Red brick crayfish
Cherax wagenknechtae
Also known as Red chili crayfish, Wagenknecht's crayfish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
- pH
- 7.0–8.0
- Adult size
- 4.7 in (12 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 20 gal (75 L)
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- Tankmates with caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Origin
- West Papua streams, Indonesia
- Family
- Parastacidae
Overview
Keep this brick red crayfish singly. It patrols the bottom of the tank and, like all its relatives, will catch and eat slow tankmates, so it is safest alone or with only fast fish that keep to the upper water. A second crayfish means fighting and the risk of a molting animal being eaten, so stick to one per tank. Set it up with a soft substrate, a choice of caves and pipes to shelter and molt in, and a secure lid. Feed sinking pellets, wafers, and vegetables with an occasional protein treat. A single adult needs roughly 75 liters of bottom space.
In the wild
The red brick crayfish is endemic to the Beraur and Klasabun river systems in the western Vogelkop peninsula of West Papua, warm tropical streams with rock and wood for cover. It wants hard, mildly alkaline water in the pH 7.0 to 8.0 range and warmth of 22 to 28 C. Caves, smooth stones, and driftwood give it places to hide, and firm filtration keeps the warm water clean.
Good to know
This Parastacidae crayfish reaches about 12 cm and wears a reddish brown to dark red shell that earns its red brick and red chili trade names. It is one of the most recently described Papuan crayfish, named only in 2022, and its closest relative is the thunderbolt crayfish. Breeding is of moderate difficulty, with direct development: the female carries her eggs and then miniature young under her tail, with no larval phase.
Did you know
It was named in 2022 after Sahra Wagenknecht, a German politician and author, continuing a habit of its describers of naming new Papuan crayfish after public figures they admire.
Common questions
What size tank does a Red brick crayfish need?
A Red brick crayfish needs at least 20 gal (75 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH do Red brick crayfish need?
Red brick crayfish are comfortable at 72–82°F (22–28°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.0.
How big do Red brick crayfish get?
An adult Red brick crayfish reaches about 4.7 in (12 cm).
Where to buy
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