Sian Tiger Lobster/ Zebra Lobster

[Binge]

So I saw one of these for the first time today and fell Instantly in love with them. I am however having a lot of trouble finding any info about them online as far as water temp, max size of the lobster ect ect. From what I have seen they should not be housed with my electric blues since they are not an american crayfish and are not immune to diseases the blues may carry. I have however been given mixed info on that. I was also told that unless they are wild caught you do not have to worry about the disease being an issue since the majority of fish stores carry crayfish bred in captivity for sale.

I am also curious about the level of aggression that the asian tigers have. The store which is the best one in my area (aquatic adventure) has about a dozen in the tank, I watched them for a good 20 minuets and never even saw claws raised in challenge. The littlem I have found online about the breed suggests they are not as aggressive as my blues and seem to ignore most fish but it seems sketchy.

I am guessing these questions are aimed mostly at neale he seems to know crayfish well but any info would be appreciated.

 

[nmonks]

These are Cherax peknyi. They're an Asian species from fast-flowing water, so keep them in tanks with lots of current and low water temperature (22-24 C). Like other Cherax, they are fairly peaceful compared to other crayfish species, but you'd be unwise to keep them in groups or alongside other crayfish. As with all crayfish, don't mix them with fish or shrimps. They're nocturnal and omnivorous, and likely to uproot and eat delicate plants. Assuming you're keeping them as they should be kept -- on their own in a single-species aquarium -- they aren't difficult to maintain. Do remember that the addition of marine aquarium iodine supplement (at 50% dose) makes a huge difference to long term success.

Cheers, Neale

 

[Binge]

Thanks neale. I do the iodine for my blues. The temperature was realy worried about not knowing Was debateing on turning the 29 gallon into a colder water tank since It is going in my basement which is never a hot area at my home. Was kinda hoping I was wrong and one could go in with my blues but figured it was a bad idea.

I will look into a power head maybe for the 29 and put one in there. Will he get as big as the blue ones do( mine are florida crayfish from what I understand they cap at 8-10). What little I have found on them says 4 inches. But that is the size the ones at the store are now.

 

[nmonks]

Cherax tend to be pretty small, so yes, a body length around 15-20 cm would be about right.

Cheers, Neale

 

[Binge]

Cool thanks again

 

[baldeagle]

These are Cherax peknyi. They're an Asian species from fast-flowing water, so keep them in tanks with lots of current and low water temperature (22-24 C). Like other Cherax, they are fairly peaceful compared to other crayfish species, but you'd be unwise to keep them in groups or alongside other crayfish. As with all crayfish, don't mix them with fish or shrimps. They're nocturnal and omnivorous, and likely to uproot and eat delicate plants. Assuming you're keeping them as they should be kept -- on their own in a single-species aquarium -- they aren't difficult to maintain. Do remember that the addition of marine aquarium iodine supplement (at 50% dose) makes a huge difference to long term success.

Cheers, Neale

I have a cherax sp. and he definitly uprooted all my plants., i didn't quite have enough in their though so replanted and he's been climbing all over them instead. he seems to really enjoy it!

he is mixed with some small shrimp and small fish and so far everything is fine