Zebra crayfish - Cheray Peknyi

Zebra crayfish - Cherax peknyi

The zebra crayfish (Cherax peknyi) originates from Papua New Guinea and impresses with its high-contrast, zebra-like pattern and blue claws. With a length of up to 12 cm and a life expectancy of around 5 years, this crayfish is both visually appealing and easy to care for. Its peaceful nature makes it the ideal choice for community tanks.

When selecting our crayfish, we offer you the following options:

• Gender selection: Choose between a male or a female, depending on what you need for your aquarium.
• Pair: One male and one female, ideal for observing natural behavior or starting a breeding program.
• Breeding group: Consists of one male and two females, ideal for more effective breeding and interesting social dynamics in the aquarium.

Keeping and care

An aquarium of 80 liters or more offers sufficient space for a pair of zebra crayfish. It is important to provide plenty of hiding places and caves, as these animals appreciate opportunities to retreat, especially during the moulting phase. A solid lid is required as the crayfish like to climb.

Water values and temperature

The zebra crayfish prefers temperatures between 20 and 25 °C, a pH value of 6.5 to 8 and medium water hardness. Regular water changes contribute to optimum water quality and the health of the crayfish.

Socialization

This crayfish can be kept with peaceful shrimps and smaller fish that do not concentrate on the bottom. However, aquatic snails are potential prey and therefore less suitable. The crayfish are peaceful, but need their own retreats to avoid territorial conflicts.

Breeding

Cherax peknyi can easily be bred in the aquarium. After mating, the female carries up to 50 eggs on her swimming legs, from which the young crayfish hatch after 7 to 9 weeks. Plenty of hiding places in the rearing tank are important for the young to avoid cannibalism.

Diet

The zebra crayfish is an omnivore. In addition to special crayfish food, it likes to eat vegetables such as spinach and pumpkin as well as leaves. Young crayfish initially require a protein-rich diet, while adults prefer a plant-based diet to avoid moulting problems.