Blue Red Claw Crayfish

Red Claw Crayfish

Cherax quadricarinatus is known by many names including Australian red claw crayfish, Queensland red claw, tropical blue crayfish, and the freshwater blueclaw crayfish. The red claw crayfish is an Australian freshwater crayfish.

Juveniles are bright blue and develop red claws as they mature. They will shed their carapace regularly - its a good idea to leave the remains in the aquarium when they shed, it is a good source of calcium. They are both non-aggressive in nature as well as highly fertile, and can therefore be bred in large numbers in captivity.

An ideal habitat comprises of a planted and well-oxygenated aquarium with plenty of caves or hiding places, and a slow to moderate water-flow. Red claw crayfish will often inhabit and shelter in a plant, such as anubias. A lid on your fish tank is highly recommended to avoid escape.

Features
Approx. supplied size: 10cm
Maximum size: 20cm
Origin: Australia
Ideal number kept together: 1+

Water conditions
pH: 7.0-8.0
Temperature: 18–28 °C

Ease of care
Moderate. This freshwater crustacean is great for hobbyist at all levels however they do need some research.

Diet
Omnivorous. The main food we recommend would be bloodworm, with plenty of iron-rich vegetable food like spinach. Will also eat flake and dried pellet. Occasional live or frozen can be given as a treat.

Compatibility
Typically non-aggressive. Species-only is recommended but can be kept with fish that do not attack or pray on invertebrates. Crayfish will grab fish in their claws, so fast movers and top-level swimmers recommended. Do not house with snails.

Breeding
Typically bred commercially for food. Females are smaller than males and will spawn 300–800 olive-green eggs per brood. Eggs are fertilised from a spermatophore which the male has deposited at the base of her walking legs during mating. Fertilised eggs are affixed to the female's underside of the tail. Incubation takes approximately six weeks and the newly hatched juveniles rapidly become independent. Adult males have a distinct red patch on the outer margin of the claws.

Life Span
They can live to anything up to 3 years in perfect conditions.

Please note
We cannot guarantee the exact size or colouration of livestock suppied. Colouration and patterning may differ from those pictured. Photos are stock images showing colour potential when mature which may differ from juvenile species supplied. All sizes are approximations only. We do not guarantee the sex unless stated clearly in the decription.

For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.