Papua Apricot Crayfish

Soft apricot and warm orange tones give the Papua Apricot Crayfish a distinctive appearance. This larger freshwater crayfish spends much of its time moving between cover and feeding areas, making a spacious, thoughtfully arranged species aquarium the best way to enjoy its behavior.

Animal details

• Scientific name: Cherax holthuisi — the species commonly associated with the Apricot trade name
• Size offered: 5–7 cm
• Adult size: Plan for approximately 10–12 cm in body length, with additional space for the claws
• Origin: West Papua, Indonesia
• Water type: Freshwater
• Temperament: Often quiet in cover, but territorial and opportunistic

Recommended aquarium conditions

• Aquarium: 30 US gallons or larger for one adult
• Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Water hardness: Mineralized water suitable for healthy shell development

Provide a choice of caves, wood, and protected resting places. Keep rocks stable and allow enough floor space for the animal to move freely. A secure lid is necessary because crayfish can climb equipment. Plants may be disturbed, especially during exploring or digging.

Diet and feeding

Use a quality sinking crustacean food alongside vegetable-based foods, softened vegetables, and suitable leaf material. Offer occasional small portions of aquatic protein foods for variety. Feed deliberately and remove excess rather than expecting the animal to subsist on leftover fish food.

Compatibility and care

Keeping one avoids many territorial problems. Fish, shrimp, snails, and other crayfish can be injured or eaten, and a newly molted crayfish is vulnerable to attack. Provide plenty of cover and avoid handling during shedding. Keep water clean with regular maintenance and check treatment labels for invertebrate suitability. Apricot color varies between animals and can change with growth and molt stage.

Sizes are approximate. Contact Las Vegas Exotic Fish at (702) 685-5100 to confirm availability or discuss your setup.