The fascinating marbled crayfish has the ability to clone itself and multiply from one to millions without mating. It is considered one of the coolest aquarium crayfish to have. Let’s do a deep dive into one of the strangest creatures on earth.
Here you’ll learn everything you need to know about this crayfish, from tank setup to diet and facts. Know everything to keep them thriving.
Quick overview of marble crayfish
| Common names | Marbled Crayfish, Marmorkreb, Self-cloning Crayfish, Virgin Crayfish |
| Scientific name | Procambarus virginalis |
| Care level | easy |
| Size | Up to 5 inches |
| Temperature | 64-80 °F |
| Sleeping nature | Nocturnal |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Habitat type | Freshwater aquarium |
| Color | Null / depends on the environment |
| Temperament | Semi aggressive |
| Lifespan | 3-4 years |
Marbled crayfish facts
Habitat and distribution
Marbled crayfish can be found in freshwater lakes, ditches, ponds and rivers in Europe and Madagascar. It is a pet species commonly found in aquarium shops in the US.
The marbled crayfish have rapidly spread across Europe and Madagascar, which makes them an invasive species in that region. From polluted to clean water, they are known for adapting to different environments. In Madagascar, the crayfish has caused ecological damage and a threat to the native species, which is a bad part; the good part is that it has a role in controlling the population of freshwater snails that are intermediate hosts for the parasite causing schistosomiasis, a significant public health issue in Madagascar,5 and scientists are finding ways to use the crayfish for human benefit.
Chromosomes
Most of the animals have two sets of chromosomes, while the marbled crayfish have three. This helps them adapt to different environments and is considered to protect them from genetic mutations. The crayfish has three sets of chromosomes (triploid), likely due to a process called autopolyploidy, where the crayfish’s own chromosomes duplicated.
Scientific Importance
The marbled crayfish, with its unique genetics and fast evolution, is teaching scientists a lot about how certain diseases, like cancer, develop and spread. Beyond its scientific value, researchers are also looking into how this crayfish might help tackle real-world problems—like providing a new, sustainable food source to fight hunger and improve health.2
Marbled crayfish can regrow their limbs after losing them, much like how some animals can regrow their tails. This process starts with a special group of cells (called a blastema) that kickstart the growth of new limb tissues. The new limbs not only grow back but also match the size and segments of the original limbs, making marbled crayfish a great model for studying how animals can naturally heal and regenerate parts of their bodies.
A study found that marbled crayfish exoskeletons are rich in chitin, a valuable material for producing chitosan and bioplastics. Furthermore, marbled crayfish has suitability as a model for epigenetics, environmental epigenomics and evolutionary biology.
Appearence
Marbled crayfish typically displays a unique and varied appearance. Their overall color can range from olive to dark brown, but individuals may also show hues of tan, reddish, or even blue. A key feature is the striking marbled pattern that decorates their carapace (the back shell) and claws, which is especially distinct on the latter parts of the carapace.
In captivity, these crayfish can exhibit an even wider array of colors, from blue to red, depending on factors such as water conditions and diet. Interestingly, after molting (shedding their exoskeleton), their legs often become a bright blue, adding to their striking appearance.
Despite being clones of one another, the marbled crayfish can show considerable color variation due to environmental influences, further highlighting how adaptable they are. Their claws are typically slender or narrow, complementing their medium-sized bodies.
Some cons to consider
Species, like the marbled crayfish, are especially successful at spreading due to their ability to reproduce without a mate, mature quickly, and have many offspring. This invasive crayfish is a threat to freshwater ecosystems and native crayfish, especially in Europe, where they can spread a deadly disease called crayfish plague.
They are known for burrowing into banks, which can cause erosion.
Remember, never release them in the wild; they can destroy an ecosystem within days. In Ontario, marbled crayfish are banned and people are advised not to release or dispose of them improperly. Some other banned areas —
- Georgia, USA (since 2022)
- Idaho, USA (since 2010)
- Missouri, USA (since 2011)
- Tennessee, USA (since 2015)
- Michigan, USA (since 2020)
- Ohio, USA (since 2020)
- Saskatchewan, Canada (since 2020)
- Ontario, Canada (since 2022)
- Minnesota, USA (since 2024)6
#Faqs
Note: I recommend you read these FAQs to get a more clear view about marbled crayfish. You can skip this part and go directly into the care section.
Marbled crayfish origin
All marbled crayfish come from a single female that was taken from the Everglades in 1995. This female began reproducing asexually, creating clones of herself. Scientists sequenced the genome of this crayfish and found that they all have nearly identical genes, which leads to the conclusion that they originated from one female.1
Can you eat marbled crayfish?
Marbled crayfish are a cheap and accessible protein source in Madagascar, though some view them as “poor people’s food” due to their initial presence in polluted areas. Yes, they are edible if raised like other crayfish meant for human consumption.
How do marbled crayfish reproduce?
Marbled crayfish reproduce through parthenogenesis, meaning they can self-clone. All individuals are female and can start reproducing once they reach adulthood, carrying 300-1,000 eggs. The brooding period lasts between 22 to 42 days, with younger females producing fewer offspring initially. Interestingly, unlike other crayfish, marbled crayfish do not eat their babies.
