Freshwater
Crab
More details
Malabar Blue Scorpion Crayfish (Cherax nigli)
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Pro
Description
Cherax nigli is a striking freshwater crayfish from the Western Ghats of India. Its electric blue and deep indigo hues, paired with a heavily armored build, make it one of the most sought-after ornamental crayfish for display tanks and biotope enthusiasts.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Malabar Blue Scorpion Crayfish (Cherax nigli)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Fairly hardy but requires clean, oxygen-rich water and a secure tank due to escape tendencies.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Endemic to a limited region in India. Collection pressures exist—captive breeding is encouraged to protect wild populations.
Origin
Native to the Malabar region of Kerala, India. Found in cool, clear hill streams and shaded forest rivers within the Western Ghats.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Brilliant blue body with dark marbling, powerful claws, and a rugged, prehistoric appearance. Moves with deliberate, slow steps. Exhibits bold behavior when settled, and burrows or hides when stressed.
Purpose
Primarily kept as a display species. Adds color and movement to species-only or large invertebrate tanks. May help scavenge leftover food, though it’s not an active cleaner.
Importance
Important for biodiversity awareness, representing a region rich in endemic species. Popular among aquarists focused on Indian or Southeast Asian biotopes.
Included Resources
Needs secure hiding places, driftwood, and rock structures. Fine sand or mixed substrate allows for limited burrowing. Requires strong filtration and stable temperatures. Tightly fitting lid is a must—prone to escape.
Best Use Cases
Species-only tanks, educational displays, or large biotope aquariums focused on South Asia. Avoid community tanks due to risk of predation or aggression.
Conservation Context
Wild populations are vulnerable due to habitat fragmentation and pollution. Captive breeding supports sustainable availability and relieves wild collection pressure.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Other Cherax species (with caution)
• Large snails (e.g., mystery snails)
• Not safe with fish—may injure slow or bottom-dwelling tankmates
Region (A)
• Latitude: 11.2588° N
• Longitude: 75.7804° E
(Kozhikode region, Kerala, India — Western Ghats range)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 10.8505° N
• Longitude: 76.2711° E
(Thrissur district, Kerala — riverine foothills)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Malabar Blue Scorpion Crayfish (Cherax nigli)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Fairly hardy but requires clean, oxygen-rich water and a secure tank due to escape tendencies.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Endemic to a limited region in India. Collection pressures exist—captive breeding is encouraged to protect wild populations.
Origin
Native to the Malabar region of Kerala, India. Found in cool, clear hill streams and shaded forest rivers within the Western Ghats.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Brilliant blue body with dark marbling, powerful claws, and a rugged, prehistoric appearance. Moves with deliberate, slow steps. Exhibits bold behavior when settled, and burrows or hides when stressed.
Purpose
Primarily kept as a display species. Adds color and movement to species-only or large invertebrate tanks. May help scavenge leftover food, though it’s not an active cleaner.
Importance
Important for biodiversity awareness, representing a region rich in endemic species. Popular among aquarists focused on Indian or Southeast Asian biotopes.
Included Resources
Needs secure hiding places, driftwood, and rock structures. Fine sand or mixed substrate allows for limited burrowing. Requires strong filtration and stable temperatures. Tightly fitting lid is a must—prone to escape.
Best Use Cases
Species-only tanks, educational displays, or large biotope aquariums focused on South Asia. Avoid community tanks due to risk of predation or aggression.
Conservation Context
Wild populations are vulnerable due to habitat fragmentation and pollution. Captive breeding supports sustainable availability and relieves wild collection pressure.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Other Cherax species (with caution)
• Large snails (e.g., mystery snails)
• Not safe with fish—may injure slow or bottom-dwelling tankmates
Region (A)
• Latitude: 11.2588° N
• Longitude: 75.7804° E
(Kozhikode region, Kerala, India — Western Ghats range)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 10.8505° N
• Longitude: 76.2711° E
(Thrissur district, Kerala — riverine foothills)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Malabar Blue Scorpion Crayfish (Cherax nigli)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Fairly hardy but requires clean, oxygen-rich water and a secure tank due to escape tendencies.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Endemic to a limited region in India. Collection pressures exist—captive breeding is encouraged to protect wild populations.
Origin
Native to the Malabar region of Kerala, India. Found in cool, clear hill streams and shaded forest rivers within the Western Ghats.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Brilliant blue body with dark marbling, powerful claws, and a rugged, prehistoric appearance. Moves with deliberate, slow steps. Exhibits bold behavior when settled, and burrows or hides when stressed.
Purpose
Primarily kept as a display species. Adds color and movement to species-only or large invertebrate tanks. May help scavenge leftover food, though it’s not an active cleaner.
Importance
Important for biodiversity awareness, representing a region rich in endemic species. Popular among aquarists focused on Indian or Southeast Asian biotopes.
Included Resources
Needs secure hiding places, driftwood, and rock structures. Fine sand or mixed substrate allows for limited burrowing. Requires strong filtration and stable temperatures. Tightly fitting lid is a must—prone to escape.
Best Use Cases
Species-only tanks, educational displays, or large biotope aquariums focused on South Asia. Avoid community tanks due to risk of predation or aggression.
Conservation Context
Wild populations are vulnerable due to habitat fragmentation and pollution. Captive breeding supports sustainable availability and relieves wild collection pressure.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Other Cherax species (with caution)
• Large snails (e.g., mystery snails)
• Not safe with fish—may injure slow or bottom-dwelling tankmates
Region (A)
• Latitude: 11.2588° N
• Longitude: 75.7804° E
(Kozhikode region, Kerala, India — Western Ghats range)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 10.8505° N
• Longitude: 76.2711° E
(Thrissur district, Kerala — riverine foothills)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Malabar Blue Scorpion Crayfish (Cherax nigli)
Region
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