Blue Pearl Crayfish

Description

Blue Pearl Crayfish

The Blue Pearl Crayfish is possibly the most consistently and vibrantly blue crayfish of them all, and we are proud to offer top-notch, tank-bred specimens!

The Blue Pearl Crayfish (Cherax albidus) is an electric blue variation of its species and is native to Australia. This crayfish is also commonly known as the Blue Pearl Freshwater Lobster, though true lobsters do not exist in freshwater. The entire body and appendages of this crayfish are electric blue. They actually look very similar to Electric Blue Crayfish, but they are a different species and feature solid blue appendages. The Blue Pearl Crayfish breeds easily in the aquarium, but the fry are extremely slow growing.  In fact, many of our specimens have bred in our tanks at our facility!

This particular crayfish is relatively active and spends plenty of time exploring the floor of the aquarium in search of food. The Blue Pearl Crayfish is an omnivorous scavenger and will eat most any meaty or plant-based foods. This crayfish should not be kept with 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 Blue Pearl Crayfish will 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.  An aquarium of 55 gallons or larger 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 Blue Pearl Crayfish, but crayfish are opportunistic feeders and will generally eat whatever they can catch.