Cherax pulcher care guide

About this species

The accepted name is Cherax pulcher Lukhaup, 2015. The original description uses Cherax (Astaconephrops) pulcher and distinguishes it morphologically from species including C. boesemani.

Trade names such as Blue Moon, Hoa Creek and Irian Jaya are not species-specific. The original author described trade specimens whose provenance was uncertain; later research has also described other species circulated under the same names. Ask for scientific identification and traceable provenance; colour alone is insufficient.

Natural habitat

The primary description records the species from Hoa Creek and the broader Hoa Creek drainage near Teminabuan in West Papua, Indonesia. Water was described as clear, with pH 6.6 at the measured locality. Current was strong in narrower and upper creek sections; substrate was rocky with sand, stones and larger rocks. The author called for more field surveys before the distribution could be considered fully known.

This is a limited field description, not a complete range survey or aquarium recipe. The original paper also reports local collectors’ observations of declining numbers associated with collection for the aquarium trade and food; this is not quantified population monitoring.

Aquarium and layout

An aquarium association gives a tank length over 100 cm as a personal preference and notes that shorter pair recommendations circulate. No tested minimum volume was found. We therefore do not publish an exact litre minimum: prioritize a long footprint, sturdy separate caves, visual barriers and additional floor space per animal. One crayfish in a secure species tank is easiest to manage.

The natural creek has strong flow in some places, but this may not describe every refuge. Create lower-flow shelters behind rocks and wood. Fit a secure lid because crayfish can climb out, and guard filter intakes.

Water conditions

The species description reports pH 6.6 at a natural locality but no measurement series or aquarium trial. An aquarium association recommends 20–25 °C and pH 6.5–7.5. We present those as practical hobby guidance, not proven tolerance limits. Strong current was reported for particular narrow creek sections; provide both oxygenated flow and calmer refuges.

Stable, clean water matters more than rapid adjustment. Keep ammonia and nitrite undetectable and maintain reliable filtration and oxygenation. Evidence is insufficient to publish precise GH or KH limits.

Behaviour and group size

An aquarium association describes C. pulcher as peaceful and reports keeping it with fish and shrimp, but gives no controlled trial or sample size. The primary description did not study aquarium behaviour. Treat these experiences as indications, not guarantees. Provide a separate cave for each animal and watch for chasing, injuries or missing small animals.

Crayfish are vulnerable around moulting. Small fish may be at risk while resting, and fish may eat juvenile crayfish. A species-only aquarium remains the most predictable setup.

Feeding

A species-specific aquarium profile lists leaves, nettle, small snails, peas, frozen foods and food tablets. A regional review also describes carrion, detritus and predation among Cherax. This supports a cautious omnivore classification, not an exact feeding schedule. Offer small portions of suitable sinking invertebrate food and plant matter, and remove leftovers.

The catalogue was checked read-only. The only crayfish-related name match was a decorative hermit-crab LED, not food. No product is linked.

Breeding

An aquarium association reports egg-carrying females and gives a carrying period of about six to eight weeks and up to three broods a year. These are hobby observations, not controlled or guaranteed species-specific averages. Output depends on the animals and conditions.

Provide a quiet refuge for the female. Juveniles need fine cover and access to food; a separate rearing aquarium may reduce losses. No reliable survival rate was found.

Keeping with fish

The neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is linked as conditional. An aquarium association reports that C. pulcher can be kept with fish, but no controlled trial with neon tetras was found. Because neons are small, attacks on resting fish remain possible; fish may in turn eat young crayfish. Monitor closely and have a species tank available as a fallback.

Keeping with other invertebrates

The aquarium association also reports shrimp as possible tankmates, but this does not prove every shrimp is safe or that young will survive. Small animals may be caught. Cohabitation is only appropriate where losses can be managed and plenty of separate cover is available.

The linked Anubias is conditional: an attached plant can provide structure, but crayfish may eat plant matter. This exact pairing has not been tested.

Exoskeleton, shell and minerals

Before and after moulting the crayfish may retreat; its new shell is temporarily soft. Leave it undisturbed and provide a secure shelter. Leave the old shell while water quality remains good. An empty shell is normal and does not mean the animal has died.

Repeated problems call for checks of water stability, oxygen, food, metals such as copper and competition for shelter. Do not change pH or temperature abruptly.

Possible problems

Watch for escape, too few shelters, uncertain tankmates and misidentification under trade names such as Blue Moon. Prefer animals with provenance records and do not determine identity from colour alone. Check medicines and plant treatments for crustacean safety; copper may be harmful.

An aquarium association reports peaceful cohabitation, but controlled compatibility trials are absent. If there are injuries, chasing or missing animals, separate them and check setup and water quality.