2017-11-26 Amazonas

miles (100 km) to the north. I’ve already planned my

next trip...

—Martin Grimm

American Black Mottled Crayfish,

Procambarus enoplosternum

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The beautiful but little-known crayfish

Procambarus enoplosternum originates from the

United States, where it lives both in flowing water and

in puddles. Its range is from the Wateree River in South

Carolina to the Little Ocmulgee-Altamaha drainage area

in Georgia.

At a size of up to 3 inches (8 cm) not counting

the claws, the species is about the same size as

many other known crayfishes. Males and females are

very similar in color, which ranges from gray-brown

to a beautiful blue on a white background—this

becomes more intense with increasing age. Even

the claws are partly speckled, and the tips are

sometimes colored.

The Black Mottled Crayfish is not

quite as easy to keep in the aquarium as

its cousins. Although these crayfish are

often recommended for small aquariums,

they need sufficient free space, places

to climb, and a lot of hiding places in the

form of roots, caves, and leaves. They like

water values of 16–18°dGH, a pH value

in the slightly acidic to basic range, and

a temperature between 68 and 73.4°F

(20–23°C). Breeding has already been

successful. Although P. enoplosternum is

somewhat more demanding than other

crayfishes in this regard, they are definitely

worth the effort. Compared to their

parents, the young crayfish require more protein and

much more space and hiding spots—otherwise they

select themselves “naturally.” I have noticed that P.

enoplosternum, probably because of its origin, likes

to have some current in the aquarium, which makes

it a bit more active and showy. Although it is more

reserved than other crayfishes, if it is disturbed too

much it can deliver a good pinch. This crayfish eats all

common food types, leaves, vegetables, and special

crayfish food. The protein content should be increased

by giving meaty foods, such as protein-containing

pellets or tabs, so that it can molt more easily.

Like all other American crayfishes, P. enoplo-

sternum is a potential carrier of the Crayfish Plague

(Aphanomyces astaci), which should be considered

if you decide to keep it. This means not keeping it

outdoors or releasing it into the wild.

My thanks to Chris Lukhaup of crayfishworld.com.

—Lou Herfurth

Nematabramis everetti, Everett’s Giant Danio

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Nematabramis everetti, my “souvenirs” from

Kota Marudu, in the north of Sabah, grew

considerably in my garden pond. They reached their

final size and the males were fully colored at a robust

4 inches (10 cm). This species, with its salmon-

colored belly region, has never looked more beautiful

than it does here. The fish has a deep body, a clearly

recognizable elongated shoulder patch, and a pair of

long barbels, and looks more like a representative of

the genus Chela or Laubuka. It is also different from

the other three representatives of the genus. However,

all Nematabramis species have a kind of forehead

plate that makes them easy to distinguish from other

genera. Nematabramis species are excellent aquarium

fishes, unlike their larger, rambunctious cousins in the

genera Opsarius, Opsariichthys, and Devario. They swim

calmly in the aquarium most of the time, and one must

rap sharply on the glass to trigger a flight reaction.

—Jens Kühne

AMAZONAS

Everett’s Giant Danio,

Nematabramis everetti

Male Haplochromis tweddlei, named in honor

of British ichthyologist Denis Tweddle.

J. KÜHNE