▷ Tiger Crab in the Aquarium | All information and details

Data sheet tiger crab

German name:
Tiger crab, also zebra crab

Scientific name:
Cherax peknyi

Origin:
Australia – New Guinea

Size:
Body length up to 12 cm

Aquarium

Length:
Length from 120 cm width and from 40 cm width

Contents:
from 140 liters

water values

Temperature:
15°- 28° C

pH:
6.5 – 8.2

GH:
5° – 20° dH

Behave

Area:
Floor

Lining:
Omnivores – plant food, fish food, frozen food

Behave:
peaceful, social

Number:
Individual, couple, group

Difficulty level:
Beginner

Neotron76, zebra cancer, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE

The tiger crab, also called zebra crab, is a diurnal and nocturnal crayfish. Its original home is the waters of New Guinea. The species is considered to be peaceful and no attacks on conspecifics are to be expected even during moulting.

Look

The cancer got its name because of its conspicuous appearance body drawing, reminiscent of a tiger’s camouflage pattern. Its coloring can be very different. It ranges from dark red to blue and is adorned with some light horizontal stripes. The color of the claws is brown to blue, orange-red or white. In contrast, the legs are exclusively brown to blue toned.

The coloration develops with increasing size and becomes more intense with the onset of sexual maturity. The young animals show a clear camouflage coloring against predators.

attitude

Cherax peknyi is site-loyal and not very active. The size of the species-appropriate aquarium must be adapted to the number of specimens. The decor is varied and offers numerous Ways out and hiding places in the form of caves. Every animal needs theirs own cave!

Cancer is constantly busy dig and look for food in the gaps. Since he undermines the furnishings in the process, they must stand securely. Coarse aquarium sand or gravel is suitable as a substrate. Plants are secondary and should only be planned in moderation. The selection must be robust, as soft species are considered fodder. If sufficient plant food is available, the plants remain whole.

food

The omnivore eats mostly plant-based foods such as lettuce, spinach, carrots, and clean fall leaves. Commercial crab food, frozen food, and craysticks are also taken.

The young crabs get mainly plant food.

breed

tiger crabs are fruitful. If a couple lives together in the aquarium, the female carries 40 to 100 eggs directly on her body at intervals of three months. After about six weeks, the fully developed young hatch. These stay with the mother for a few more days until they are completely independent and detach themselves. Parents do not prey on their offspring.

socialization

The zebra crab shows a distinct social behavior and can also live as a couple and in a group. Usually you can come with me peaceful fishing and dwarf shrimp are socialized. On the other hand, water snails are eaten.

By the way: Crayfish must not be placed in ponds or other wild bodies of water. They displace native species and can cause irreparable damage. There is also a warning against contact with American crayfish, as there is a risk of contracting crayfish plague.