The Blue Tip Tiger Crayfish, scientifically known as Cherax peknyi, represents a remarkable color variant within the Tiger Crayfish superspecies found in its native habitat of Papua New Guinea. Notably, it ranks among the largest freshwater crayfish species, boasting an astonishing array of colors, including shades of red, orange, and white.
In aquarium settings, the Blue Tip Tiger Crayfish is known to reproduce successfully, although their offspring exhibit slow growth and can sometimes display cannibalistic tendencies. Indeed, many of these crayfish have bred in our own facility.
This crayfish species exhibits a relatively active nature, frequently exploring the aquarium floor in search of food. Its diet encompasses both meaty and plant-based foods, making it an omnivorous scavenger. While it may consume ornamental live plants, some aquarists report that Cherax crayfish species are generally less destructive to plants compared to most other large crayfish. Being skilled climbers, precautions should be taken to prevent their escape from the enclosure.
As the Blue Tip Tiger Crayfish matures, it can become somewhat territorial, potentially displaying aggression towards other tank inhabitants. Thus, it is crucial to provide adequate hiding spots such as rock formations, driftwood, or PVC pipes, especially when housing multiple crayfish in the same tank. Given their size and waste production, a minimum 30-gallon well-filtered aquarium is essential for a single adult, with larger tanks of 55 gallons or more suitable for housing multiple adults of similar size. Regular water changes are essential for their optimal health.
It's important to note that other bottom-dwelling invertebrates and fish should not be kept with large crayfish. While it is possible to house mid- and upper-level, fast-swimming fish alongside the Blue Tip Tiger Crayfish, it's worth remembering that crayfish are opportunistic feeders and may attempt to catch and consume any smaller tank mates.
Furthermore, our Blue Tip Tiger Crayfish specimens boast exceptionally high-quality coloration, surpassing other options available in the market. Temporary color changes and increased hiding behavior may occur after molting, which can happen during shipping. Rest assured that this is a normal process, and the vibrant colors will return within two weeks or less.
