Indigo Blue AKA Black Scorpion Crayfish (Cherax holthuisi)

Introduction

Due to state restrictions on invasive species, we are not able to ship or sell any color morph of the Cherax sp. crayfish to the following state(s): California, Florida,Texas, and Wisconsin

This species is prohibited to own in the above state(s), meaning it is illegal to possess them live in these state(s). This includes possession for consumption, education, aquarium trade, or any other live trade.

* For the safety of our animals, we now ship Cherax crayfish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air.If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout *

The Indigo Blue Crayfish is a very rare Cherax variant that boasts a cool, deep blue coloration across its entire body!

The Indigo Blue Crayfish (Cherax holthuisi) is a Cherax variant that is a deep, solid blue across its entire body. The Indigo Blue Crayfish breeds in the aquarium, but the fry are extremely slow-growing compared to many American crayfish. This variant is relatively new and we are pleased to have top-quality tank-raised specimens!

This particular crayfish is relatively active and spends plenty of time exploring the floor of the aquarium in search of food. The Indigo Blue Crayfish is an omnivorous scavenger and will eat most any meaty or plant-based foods. This crayfish should not be kept with most ornamental live plants as it will eat them at a surprising rate. It is a skilled climber, so extra care must be taken to ensure that it does not escape its enclosure.

As it reaches adulthood, the Indigo Blue Crayfish can become relatively territorial,so it may behave aggressively towards other animals in the tank. It is important that ample hiding places such as rockwork, driftwood, or PVC pipes be provided. This is even more crucial when housing multiple crayfish in the same tank. Due to the size and waste production of this crayfish, a minimum 30-gallon, well-filtered aquarium is necessary for one adult. A larger aquarium of 55 gallon or larger aquarium can house multiple adults of similar size. This is a reasonably hardy animal, but regular water changes are vital to its optimal health. Other bottom-dwelling invertebrates and fish should not be kept with large crayfish. It is possible to keep mid- and upper-level, fast-swimming fish with the Indigo Blue Crayfish, but crayfish are opportunistic feeders and will generally eat whatever they can catch.

As with all of our crayfish, the coloration of the Indigo Blue Crayfish is EXTREMELY high quality – much higher quality than others on the market! This crayfish may TEMPORARILY change color and hide more than usual after molting, which may occur during shipping. If your crayfish has faded color and you find a molt in the bag or in your aquarium, do not worry; this is normal and the bright color will return in 2 weeks or less.

We offer this rare crayfish as a tank raised young juvenile specimen and we do have responsibly sourced adults in stock from time to time as well. It is very easy to house and feed at this size, and you will have the opportunity to watch it grow! Juveniles are typically not as intensely colored as adults, but they will grow to exhibit the vivid coloration for which this variety is known. Juveniles will typically approach young adult size within 6 months with optimal care.

What We Like About This Crayfish:

• Consistently excellent deep blue coloration
• Less aggressive than many other crayfish
• Easy to feed
• Excellent scavenger

RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:

• Temperature: 68 – 85 F (20 – 29 C)
• pH: 6.5 – 7.5
• KH: 6 – 15 dKH
• Minimum tank size: 30 gallons

CARE INFORMATION:

• Diet: Crayfish are typically very easy to feed since they are mostly omnivorous scavengers. However, Cherax species can sometimes be a bit finicky. In addition to various plant matter, we have been feeding all of our Cherax crayfish frozen peas and carrots as well as frozen shrimp that is chopped into manageable pieces after thawing. We highly recommend that our customers at least initially offer this diet to their Cherax crayfish. In time, it is very likely that the crayfish will also accept high-quality dry foods, though a varied diet is required for optimal health, coloration, and activity.
• Social behavior: Can be aggressive/territorial with other crayfish, but is much less so than Procambarus species such as the Electric Blue Crayfish.
• Origin: Tank-raised juveniles, but indigenous to Indonesia
• Average adult size: 5 – 6 inches (12.7 – 15.2 cm)
• Average purchase size: Adults: 3 – 4 inches (7.6 – 10 cm) or larger, Juveniles: .5+ inch (1.25+ cm)

Recommended Aquatic Arts tankmates: Fast-moving fish (such as Celestial Pearl Danios, Rasboras, Guppies, etc.). While dwarf shrimp can be kept successfully with these crayfish, caution should be exercised, as the crayfish have been known to catch and eat slow, sick, or particularly small shrimp. Cichlids can be aggressive toward crayfish and should not be kept in the same tank. Most bottom-dwelling tankmates should definitely be avoided.

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