
Why We Love This Crayfish
Bold personality
Hand-selected color intensity
Surprisingly hardy
Unique biotope centerpiece
Dwarf Orange Mexican Crayfish — also called CPOs — are one of the few crayfish species genuinely suited to nano aquariums. Adults stay around 1.5–2 inches, retain their bright orange coloration well into maturity, and remain active throughout the day rather than hiding constantly like most crayfish. Each one has personality, and they're a striking centerpiece in a small species tank.
CPOs are described as "peaceful for a crayfish" — but that's relative. They are still opportunistic invertebrates. Adult shrimp may survive in a heavily planted tank with a well-fed CPO, but shrimplets and molting shrimp are at real risk. Slow-moving or long-finned tankmates are at risk of being pinched. We don't recommend mixing CPOs with a shrimp colony you care about, and we don't sell them as "shrimp-safe."
They do best in a mature tank with stable parameters, plenty of hiding places (rockwork, driftwood, cholla wood), and a secure lid — they're capable climbers. Drip acclimate over 1–2 hours. CPOs molt regularly; leave the exoskeleton in the tank for them to consume.
Quick Care Facts
Care Level
Beginner–Intermediate
Temperature
65–75°F
pH Range
6.5–8.0
Min. Tank
10 gal
Diet
Omnivore — sinking pellets, blanched veggies, biofilm, occasional protein
Adult Size
~1.5–2 in
What’s Included
Quarantined livestock
Professionally packed
Insulated + weather pack
Free 2-Day at $120+
Species Spotlight
Why We Love This Crayfish
01
Bright Color, All Day
CPOs hold their vibrant orange into adulthood and stay active during the day — unlike most crayfish that hide constantly.
02
Truly Nano-Sized
Adults stay around 1.5–2 inches. The only crayfish genuinely suited to 10-gallon planted tanks without overwhelming the setup.
03
Surprisingly Hardy
Forgiving of a wide pH and temperature range. Excellent first-crayfish species for anyone curious about the group.
Community Tank
Compatible Tank Mates
Crayfish are territorial — best kept species-only or with fast, mid-water fish that can stay out of reach.
Shrimp colonies — shrimplets and molting shrimp are at real risk
Slow-moving or long-finned fish — may be pinched
Small snails or valuable snails — may be picked at
Other crayfish species — territorial conflicts likely
Expert Advice
Razz Aquatics Recommendation
"Give CPOs a mature tank with hardscape they can claim — cholla wood, driftwood, rock caves. They're active and curious during the day if they feel safe. Don't skip the lid; they will climb out."
Livestock ships Monday through Thursday, delivering Tuesday through Friday. Choose your preferred delivery date at checkout.
1
Choose Delivery Date
Select your preferred delivery date at checkout. Livestock delivers Tuesday through Friday.
2
Quarantined & Health Checked
Every animal is imported, quarantined on-site, and health-checked before it ships.
3
Packed for the Weather
Insulated box with heat or cold pack matched to your local weather forecast.
4
Live Arrival Guaranteed
100% Live Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photo any DOA in the sealed bag on the day of delivery and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion.See policy →
Free 2-Day Shipping at $120+. Free Overnight at $200+. Free shipping on plants & dry goods at $75+.
Why Order From Razz Aquatics
Quarantined Before Every Shipment
Every animal we sell is imported from trusted suppliers, quarantined in our dedicated facility, and health-checked before it ships. We run over 100 aquariums on-site — each focused on a specific species or color morph.
This is a family-owned operation. We pack every order ourselves and stand behind it with a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. No drop-shipping. No middlemen.
100+
Dedicated quarantine & holding aquariums on-site
48+
States served with live livestock delivery
4.9★
Average customer rating across all verified reviews
100%
Live Arrival Guarantee — backed without fine print
Quarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned & Operated
Common Questions
Dwarf Orange Mexican Crayfish FAQ
Are CPOs safe with shrimp?+
Not reliably. They're more peaceful than most crayfish, but they're still opportunistic. Adult shrimp may survive in a heavily planted tank with a well-fed CPO, but shrimplets and molting shrimp are at real risk. Not recommended with a colony you care about.
Do I need a lid?+
Yes. CPOs are capable climbers and will escape any opening. A tight-fitting lid with no gaps around filters or heaters is essential.
How often do they molt?+
Juveniles every few weeks; adults less frequently. Leave the molted exoskeleton in the tank — they consume it as a calcium source. Don't disturb them for 24–48 hours after molting; they're vulnerable.
How are they shipped?+
Professionally packed in an insulated box with a weather-matched heat or cold pack. Livestock ships Mon–Thu, delivers Tue–Fri. Full info →
What size tank do CPOs need?+
10 gallons minimum for one. 20+ gallons if keeping multiple, with clear sightlines broken up by hardscape — they're territorial with each other.
Will they eat my plants?+
Mostly no. CPOs occasionally nibble soft new growth but generally leave established plants alone. Anubias, Java Fern, mosses, and other tougher plants are safe.
Can I keep multiple CPOs together?+
Yes, in a larger tank (20+ gallons) with plenty of broken sightlines and hiding spots. Expect some territorial behavior. Sex ratios don't matter much for keeping; matters more if you want to attempt breeding.
Live arrival guarantee?+
100% Live Arrival Guarantee. Photograph any loss in the original sealed bag on the day of delivery and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
