At a Glance
- Researchers in the Czech Republic identified a new crayfish species, Cherax pulverulentus (C. pulverulentus, dusty crayfish), in March 2023 from a shipment of Indonesian crayfish.
- The species, native to New Guinea, exhibits two color forms: purple with turquoise bodies and spots and blue to nearly black with orange joints and tails. It grows up to 2 inches long and has smooth bodies, large eyes, and claws.
- Despite being popular in the aquarium trade under various names for over twenty years, DNA analysis confirmed C. pulverulentus as a genetically distinct species.
- The dusty crayfish are burrowing animals found in freshwater streams in New Guinea. Some individuals have been found outside their native habitat, likely due to release from aquariums.
- Researchers recommend more studies on the species’ distribution, natural behavior, and management in the pet trade to support conservation efforts.
Researchers in the Czech Republic have discovered a new species of crayfish, marking an exciting addition to the world of freshwater crustaceans. In March 2023, the team purchased a shipment of Indonesian crayfish for a study, and while observing their new aquarium pets, they realized they had stumbled upon something unique: a new species. The newly identified species has been named Cherax pulverulentus, or the dusty crayfish, after its characteristic spotted appearance.
Crayfish are primarily found in the streams of New Guinea, an island in the southwestern Pacific. Known for their vivid colors, dusty crayfish come in two forms: a purple variety with turquoise bodies and purple spots and a blue form that can appear dark blue to almost black with contrasting orange joints and tails. These creatures, which grow up to 2 inches in length, are recognized for their smooth bodies, large eyes, and claws.
Although these crayfish have been popular in the aquarium trade for over 20 years under various names, such as “Hoa Creek” and “Irian Jaya,” they had never been formally classified until this study. DNA analysis revealed that C. pulverulentus is genetically distinct, showing at least a 2% divergence from closely related species. The discovery was made possible by carefully observing the crayfish’s physical characteristics, including their legs, body proportions, and distinctive coloration.
Researchers have noted that while the dusty crayfish is common in the pet trade, little is known about its natural behavior in the wild. They are burrowing animals living in freshwater streams in Indonesian New Guinea. Some have even been found outside their native habitat, such as in a thermal spring in Hungary, likely due to being dumped from aquariums. The authors recommend further research to explore the species’ distribution and ensure better management of pet-traded crayfish in their natural environment.
The research for the new crayfish species was published in the journal Zootaxa.
References
- Pflughoeft, A. (2025, January 10). Brightly colored creature—Kept in pet aquariums globally—Discovered as new species. Phys.Org; Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2025-01-brightly-creature-pet-aquariums-globally.html
- Patoka, J., Akmal, S. G., Bláha, M., & Kouba, A. (2025). Cherax pulverulentus, a new freshwater crayfish (Decapoda: Parastacidae) from Southwest Papua Province, Indonesia. Zootaxa, 5566(3), 522–534. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5566.3.4
