Hagenianus Crayfish

Procambarus hagenianus is a mid-sized crayfish distributed across the Gulf Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States, inhabiting slow or moderately flowing freshwater streams, swamps, and backwaters. Its coloration is typical of the region — warm olive, brown, and tan with subtle mottling — and it grows to a respectable size with well-developed chelae.

In the aquarium, P. hagenianus is hardy and adaptable, tolerating a range of temperature and chemistry conditions consistent with temperate to warm freshwater. It is active and curious, spending considerable time exploring the tank and manipulating objects in its environment. Like other Procambarus, it will destroy plant life and burrow vigorously.

This species is best appreciated in a species-only setup or alongside fast, robust fish that occupy the upper water column where they are safe from claw reach.

Water: 16–25°C, pH 6.8–7.8, GH 5–15, KH 2–10; moderately hard water preferred. Tank: minimum 80 L, robust anchored caves, slate, and pipes; avoid live plants. Feeding: omnivore — varied sinking diet of pellets, vegetables, leaf litter, and occasional protein. Breeding: standard Procambarus brooding behaviour; seasonal conditioning with temperature drop. Compatibility: territorial — keep alone or with fast robust fish well above substrate level.