The Ghost Crayfish is generating excitement due to its striking red, white, and blue coloration. Unlike other crayfish, every Ghost Crayfish exhibits all three colors. The upper part of its body is typically a deep midnight blue, while the head and tail tip are a vibrant scarlet red. The belly, tail, and legs display a milky white hue with red accents. Its claws are usually red, although some may have a combination of white and red. Juveniles primarily exhibit white coloration and gradually develop and intensify the red and blue hues with each molt, taking around 2 to 6 months to reach their full color potential.
In terms of behavior, the Ghost Crayfish stands out as being more active and exploratory compared to other crayfish species. It spends ample time scouring the aquarium floor in search of food. As an omnivorous scavenger, it readily consumes both meaty and plant-based foods. However, caution must be exercised when it comes to ornamental live plants, as the crayfish has a tendency to devour them rapidly. Due to its climbing ability, it is essential to take precautions to prevent the crayfish from escaping its enclosure.
Upon reaching adulthood, the Ghost Crayfish tends to become territorial and may display aggressive behavior towards other tank inhabitants. To mitigate conflicts, it is important to provide adequate hiding places such as rockwork, driftwood, or PVC pipes. This becomes even more critical when housing multiple crayfish together. Given its size and waste production, a minimum 30-gallon aquarium with efficient filtration is necessary for a single adult. Larger tanks can accommodate multiple adults of similar size. Although the Ghost Crayfish is quite resilient, regular water changes are crucial for maintaining its optimal health. It is advisable not to keep other bottom-dwelling invertebrates and fish with large crayfish. While it is possible to house mid- and upper-level fast-swimming fish with the Ghost Crayfish, caution should be exercised as crayfish are opportunistic feeders and may consume any prey they can catch.
Regarding the coloration, it's important to note that the Ghost Crayfish boasts extremely high-quality pigmentation. However, after molting, which may occur during shipping, the crayfish might temporarily change color and exhibit increased hiding behavior. If you notice faded color and find a molt in the bag or aquarium, there's no cause for concern. This is a normal occurrence, and the bright colors will return within approximately two weeks or less.