Mexican Dwarf Lobster (CPO) Care & Breeding Guide

Cambarellus patzcuarensis

Mexican Dwarf Lobsters—often called CPOs—are small, colorful freshwater crayfish that make an excellent addition to nano and community aquariums when kept correctly. Unlike full-size crayfish, they stay compact and are much easier to manage.

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Quick Facts

Adult Size: 1.5–2 inches

Lifespan: 1.5–2 years

Temperament: Semi-peaceful

Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

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Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons

Temperature: 72–78°F (ideal 74–76°F)

pH: 6.8–7.6

Water Hardness: Moderate (important for proper molting)

Filtration: Sponge filter recommended

Aquascape Tips

Use sand or fine gravel

Provide lots of hiding spots (rocks, wood, caves, PVC)

Live plants and mosses help reduce stress

Leaf litter (Indian almond, oak, catappa) improves biofilm and survival

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Diet

Mexican Dwarf Lobsters are omnivores and scavengers.

Staple Foods:

Shrimp or sinking pellets

Algae wafers

Supplemental Foods:

Blanched zucchini or spinach

Occasional frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp)

⚠️ Avoid copper-based foods or medications — copper is deadly to invertebrates.

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Molting & Health

Molting is normal and required for growth

Leave shed exoskeletons in the tank (they re-eat them for calcium)

Poor molts usually indicate low minerals or unstable water

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Sexing Mexican Dwarf Lobsters

Males

Slimmer body

First pair of swimmerets are stiff and point forward

Females

Rounder body

Wider tail fan

All swimmerets are soft and feathery

Recommended Ratio: 1 male to 2–3 females

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Breeding Information

Mexican Dwarf Lobsters breed readily in stable aquariums.

Breeding usually occurs after the female molts

Females carry eggs under their tail (“berried”)

Egg count: 20–60

Incubation period: 3–5 weeks

⚠️ Do not move berried females unless absolutely necessary.

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Baby Care

Babies hatch as fully formed miniature crayfish

They stay under the mother’s tail for several days

Provide dense cover and leaf litter

Best Baby Foods:

Crushed shrimp pellets

Powdered shrimp or fry foods

Natural biofilm from leaves and plants

As juveniles grow, separate if needed to reduce cannibalism.

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Tankmates

Best Option: Species-only tank

Possible (with risk):

Small, peaceful fish (babies may be eaten)

Snails (small snails may be preyed on)

Avoid aggressive fish and large cichlids.

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Final Notes

Mexican Dwarf Lobsters are hardy, active, and fun to watch when given proper space and hiding spots. They’re an excellent choice for hobbyists looking to try freshwater invertebrates without committing to large crayfish.

Need help setting one up? Ask TK Aquatics—we stock for adulthood, not just today.

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