⚠️ Important Legal Note: Cherax species of crayfish are considered an invasive species in several U.S. states and is illegal to possess in any form or sell in: Arizona, California, Florida, Maine, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Please check your local regulations before purchasing. We are unable to ship this species to these states. If you reside in one of the above states and try to checkout with this crayfish in your cart you will be unable to checkout and receive an error message until the crayfish is removed from the cart.

The Thunderbolt Snakeskin Crayfish (Cherax pulcher x C. boesemani) is a hybrid of two exceptionally colorful species that are native to Western Papua New Guinea.  Deep blue and tan shades are distinctly shown on this crayfish, as is the striking pink coloration that is typical of the Thunderbolt Crayfish. We are very excited to offer USA-bred specimens of this rarity.

 

This particular crayfish is relatively active and spends plenty of time exploring the floor of the aquarium in search of food. The Thunderbolt Snakeskin Crayfish is an omnivorous scavenger and will eat most any meaty or plant-based foods, although plant matter is particularly important as it reaches adulthood. This crayfish will eat ornamental live plants. 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 Thunderbolt Snakeskin 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. A larger aquarium of 55 gallon 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 Thunderbolt Snakeskin Crayfish, but crayfish are opportunistic feeders and will generally eat whatever they can catch. 

 

 

• Very rare USA-bred hybrid
• Consistently excellent blue, orange, and pink coloration
• Less aggressive than many other crayfish
• Easy to feed
• Excellent scavenger  

• Temperature: 68° - 80° F (20° - 26.7° C)
• pH: 7.0 - 8.0
• 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. 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: Western Papua New Guinea
• Average adult size: 5 - 6 inches (12.7 - 15.2 cm)
• Average purchase size: 1+ inch (1.25+ cm)
• Recommended Aquatic Arts tank mates: Fast-moving fish (such as Celestial Pearl Danios, Rasboras, Guppies, etc.).  While dwarf shrimp can be kept succesfully 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 definitely be avoided.