Marbled Crayfish
Procambarus virginalis
What you need to keep a Marbled Crayfish
Shop all
pH
6.5–8
Temperature
18–28 °C
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Marbled Crayfish.
No active shop listings right now
Set a free stock alert and we'll notify you the moment this species arrives at a local shop.
Want Marbled Crayfish?
Tell shops you're looking — be the first to signal demand.
Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Marbled Crayfish, or Marmorkrebs, is famous for its unique ability to reproduce via parthenogenesis; all individuals are female and can clone themselves. They are extremely hardy and prolific, making them a potential invasive species that should never be released. They are interesting to observe but require a dedicated tank to prevent them from overrunning a community setup.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Marbled Crayfish healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
Add it only to a fully cycled, mature tank: invertebrates tolerate ammonia and nitrite far worse than fish. Use a tight lid and give plenty of caves: crabs and crayfish escape and need a safe spot to moult.
Water parameters
Keep pH 6.5–8 and 18–28°C. Never use copper: most fish medications and some plant fertilisers contain it and it kills invertebrates. Drip-acclimate over at least an hour.
Feeding
Omnivore. Remove uneaten food within a few hours so it doesn't foul the water.
Behaviour
It hides after moulting while the new shell hardens: leave the old shell in the tank, it eats it back for minerals.
Tankmates
Marbled Crayfish can catch slow or sleeping fish and will eat smaller invertebrates. Keep it with fast, robust fish.
Breeding
Marbled Crayfish breeds readily in a stable, predator-free tank.
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.