Blue-pink Cancer – Cherax pulcher in the detailed profile: Today we present another crustacean genus with the blue-pink crayfish - Cherax pulcher. This crab is also one of the more peaceful crabs and can therefore be found in our category of beginner crabs. Also note the Guide to crabs general.
General information on blue-pink canker – Cherax pulcher
If you translate the Latin name Cherax pulcher, it means "the beautiful". The blue-pink cancer does not bear this name for nothing. It is a very peaceful species that is beautiful to look at. The crab comes from Hoa Creek in present-day Indonesia or West Papua. The animal is popular with aquarists and crab lovers not only because of its special coloring, but also because of its peaceful nature.
Appearance of Blue-pink Crayfish – Cherax pulcher
The blue-pink cancer can reach a size of 15 centimeters without scissors. The basic colors of the body are pink and blue of varying intensities, depending on the animal. Depending on the animal, the coloring can be slightly different. Only as a young animal does the crab have an inconspicuous colour. The sexes are easy to recognize in this type of crab. The males get a bubble-shaped elongated glassy spot on the white outside of the scissors. The females, on the other hand, are easily recognizable by their oval, glassy genital openings.
Aquarium requirements
The blue-pink crab can be kept in pairs in aquariums with an edge length of 80 centimeters. Nevertheless, the tank should be designed accordingly for the animals so that they really feel completely comfortable.
The animals are very shy of light, so that the animals usually only wake up at dusk and come out of their hiding places. It is therefore important that there are as many hiding places as possible in the tank. For example, half a coconut or bamboo canes cut open on one side are suitable for hiding. Young animals in particular are very shy. These create their own hiding places in the ground. Therefore, fine or coarse gravel should be used as substrate.
As with all crustaceans, it is important that the appropriate water parameters prevail. If this is not the case, this can quickly lead to the death of the animals. According to our research, the water temperature should be between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. The pH should be between 6,5 and 7,5. Blue-pink crabs prefer medium-hard to hard water.
Anubias species attached to wooden roots can be planted as plants in the aquarium.
When keeping crabs, it should generally be normal for the tanks to be properly covered.
Feeding of Blue-pink Crayfish - Cherax pulcher
Especially in autumn, the blue-pink cancer should be offered foliage. Beech or oak leaves are particularly popular. This can be added to the aquarium. Sufficient filtering must be ensured. Frozen food and vegetables are also popular. Red mosquito larvae are particularly suitable as frozen food. Peas or spinach, for example, can be offered as vegetables. Feeding that is too high in protein should definitely be avoided. This can lead to emergency skinning, from which the animals can die.
behavior and socialization
It is quite possible to keep two males, four females and juveniles of this species in a 100 liter tank. The exact number is determined by the hiding places and the food supply.
The blue-pink cancer is a peaceful type of cancer that is also friendly to fish. For example, swordtails are particularly suitable as companion fish. A socialization with sucker catfish is also possible. There must always be enough caves in the tank so that the socialization with sucker catfish works. A socialization with dwarf shrimp is also conceivable.
sigh
Depending on what is happening in the aquarium, the crabs can lay eggs several times a year. The water values and the setup of the aquarium should be correct. Only then is successful breeding possible.
After males and females have mated in a separate breeding tank, the female carries around 60 to 80 eggs on her abdomen. In some cases it can be up to 200 eggs. The male can be removed from the tank immediately after mating.
The eggs continue to develop over a period of 4 to 6 weeks until the young hatch. After about 4 weeks, the young animals leave the protective abdomen of the mother. The young animals can be fed with granules, Artemia or leaves. The mother does not pursue the young animals. However, the mother can be removed from the rearing tank after the young are independent.
The young animals love to hide and bury themselves. Therefore, there should be enough hiding places in the rearing tank. The gravel should be as fine as possible. They dig actual tunnels under the gravel and furnishings.
Conclusion on blue-pink cancer - Cherax pulcher
Of course, there are also certain requirements for food, breeding, aquarium, water values and equipment for this type of crustacean, so that the blue-pink crayfish - Cherax pulcher can also be kept in a species-appropriate manner. If these things are observed, then nothing stands in the way of this magnificent and colorful animal and its entry into the aquarium. The blue-pink cancer - Cherax pulcher can be purchased from various dealers. The prices are usually between 30 - 40 euros per piece. With a life expectancy of 2 to 5 years, you can have fun with this animal for a long time. Above all, the blaze of color makes the crab a sought-after comrade in the aquarium.