| Common Name: Red Claw Macro |
| Species Name: Macrobrachium dayanum |
| Temperature Range: 72°F-82°F |
| pH Range: Needs soft - medium hard, alkaline water over acidic water |
| Size Range: Males up to 8cm; Females up to 6cm. This is just the body not including the claws which could add another 1-2cm |
| Diet Type: Omnivore |
Red Claw Macro
Red claw macros are a great addition to any planted tank for they will not eat your plants. They will however eat any pesky snails you may have running around. They are great snail killers and will pull them right out of the shell and leave the shell behind. They are peaceful prawns amongst themselves but, like to nip at other fish in community tanks. They do best in a species tank. I do keep some in my 75 gal community tank without any problems but, it is very lushly planted with only a handful of fish.
Tank Requirements
They are best kept in small harems of one male and up to 8 female in a 10 gallon tank. It is important to provide plenty of hiding places for the females when they are carrying there eggs. Sometimes the females are known to have small squabbles but usually no harm is done. The male tends to keep a sense of order within the colony.
Breeding
The red claw prawn is fairly easy to breed. Breeding will take place usually around 8 months of age. The female is receptive to the male right after a molt. After transferring her eggs under her tail she will carry her eggs for approx. 6 weeks before hatching. Once hatched they are miniature versions of the adults and there is no pre or post larval stage. All this is done under freshwater and not brackish water.
Feeding
The prawns are omnivores and will eat just about anything they can get a hold of. I feed mine a variety of foods but, mainly of the meaty varieties. They absolutely love myis shrimp, earthworms, and different frozen foods used for carnivorous salt water species. I also make sure they get plenty of vegetables too. They do a good job of eating most any type of snails they can get there claws on. They are great for snail control in a planted aquarium.
Prices
$6.00/each