Apricot Crayfish

The apricot crayfish is a Cherax species endemic to the Papua region in the west of the island of New Guinea. It is named after its light orange, apricot-like color. It stays smaller than the red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) and finishes growing at around 10–12 cm. Still, it is a crayfish: it eats the animals it can catch and cuts plants. It needs tropical temperatures. In some countries keeping non-native crayfish is restricted; check local regulations and never release it into the wild.

• 100 liters or more for a single individual; a large floor area.
• 24–27°C, neutral to slightly alkaline, moderately hard water; calcium for the exoskeleton.
• Caves large enough to hold its body (rock cave, pipe); it hides after molting.
• A lid without gaps; it can escape through hose and cable holes.

Omnivorous. It is given sinking crayfish tablets, granules, blanched vegetables, dried leaves and occasionally bloodworms or shrimp meat. Leave the shed exoskeleton in for a few days; it eats it for the calcium.

Nocturnal and territorial. It catches bottom-dwelling and slow fish, shrimp and snails; it cuts and uproots plants.

Good companions: It should be kept alone.

Avoid: Bottom-dwelling fish, small and slow fish, shrimp, snails, live plants, other crayfish.