For the last 16 years since there discovery there has been little published about them and even less information online about the marble crayfish. In this article we will travel down the rabbit hole and look at what it takes to care for the Marmorkrebs, an allien to its own kind.
Tank Setup
Here's the biggest problem with raising marble crayfish, THE TANK SIZE!!!! With the Marmorkrebs needing no mate to breed, they are going to breed like crazy. So when it comes to tank size the bigger the better. A small colony can be started in a 20 gallon tank but if you plan on keeping most of the babies you are going to need a 40 gallon or bigger tank.
Baby marbles seem to be more aggressive than the adults. To control the fighting and killing, lots of hiding spots are needed. The hiding spots also protects the crayfish after they molt. Pieces of PVC pipes pyramid stack works wonders.
Marmorkrebs are not picky when it comes to substrate. Creek gravel works best but sand can be used. In the wild they are found in creeks and marsh areas. Marbles prefer cool water so a heater is not needed. Warm water causes crayfish to breed faster but it also shortens their life span. Some crayfish need their water warm at around 75 degrees but the marble is not one of them. They will breed in warm or cool water. Unlike most tropical setups, you don't have to wait weeks cycling the tank to add crayfish. Within 48 hours of setting up the tank you can add the crayfish.
When it comes to filtration, either a hang-on or sponge filters will do the job. I prefer the sponge filter because you don't have to fill the tank to the top in order for it to work. With the water levels lower, it prevents the crayfish from escaping and it won't suck up any babies. If you choose to use a hang-on filter, make sure to cover any outlets. They will try to escape any chance they get.