Zebra crayfish
Cherax peknyi
Also known as Tiger crayfish, Pekny'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
- Southern New Guinea rivers, Papua Province, Indonesia
- Family
- Parastacidae
Overview
Keep this boldly striped crayfish by itself. It is the most commonly kept of the Papuan crayfish and, though fairly confident and calm, it is still a bottom dwelling opportunist that will catch slow fish and eat shrimp and snails, so it is best kept alone. Housing two invites fighting and cannibalism, especially when one is soft after molting. Provide a soft substrate, a range of caves and pipes to shelter in, and a tight lid to prevent escapes. Feed sinking pellets, algae wafers, and vegetables, with occasional protein. A single adult needs around 75 liters of floor space.
In the wild
The zebra crayfish lives in warm streams of southern New Guinea, over sand and stone in clear, flowing water. Hard, alkaline water around pH 7.0 to 8.0 and a warm 22 to 28 C reproduce those conditions. A soft bottom, smooth rocks, driftwood, and several caves give it cover and territory, and good filtration keeps the warm water clean and well oxygenated.
Good to know
This Parastacidae crayfish reaches about 12 cm and is marked with charcoal bands over a pale ground, the pattern behind its zebra and tiger trade names. It was described in 2008 and is the most widely kept of the Papuan Cherax. It is a moderate breeder that shows direct development: the female carries her eggs and then tiny young under her tail, with no larval stage.
Did you know
The long, toothed spike between its eyes, called the rostrum, is one of the features scientists use to tell it apart from the many similar Papuan crayfish it is so often confused with.
Common questions
What size tank does a Zebra crayfish need?
A Zebra crayfish needs at least 20 gal (75 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH do Zebra crayfish need?
Zebra crayfish are comfortable at 72–82°F (22–28°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.0.
How big do Zebra crayfish get?
An adult Zebra crayfish reaches about 4.7 in (12 cm).
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
…or ask your local fish store.
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