A good addition to a community aquarium. A detritus/bottom feeder will help keep the bottom clean. Do not keep with large cichlids. Will leave plants alone as long as they are well fed. Scientific Name: Procambarus alleni Origin: Southern United States/Florida Compatibility with Planted Aquariums: Compatible. Care and Handling: "These fish are very hardy provided you provide good filtration and don't let the water get to hot (>84F). The exception is the Long Fin Red White Clouds which prefers a temperature range of 68F to 74F but will handle extremely low temperatures and should always be kept under 80F. The other fish in this category prefer temperatures in the 72-78F range but will do very well with temps down to about 62F and up to about 84F. Hardness does not matter as much as temperature as they are found in extremely soft and hard waters depending on the seasonal changes. PH should be kept between 6.5 and 7.5. These fish are omniverous and will thrive on a diet high in animal and vegetable proteins such as top quality flake feeds, and any form of live, dried or frozen brine shrimp." What to Do Before You Receive: Adjust your tank to within the following parameters: PH between 6.4 and 6.8(PH can be allowed to rise after acclimation). Temperature between 74 and 78 degrees F. These conditions are ideal for receiving our Blue-Eyes and other fish. Once your new fish are at home in your tank you can let the PH and temperature values fluctuate to within the wider range of values as discussed in the Care and Handling section. Hardness does not matter as long as you have met the above conditions. Your fish will be shipped in approximately one half gallon of water. Be sure your tank has room for the extra water. What to Do When You Receive: "Before you open the box, be sure you have prepared your tank as discussed in the previous section and are ready to introduce new fish to your tank. If you other animals already in your tank you may want to feed them moderately before starting. 1)Turn all tank lights out. 2)Remove bag from box and float in tank unopened for 5 minutes. 3)Open top of bag and add about two cups tank water to bag. 4)Let fish acclimate in this mixed water for about 5 minutes. You can clip the top of the bag to the side of the tank with a clothes pin. 5)Add two cups tank water to bag every 5 minutes until bag is almost full, then release fish into to tank. 6)Wait 15 minutes to turn tank lights back on." Size of Fish: 2 to 2.5 inches
