Zebra Crayfish (Cherax peknyi), BREDBY: Aquatic Arts

The Zebra Crayfish (Cherax peknyi) is a fairly recently discovered and uncommon species of crayfish native to Papua New Guinea. This crayfish is also commonly known as the Asian Tiger Freshwater Lobster, though true lobsters do not exist in freshwater. It is one of the largest freshwater crayfish available and features stunning pastel colors. Orange, blue, white, and purple are all distinctly shown on this crayfish. The Zebra 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 Zebra Crayfish is an omnivorous scavenger and will eat most any meaty or plant-based foods. 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 Zebra 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 Zebra Crayfish, but crayfish are opportunistic feeders and will generally eat whatever they can catch. 

 

 

• Consistently excellent orange, blue, white, black, and brown coloration
• Less aggressive than many other crayfish
• Easy to feed
• Excellent scavenger   

• Temperature: 68° - 80° F (20° - 26.7° 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:  Papua New Guinea
• Average adult size:  5 - 6 inches (12.7 - 15.2 cm)
• Average purchase size:  3 - 4 inches (7.6 - 10 cm) or larger
• Recommended Aquatic Arts tankmates:  Fast-moving fish (such as Celestial Pearl Danios, Rasboras, Guppies, etc.).  While dwarf shrimp can be kept successfully 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.