It evolved from a crayfish called Procambarus fallax, which reproduces sexually, but the exact classification of the marbled crayfish has been unclear. Even though the marbled crayfish and P. fallax look very similar, the marbled crayfish grows larger and produces more offspring, giving it an advantage in survival.
Scientists tried to breed between the marbled crayfish and P. fallax, hoping they would have babies together. They seemed to get along just fine and even went through the motions of mating, but it turned out they couldn’t actually produce any offspring. This suggests that while they might be compatible in their behavior, something deeper in their genetics is keeping them from having babies together.3
Cloning and breeding of marbled crayfish
They do not need to mate for having babies. They are the only known animal that can truly clone themselves. There is no male in marbled crayfish; all of them are females and they don’t need males to reproduce. They reproduce parthogenically, meaning all offspring are genetically identical to the original female.
Marbled crayfish don’t need any extra care for breeding. They become adults at six months of age and start reproducing, up to seven times in their lifetime and up to four clutches a year.
Marbled crayfish eggs
A study found that marbled crayfish mothers take care of their eggs and babies in three steps. First, the mother is very active in protecting the eggs. In the middle step, special parts on both the mother and babies help keep the babies attached to the mother. For example, a thread connects the newborns to the eggs, and little hooks on the babies’ legs help them hold on. In the final step, the mother becomes active again as the babies start to become more independent.
The study also found that baby crayfish have poorly developed sense organs, making them very dependent on their mother at first. As they grow, their senses improve, and they start to become more independent by Stage 3. This type of brood care is unique to crayfish and helps them survive in freshwater habitats.
Another study shows how marbled crayfish mothers care for their young in tough conditions, like low water and little food. They found that in stressful environments, mothers extended their care, keeping their babies attached longer and delaying their own development. However, when a male intruder was present, this extended care didn’t happen due to conflict. This suggests crayfish mothers adapt their care to protect their young in bad conditions, possibly by using chemicals that slow down the babies’ growth. More research is needed on this.7
If a crayfish is carrying eggs, avoid disturbing it, as this can cause the crayfish to drop the eggs to protect itself. In the early stages, the babies stay attached to the mother’s body for safety.
Marbled crayfish size
Marbled crayfish size can reach up to 4 to 5 inches (12–13 cm), making them medium-sized crayfish. They grow quickly in aquariums, with certain body parts like the abdomen and claws developing faster than their overall body size.
How to care for marbled crayfish
Tank setup for marbled crayfish
Tank size
A minimum 20 gallon tank will be needed for 2-4 crayfish. They will need a lot of free space, so don’t try to keep them in an overpopulated tank. As they are destructive and reproduce quickly, many professionals suggest to them a 50-55 gallon tank. Don’t forget to cover the tank with a lid, as they are pro at escaping.
Substrate
Marbled crayfish don’t like glass surfaces; they’ll at least need 1 to 2 inches of substrate. Use sand and gravel as substrate.
Decoration
They will need plenty of hiding places; provide some shady areas and caves. You can find various types of caves in the Amazon or use pvc for hiding purposes. Some medium- and big-sized aquarium rocks will be nice to have in the tank. Don’t go for live plants, as they will destroy them; consider using plastic plants.
Water
The water temperature should be between 64 and 80 °F (17.5-26.5 °C) with a pH level of 6.0 and 8.0 and dkh of 3 and 15. Water that contains a high concentration of minerals, like calcium and magnesium and has a pH level between 7 (neutral) and 8 or higher (alkaline) is beneficial for crayfish, as it supports their shell development and overall health.
There is nothing much to think about the water as they can survive in harsh conditions, so there is no need to be concerned about water parameters.
Other equipments
Use basic equipment like a thermometer and a sponge filter; there is no need for a heater.
Light
Keep the light on, mimicking day and night. Marbled crayfish prefer darkness; consider keeping the light off for 12 to 14 hours and more.
Marbled crayfish tankmates
There is very little cannibalism among the marbled crayfish when they coexist with the same species. Which is surprising for aggressive crayfish like them. Research suggests that using a drug called “Albuvir” can significantly increase the weight of juvenile crayfish by 24.3–27.2% and reduce cannibalism by 20%.
They compete with each other for resources and young ones sometimes overtake a sibling in a power play. Peaceful, small fish that have less speed (like guppies, mollies, or tetras) than the crayfish won’t survive for long. Also, big no to snails as tankmates, as they will be devoured eventually by the marbled crayfish. A study found they eat the most snails at around 27.5°C, so keeping the temperature low could increase the survival rate of snails if you are planning to keep them with the marbled crayfish.
Round goby fish share the same environment as marbled crayfish but it shows more aggression and dominance over marbled crayfish.4 So you can consider round gobby, though professionals suggest avoiding fish with big crayfish.
What do marbled crayfish eat
Marbled crayfish are omnivorous but they show more interest in herbivore feeding. Give the fruits and vegetables, as well as bloodworm, brine shrimp, shrimp pellets and fish flakes.
Don’t forget their color mostly depends on their diet. For example, feeding green-colored algae tablets over time will cause the entire animal to take on green colors. Likewise, feeding foods rich in the pigment astaxanthin, which is found in red algae such as Haematococcus pluvialis, will cause the crayfish to turn cherry red.
Feed in moderation; if you see they are not eating all you give, reduce the amount or else the water quality will be dropped.
