Pearl Cherax care guide
Pearl Cherax (Cherax lorentzi) — minimum tank 100 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 7-8.5.
Overview
Pearl Cherax (Cherax lorentzi) is an Australasian freshwater crayfish of the family Parastacidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. West Papuan Cherax with iridescent pearl-purple coloration. Sensitive to water quality despite Cherax hardiness.
Taxonomy
- Family: Parastacidae
- Genus: Cherax
- Scientific name: Cherax lorentzi
- Common synonyms: Lorentzi, Pearl Crayfish (Cherax)
Habitat
Cherax is a large Australasian crayfish genus (Parastacidae) with species distributed across Australia, New Guinea and adjacent islands. Many species are aquacultured for food and several brightly coloured forms have entered the ornamental trade since the 2000s. The Aquairi knowledge base records this entry from: West Papua (Indonesia).
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L (26.4 US gal)
- Adult size: 10-14 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7-8.5
- GH: 10-22 °dGH
- KH: 5-14 °dKH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
An omnivore. Diet includes plant matter, biofilm, algae, detritus and protein in the form of carrion, small invertebrates or fish remains. In the aquarium a daily portion of sinking pellet, regular blanched vegetables and occasional frozen bloodworm or shrimp meet nutritional needs and reduce intraspecific aggression.
Compatibility
Territorial and aggressive; large adults will harm tank mates and damage plants. A solo, species-only or split-by-divider setup is the only reliable arrangement. Suitable tank mates listed in the Aquairi knowledge base: Solo recommended. Should be kept away from: Fish, Shrimp, Plants.
Breeding
Reproduces in fresh water without a planktonic larval stage. After mating, the female carries the eggs glued to her pleopods for several weeks; hatched juveniles cling to the mother for additional moults before becoming independent. Stable water chemistry and abundant shelter for the brooding female are required. Cherax females typically produce moderate to large broods of comparatively large juveniles, which is one reason for the genus’ aquaculture importance.