The Supernova Crayfish (Cherax boesemani) is truly a sight to behold and holds a special place among our favorites. This stunning crayfish displays colors that can only be described as extraordinary. Native to Western Papua New Guinea, it is often referred to as the Blue Moon or Blue Marble Freshwater Lobster, although true lobsters do not inhabit freshwater environments. The Supernova Crayfish exhibits distinct deep blue and orange hues, creating a captivating appearance.
Breeding the Supernova Crayfish is relatively straightforward, and we have had great success with it in our facility, witnessing many specimens reproducing in our tanks. However, it's worth noting that the fry of this species have an exceptionally slow growth rate.
In terms of behavior, the Supernova Crayfish is relatively active and enjoys exploring the aquarium floor in search of food. As an omnivorous scavenger, it readily consumes various meaty and plant-based foods. However, it is not advisable to keep this crayfish with ornamental live plants, as it has a notable penchant for devouring them at a surprising pace. Additionally, its climbing abilities require extra caution to prevent any potential escape from its enclosure.
As the Supernova Crayfish reaches adulthood, it tends to become territorial, potentially displaying aggression towards other tank inhabitants. To promote a harmonious environment, providing ample hiding places such as rockwork, driftwood, or PVC pipes is crucial. This becomes even more important when housing multiple crayfish together. Due to its size and waste production, a well-filtered aquarium with a minimum capacity of 30 gallons is necessary for a single adult. Larger tanks, such as a 55-gallon or bigger, can accommodate multiple adults of similar size. While reasonably hardy, regular water changes are essential for maintaining the crayfish's optimal health. It is advisable not to house other bottom-dwelling invertebrates and fish with large crayfish. Although it is possible to keep mid- and upper-level fast-swimming fish with the Supernova Crayfish, their opportunistic feeding nature means they will generally consume whatever prey they can catch.
