Freshwater Lobster

Shop freshwater lobsters for sale at Splashy Fish Store. "Freshwater lobster" is a trade name for crayfish, and the ones in this collection are dwarf crayfish (Cambarellus), such as the Dwarf Orange Mexican Lobster and the Dwarf Blue Lobster. These mini lobsters look like a full-size crayfish but stay about the size of a large shrimp, so they fit nano and small community tanks. They are bold, bottom-dwelling invertebrates that dig, explore, and are active during the day.

Dwarf Crayfish We Carry

Availability changes often, so check each product page for current stock and pricing.

• Dwarf Orange Mexican Lobster (CPO) (Cambarellus patzcuarensis 'Orange'): bright orange, about 1.5 to 2 inches as an adult, and one of the most peaceful crayfish in the hobby. Care guide: Care Guide for Dwarf Orange Mexican Lobster (CPO).
• Dwarf Blue Lobster / Blue Brazos Dwarf Crayfish (Cambarellus texanus 'Blue'): a blue dwarf crayfish that stays about 1 to 1.5 inches. Keep the pH at or below about 6.8 to help it hold its blue color.

Looking for a larger crayfish? See our full-size freshwater crayfish for sale, such as the Electric Blue Crayfish.

Adult Size, Tank Size and Setup

• Adult size: about 1 to 2 inches, depending on the species.
• Tank size: a 10 gallon tank is a good minimum for one or a pair. A larger tank with more floor space works better for a small group.
• Escape-proof lid: dwarf crayfish climb cords and tubing, so use a tight lid and cover every gap.
• Hiding spots: caves, rocks, driftwood, and live aquarium plants give them safe places to hide, especially when molting.
• Water: clean, well-oxygenated water with a stable temperature, roughly 65 to 77°F, and regular water changes.

For full care details, read the Ultimate Care Guide for Freshwater Lobster.

Tank Compatibility and Molting

Dwarf crayfish are much calmer than full-size crayfish and usually get along with small, fast, peaceful fish such as rasboras and danios. They are still opportunists: they may catch baby shrimp and sometimes adult dwarf shrimp, and they may pick at slow, bottom-dwelling, or long-finned fish. See Top 7 Best Tank Mates for Your Crayfish Tank for tank mate ideas.

Young dwarf crayfish molt every few weeks and adults less often. They are soft and vulnerable until the new shell hardens, so provide plenty of cover and leave the old shell in the tank so they can eat it for calcium.

Shipping Limits and State Regulations

Dwarf crayfish are crayfish, and some U.S. states restrict or prohibit the import or possession of live crayfish. We can't ship to locations where they are restricted, so please check your state and local regulations before ordering. Never release crayfish or any aquarium animal into the wild.

Shipping and Live Arrival

Every order from Splashy Fish Store is quarantined before it is listed, packed carefully for the trip, and shipped live within the USA from our Virginia-based fish store, backed by our live-arrival guarantee.

Also shop freshwater crabs for sale, freshwater shrimp, rasbora fish, and freshwater fish for sale.

Freshwater Lobster FAQs

Are freshwater lobsters real lobsters?

No. True lobsters live only in the ocean. Freshwater lobster is a common trade name for crayfish. The ones in this collection are dwarf crayfish from the genus Cambarellus, which stay small and suit nano and small community tanks.

How big do dwarf crayfish get?

Dwarf Orange Mexican Lobsters (CPO) usually reach about 1.5 to 2 inches, and Blue Brazos Dwarf Crayfish stay about 1 to 1.5 inches. That is much smaller than full-size crayfish, which reach about 4 to 5 inches.

What size tank do dwarf crayfish need?

A 10 gallon tank is a good minimum for one or a pair of dwarf crayfish, and a larger tank with more floor space works better for a small group. Add caves, plants, and a tight, escape-proof lid.

Can dwarf crayfish live with fish and shrimp?

Dwarf crayfish are much calmer than full-size crayfish and usually do well with small, fast, peaceful fish such as rasboras and danios. They may catch baby shrimp and sometimes adult dwarf shrimp, and they may pick at slow or long-finned fish, so plan tank mates carefully.

How long do dwarf crayfish live?

Dwarf crayfish have short lives compared with full-size crayfish, usually around 1.5 to 2 years with good care. Stable water, a varied diet, and safe hiding places for molting help them reach their full lifespan.

Can you ship freshwater lobsters to my state?

Dwarf crayfish are crayfish, and some U.S. states restrict or prohibit the import or possession of live crayfish. We can't ship to locations where they are restricted, so please check your state and local regulations before ordering. Never release crayfish into the wild.