Blue Tiger Crab - Cherax peknyi var. "Blue Kong

Also in the hobby since spring 2017 is the Blue Tiger Crab or Blue Kong . It was scientifically described as a new species in 2018 by Chris Lukhaup. What was formerly known as Cherax peknyi "Blue Kong" is now called Cherax alyciae. This beautiful crayfish is native to Papua, where it is found in small rivers and streams in hard, calcareous water. The Blue Kong is not as colorful as other Papuan crayfish, but its deep blue color makes it an attractive, beautiful animal. The orange joints of the claw arms contrast classily with the deep blue. The carapace and claws are a slightly lighter blue, and the color then fades to a deep, rich indigo toward the abdomen and legs. The segments there are set off with light blue narrow horizontal stripes - this variety of tiger crayfish is a bit more subtle, but still striped. On the underside, the large claws are sometimes heavily hairy. The Blue Kong can reach a body length of up to 14 cm and thus belongs to the medium-sized Cherax species.

Blue Kong males have large, strong claws, the claws of the females are not so massive. Males and females can be reliably identified by the gonopores (sexual orifices), which are located at the base of the third stride leg pair in front of the abdomen in males, and at the base of the last stride leg pair in front of the abdomen in females.

Cherax alyciae "Blue Kong" is well suited for socialization with peaceful ornamental fish that do not sleep on the bottom, although depending on their character, a fish may be preyed upon once in a while. With dwarf shrimps, which fit to the water values, it can be kept together very well. Snails and mussels are cracked and eaten, they belong also in the biotope to the natural prey of the beautiful crayfish. Never put crayfish of different species or varieties together. With other Cherax together it can come to indefinable hybrids and mixtures! With American crayfish and with the water in which American crayfish live, Cherax from Papua must not come into contact under any circumstances. These crayfish can transmit the crayfish plague, from which the blue tiger crayfish would inevitably and 100% die. With crabs and large arm shrimps it can come to deadly fights, fan shrimps are hunted and eaten - also with these animals the Blue Kong should not be kept.

The Blue Kong tolerates a wide range of water values. The pH should be between 7 and 8 and the temperature should be permanently above 20 °C. 25 °C should not be exceeded in the long run.

A pair of the beautiful blue colored Blue Kong fits perfectly in an aquarium from 80 cm length. Set up the tank varied and offer the animals hiding places and also possibilities to visually get out of their way. Cherax peknyi is not known to be an excessive herbivore, so you can certainly design an aquarium for the Blue Tiger Crab with robust, fast-growing plants. Bring in decorations and furnishings so that they cannot tip over and damage the glass when buried, or even crush the crayfish. The aquarium needs an absolutely tight fitting lid. Cherax alyciae "Blue Kong" are very good, strong climbers. Also in nature they leave the water from time to time.

Not yet adult Cherax alyciae "Blue Kong" need a lot of protein and should therefore also get a portion of animal food, while adult Blue Tiger Crayfish need mainly vegetable food. Too much protein can quickly lead to moulting problems and death.

The reproduction of Cherax alyciae "Blue Kong" works like with the other variants of the tiger crayfish. The females of the Blue Tiger Crab carry 40-80 eggs on their swimming legs under the abdomen until the hatching of the young, which can take up to 6 weeks. After hatching, the baby crayfish stay with the mother for a few hours to days and then go off on their own. Since they are strongly cannibalistic among themselves also juvenile and adult blue tiger crayfish do not say no to a small protein snack, a separate breeding tank with a thick layer of brown autumn leaves and many hiding places such as perforated bricks is advisable.

Our food recommendation: Freshwater crayfish have a very varied diet in the wild. The Natureholic Crab Feed Sticks contain in a biologically balanced form only those ingredients that these crayfish in this or similar form to their natural food spectrum. This naturally supports and promotes moulting, growth and reproduction. Due to their protein content they are ideally suited for omnivorous crayfish of the genera Procambarus, Cambarus, Cambarellus, Astacus and the Cherax crayfish from Australia, which are basically omnivores that like to eat animal as well as vegetable food. The crayfish of the genus Cherax from Papua also like to eat a portion of animal food when they are young, but later they switch mainly to plant food.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.