The Imperial Purple Crayfish (Cherax alyciae, formerly Cherax peknyi) is a never before seen color morph of the Cherax alyciae species. It is one of the largest freshwater crayfish available and features absolutely stunning colors. This crayfish offers an intense purple to reddish coloration across its body.  The Imperial Purple Crayfish will breed in the aquarium, although the fry are extremely slow growing and can be cannibalistic. 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 Imperial Purple Crayfish is an omnivorous scavenger and will eat most any meaty or plant-based foods. This crayfish may eat ornamental live plants, although some aquarists report Cherax crayfish species to be much less destructive to plants than most other large crayfish. 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 Imperial Purple Crayfish can 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. A larger aquarium of 55 gallons or larger aquarium 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 Imperial Purple Crayfish, but crayfish are opportunistic feeders and will generally eat whatever they can catch. 

 

*IMPORTANT* Please "Choose a Variant" above before adding this crayfish to your cart. The variants we're currently offering are:

• 1 Male Crayfish - 3+ inch Adult (Adult male)
• 1 Female Crayfish – 3+ inch Adult (Adult female)
• 1 Male/Female Crayfish Pair – 3+ inch Adults (Adult male and female)
• 1 B-Grade Crayfish - 3+ inch Adult (All of our “B-Grade” crayfish are simply specimens that are missing legs or claws.  Loss of appendages is not permanent and happens commonly with crustaceans. They are completely healthy with excellent coloration and will completely regenerate lost appendages within 1 to 2 molts, which will take 2-3 months or less)
• 1 Juvenile - 3/4 inches+ (Please note: some may be missing a claw, but these will grow back quickly after a few molt cycles. Crayfish will go through molt cycles more often at a young age)

 

• Very rare and exceptional species
• Consistently excellent purple and blue coloration
• Less aggressive than many other crayfish
• Easy to feed
• Excellent scavenger    

• Temperature: 68° - 80° F (20° - 26.7° C)
• pH: 6.5 - 7.5
• KH: 6 - 15 dKH
• Minimum tank size: 30 gallons

• Diet: Crayfish are typically very easy to feed since they are mostly omnivorous scavengers. However, Cherax species can sometimes be a bit finicky (this is not likely with tank-bred specimens). In addition to various plant matter, we have been feeding all of our Cherax crayfish frozen peas and carrots as well as frozen shrimp that is chopped into manageable pieces after thawing. We highly recommend that our customers at least initially offer this diet to their Cherax crayfish. In time, it is very likely that the crayfish will also accept high-quality dry foods, though a varied diet is required for optimal health, coloration, and activity.
• Social behavior:  Can be aggressive/territorial with other crayfish, but is much less so than Procambarus species (such as the Electric Blue Crayfish).
  
• Origin:  Papua New Guinea
• Average adult size:  5 - 6 inches (12.7 - 15.2 cm)
• Average purchase size:  3+ inches (7.6+ cm)
• Recommended Aquatic Arts tankmates:  Fast-moving fish (such as Celestial Pearl Danios, Rasboras, Guppies, etc.). While dwarf shrimp can be kept successfully with these crayfish, caution should be exercised, as the crayfish have been known to catch and eat slow, sick, or particularly small shrimp. Cichlids can be aggressive toward crayfish and should not be kept in the same tank. Bottom-dwelling tankmates should also be avoided.