Blue Destructor Crayfish

Cherax destructor is one of Australia's most widespread freshwater crayfish species, found across much of the Murray-Darling Basin and beyond. The blue colour form has been selectively developed in captivity to emphasise the natural blue-grey pigmentation present in some wild populations, resulting in specimens ranging from pale slate-blue to deep cobalt depending on genetics and water chemistry.

This is a large, active, and highly curious crayfish that will thoroughly explore and rearrange any tank it inhabits. It is an accomplished digger and climber, so tanks must be large, well-filtered, and escape-proof. Despite its robust nature, it can be kept with large, fast fish that stay away from the substrate.

Cherax destructor is one of the easier large Cherax species to breed in captivity, with the female brooding relatively large clutches under her pleopods. Juveniles are independent and can be raised on commercial shrimp foods.

Water: 15–25°C, pH 7.0–8.5, GH 5–20, KH 2–12; cooler water preferred; very adaptable. Tank: minimum 150 L, large robust caves, strong filtration, tight lid; avoid all plants. Feeding: omnivore — crayfish pellets, blanched vegetables, occasional frozen protein; feed 4–5 times weekly. Breeding: female broods 100–500 eggs; juveniles independent and can be separated for grow-out. Compatibility: keep alone or with large robust upper-column fish; aggressive toward conspecifics.