Super red crayfish
Cherax boesemani
Also known as Boeseman's crayfish, Irian Jaya 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
- Ajamaru lakes region, West Papua, Indonesia
- Family
- Parastacidae
Overview
Keep this deep red crayfish singly. It is one of the more even tempered Papuan crayfish, but it is still a bottom dwelling scavenger that will grab slow fish, shrimp, and snails, so tankmates are risky and it does best alone. Another crayfish means territorial fighting and the danger of cannibalism at molting time. Provide a soft substrate, several caves and pipes for shelter, and a tight lid, since these animals climb and can leave an open tank. Feed sinking pellets, algae wafers, and vegetables, weighting the diet toward plant matter in adults. A single adult wants at least 75 liters.
In the wild
The super red crayfish comes from the Ajamaru lakes and their river system in the Vogelkop peninsula of West Papua, warm tropical fresh water with rocky and weedy cover. Give it hard, neutral to alkaline water at pH 7.0 to 8.0 and a temperature held at 22 to 28 C. It is hardy and adaptable, but appreciates caves, rockwork, good filtration, and steady warmth to stay out and feeding.
Good to know
This Parastacidae crayfish is one of the larger species in the trade, reaching around 12 cm and sometimes more. It was described in 2008 and named after the ichthyologist Marinus Boeseman, who first collected it in the 1950s. It is a hardy, adaptable animal and a moderate breeder with direct development, the female carrying eggs and then miniature young under her tail with no free larval stage.
Did you know
At home this crayfish is usually blue, brown, or grey. The rich red super red sold in shops is a color line selected by breeders, not the shade most wild boesemani actually wear.
Common questions
What size tank does a Super red crayfish need?
A Super red crayfish needs at least 20 gal (75 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH do Super red crayfish need?
Super red crayfish are comfortable at 72–82°F (22–28°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.0.
How big do Super red crayfish get?
An adult Super red crayfish reaches about 4.7 in (12 cm).
Where to buy
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