Care guide · Freshwater crayfish

Apricot crayfish care

Cherax holthuisi

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Cherax holthuisi, commonly called the apricot crayfish, is a freshwater crayfish from West Papua. The species was scientifically described from specimens collected at Lake Aitinjo. Trade names such as apricot crayfish and orange-tip refer to colour forms and do not by themselves confirm identification. Ask the supplier for the scientific name and provenance. Aquarium care information mainly comes from keeper accounts and retailer profiles rather than controlled trials. Their temperature and pH advice varies. Evidence is not sufficient to set a precise minimum tank volume, so this guide avoids a litres figure. Prioritise a generous floor area, several stable refuges and a tightly secured lid. Individual behaviour can vary, including when kept with fish or plants.

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At a glance

Temperature: 20–24 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Adult size: Up to 12 cm
Temperament: Forages on and in the substrate, Territorial

About this species

This is a large freshwater crayfish in the family Parastacidae. The 2006 taxonomic description was based on nine specimens from Lake Aitinjo in West Papua. Apricot crayfish is a common trade name rather than a formal taxonomic name. Colour varies among traded animals and should not be used as the sole identification. Check the scientific name and source with the supplier. Aquarium care accounts are largely practical observations, not experimentally established limits.

Natural habitat

The original description records Lake Aitinjo as the locality for the specimens examined. This documented type locality does not prove that the full distribution is known. The paper is a taxonomic description rather than a detailed ecological or water-chemistry study. Do not convert a single natural observation directly into an aquarium target. At home, provide clean, stable, well-aerated freshwater, secure refuges and prevent escape. Never release animals, eggs, aquarium water or wet equipment into natural waters.

Aquarium and layout

Choose a tank with a broad floor area. One experienced keeper recommends a footprint of about 80 × 35 cm for one animal or a pair; other recommendations vary and controlled volume studies were not found. We therefore do not publish a minimum in litres. Provide several sturdy caves or tubes, preferably more refuges than crayfish. Secure rocks and wood so digging cannot cause a collapse. Guard the filter intake and close cable openings: crayfish can climb and escape. A species-only aquarium gives the best control over feeding, shelter and possible aggression.

Water conditions

Care accounts report different values. One keeper describes about 20–24 °C, while trade profiles often give other ranges and pH recommendations also vary. The displayed 20–24 °C and pH 6.5–7.5 are cautious overlaps of husbandry advice, not proven biological tolerance limits. Prioritise stable water quality and no detectable ammonia or nitrite. Maintain good oxygenation and avoid abrupt changes. The sources do not establish a universal GH or KH target. Do not add minerals or treatments without checking the water and cause first.

Behaviour and group size

This crayfish lives on the bottom and uses refuges. Some keepers report little interest in healthy plants and no attacks on fish or shrimp, but an individual observation is not a guarantee. Other care profiles warn about digging, moving decor and disputes around shelters. Small, slow or resting fish and shrimp may be at risk; larger fish may injure a freshly moulted crayfish. A species-only setup is the predictable starting point. Mixed housing requires many refuges, close observation and a way to separate animals.

Feeding

Care accounts describe Cherax holthuisi as an opportunistic omnivore and scavenger. Offer varied sinking food intended for crayfish or invertebrates, with suitable plant matter. Feed modest portions and remove leftovers before they affect water quality. Heavy feeding does not prevent territorial behaviour or predation on tankmates. We checked the central product catalogue read-only but could not verify a product sufficiently by ingredients, size and suitability. No product is therefore linked as a recommendation.

Breeding

Keepers report egg-carrying females and aquarium-raised juveniles, but these are observations rather than a guarantee of a fixed incubation period or yield. A berried female needs quiet and secure refuges. If juveniles appear, protect them from filter intakes and provide small hiding places. Plan space for growing animals and possible separation. Rehome offspring responsibly; never release animals or aquarium water outdoors.

Keeping with fish

Conditional. One keeper reported peaceful fish cohabitation, but small or resting fish may be vulnerable. This exact pairing has not been tested in a controlled study. Provide many refuges, monitor behaviour and be ready to separate the animals.

Keeping with other invertebrates

Conditional. Java fern (Microsorum pteropus) can be attached to wood or stone so its rhizome is less exposed to digging. This exact pairing is untested and damage or dislodgement remains possible. An intact plant cannot be guaranteed.

Exoskeleton, shell and minerals

After moulting, the shell is temporarily soft and the crayfish is vulnerable. Leave it undisturbed and provide narrow refuges inaccessible to tankmates. Do not remove the shed shell immediately if it is not harming water quality; the crayfish may eat it. Check water stability and possible exposure to copper-based treatments. A failed moult calls for checking conditions rather than automatically adding supplements.

Possible problems

Key risks include escape, unstable rocks or wood during digging, disputes over refuges and vulnerability during moulting. Trade names and colour do not prove species identity. Check local rules before purchase or transport; laws can vary by country and region. The aquarium sources cited do not establish legal status for the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany or France. Never release animals, eggs or aquarium water outdoors.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on 18 October 2026.

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