Red Cheek Crayfish (Cherax boesemani)

The Red Cheek Crayfish (Cherax boesemani) is an extremely rare color variant of the Supernova AKA Papua Blue Marble/Blue Moon Crayfish. It is an exceptionally colorful variation of its species and is native to West Papua New Guinea. Various shades of pink, burgundy, and deep blue are distinctly shown on this crayfish. The Red Cheek Crayfish breeds easily in the aquarium, although the fry are extremely slow-growing. In fact, many of our specimens have bred in our tanks at our facility! 

This particular crayfish is relatively active and spends plenty of time exploring the floor of the aquarium in search of food. The Red Cheek Crayfish is an omnivorous scavenger and will eat most any meaty or plant-based foods, and it should be fed a diet high in plant matter as an adult. This crayfish should not be kept with ornamental live plants as it will eat them at a surprising rate. It is a skilled climber, so extra care must be taken to ensure that it does not escape its enclosure.

As it reaches adulthood, the Red Cheek Crayfish will become relatively territorial, so it may behave aggressively towards other animals in the tank. It is important that ample hiding places such as rockwork, driftwood, or PVC pipes be provided. This is even more crucial when housing multiple crayfish in the same tank. Due to the size and waste production of this crayfish, a minimum 30-gallon, well-filtered aquarium is necessary for one adult. A larger aquarium of 55 gallon or larger aquarium can house multiple adults of similar size. This is a reasonably hardy animal, but regular water changes are vital to its optimal health. Other bottom-dwelling invertebrates and fish should not be kept with large crayfish. It is possible to keep mid- and upper-level, fast-swimming fish with the Red Cheek Crayfish, but crayfish are opportunistic feeders and will generally eat whatever they can catch. 

 

*IMPORTANT* Please "Choose a Variant" above before adding this crayfish to your cart. The variants we're currently offering are:

• 1 Red Cheek Crayfish - 2+ inch Young Adult (No sex specified.  Most popular option).
• 1 Female Red Cheek Crayfish - 2+ inch Young Adult
• 1 Male/Female Red Cheek Crayfish Pair - 2+ inch Young Adults.
• 1 B-Grade Red Cheek Crayfish - 2+ inch Young Adult (All of our “B-Grade” crayfish are simply specimens that are missing legs or claws.  Loss of appendages is not permanent and happens commonly with crustaceans. They are completely healthy with excellent coloration and will completely regenerate lost appendages within 1 to 2 molts (about 2 to 3 months).
• 1 Juvenile Red Cheek Crayfish, USA Bred - .5+ inch (A younger and smaller variant of Red Cheek Crayfish. This is a somewhat slow-growing, hardy species and will usually grow well into adult size and coloration within 6-9 months.  In the meantime, any customers who choose to go with a juvenile specimen can save some money and experience the excitement of watching their little crayfish grow!) 

 

 

• Consistently excellent bright pink and burgundy coloration
• Less aggressive than many other crayfish
• Easy to feed
• Excellent scavenger  
• Can be bred in the aquarium

• Temperature: 68° - 85° F (20° - 29° C)
• pH: 6.5 - 7.5
• KH: 6 - 15 dKH
• Minimum tank size: 30 gallons

• Diet: Crayfish are typically very easy to feed since they are mostly omnivorous scavengers. However, Cherax species can sometimes be a bit finicky. In addition to various plant matter, we have been feeding all of our Cherax crayfish frozen peas and carrots as well as frozen shrimp that is chopped into manageable pieces after thawing. We highly recommend that our customers at least initially offer this diet to their Cherax crayfish. In time, it is very likely that the crayfish will also accept high-quality dry foods, though a varied diet is required for optimal health, coloration, and activity.
• Social behavior: Can be aggressive/territorial with other crayfish, but is much less so than Procambarus species (such as the Electric Blue Crayfish).
• Origin: West Papua New Guinea
• Average adult size: 5 - 6 inches (12.7 - 15.2 cm)
• Average purchase size: Adults: 3 - 4 inches (7.6 - 10 cm) or larger, Juveniles: .5+ inch (1.25+ cm)
• Recommended Aquatic Arts tank mates: Fast-moving fish (such as Celestial Pearl Danios, Rasboras, Guppies, etc.).  While dwarf shrimp can be kept succesfully with these crayfish, caution should be exercised, as the crayfish have been known to catch and eat slow, sick, or particularly small shrimp.  Cichlids can be aggressive toward crayfish and should not be kept in the same tank.  Bottom-dwelling tankmates should definitely be avoided.