Fire Crayfish – Cherax snowden: Another cancer, which we to the novice crabs would count is the fire crab – Cherax snowden. He is compared to boy cancer or smallest dwarf crab much larger and thus places certain demands on the aquarium. Breeding, husbandry, water parameters and feeding information are included in this profile.
General information about the fire crayfish – Cherax snowden
The fire crayfish was only described as a separate species in 2015. Until then, the cancer was often referred to in the literature as Cherax Holthuisi "orange tip". Chris Lukhaup first described the new species in 2015. Since then, the crab has been considered a separate species. In the wild, the fire crab lives in Papua and Indonesia on the Vogelkop Peninsula. The life expectancy of the animals is about 2 to 5 years.
Appearance of the fire crab - Cherax snowden
With a size of 12 centimeters without claws, the fire crab is relatively large. The basic color is dark green to green-brown. The scissor tips are orange. Orange accents may form on the body, depending on the animal. Since males and females usually have a similar coloration, the sexes can only be distinguished by their sex organs. These are located on the ventral side of crabs. In females, the gonopores (genital openings) are located at the base of the third pair of legs. Pairs of legs are always counted from the head.
Aquarium requirements
Although the fire crayfish is considered a peaceful crustacean, a pair should have a pelvis edge length of 80 centimeters. If several pairs are kept, the edge length should not be less than 100 centimeters. With this edge length, a decent offspring can be expected.
The tank should definitely be well structured for the crabs. It is important that many caves, roots and stones can be found in it. The fire crab doesn't dig very hard. Nevertheless, the device should be stable and stable in the pool. The pool can be planted with plants. Normally, the fire crayfish does not attack plants. Due to the rather simple holding conditions, the fire crab is suitable for beginners.
Water parameters of fire crayfish – Cherax snowden
It is important that fire crayfish are offered suitable water values. The water temperature should therefore be between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius. The total hardness should be a maximum of 25 dGH. There should also be a maximum carbon hardness of 10 dKH in the pool. The pH should be between 6,5 and 7,5.
The aquarium should generally be well covered, as many crabs try to escape from the aquarium. In general, the water should be clean and oxygen-rich. Good filtration is an absolute must when keeping these animals.
Feed
The food of the fire crabs should be vegetable. Autumn leaves or various vegetables such as spinach or stinging nettles can be offered in the tank, for example. Flake food or frozen food is also popular. In addition, care must be taken to ensure that sufficient minerals are present. These are especially important for moulting. Here, the cancer needs a lot of calcium to quickly give the new body strength again.
behavior and socialization
Depending on the size of the tank, the fire crab can be kept in several pairs. On the socialization with fish with long fins should be avoided. Socializing with fish that colonize the bottom is also difficult. Socializing with snails should also be avoided. Socializing with crabs from North and Central America should definitely be avoided. Animals from this area transmit the crayfish plague.
Fire crabs are peaceful crabs and can be socialized with small or medium-sized peaceful fish, for example. Socialization with shrimp is also possible.
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Fire crabs can be reproduced relatively easily. The animals can mate several times a year.
After male and female have mated, the female carries around 40 to 80 eggs under her abdomen. The young hatch after about 7 to 9 weeks. After a few days, the young animals are already independent and find their way through the aquarium themselves. The young animals are not very aggressive among themselves. Patience is required when rearing, as the young animals grow up slowly. Especially when young, the young like to eat animal food. With increasing age, however, only plant-based food should be served.
There should definitely be enough hiding places for the young animals in the tank. If professional breeding is to take place, it is advisable to place the parents in a separate tank with plenty of hiding places for mating. As soon as the young have hatched and are independent, the parents can be placed back in the community tank.
Conclusion on fire crayfish – Cherax snowden
Above all, let's address the initial question: "Is the fire crab - Cherax snowden
A real beginner Cancer” another look. We would say yes. But you should pay special attention to the aquarium and its equipment as well as the size. An edge length of 100cm and more should definitely be provided here. If you have the appropriate water values at hand, then this crab will also have a long life ahead of it.