SAEDNEWS: Clawed Creature with Steel-Like Skin, Far from Its Indonesian Home, Moves in an Aquarium; Scientists Identify a New, Previously Undescribed Species
According to Saed News’ social affairs report, researchers in the Czech Republic purchased several freshwater crayfish from a pet trader specializing in “ornamental aquatic animals,” as detailed in a study published on August 10 in Zootaxa. Freshwater crayfish are popular ornamental pets in the pet trade.
Several different species are all sold under the common name “blue moon crayfish.” These species are collected in Indonesia and then exported to Europe, North America, and Japan to stock aquariums worldwide.
Over eight years, researchers identified five distinct blue crayfish and a previously unknown species: Cherax woworae, or steel-blue crayfish.
A Steel-Colored Crayfish for Aquariums
The steel-blue crayfish is medium-sized, reaching about 2 inches in length and less than an inch in width. It features two evenly sized claws and a multicolored body. Its body is a steely blue with marbled edges.
One photographed specimen shows dark blue legs and an orange tail. The claw coloration transitions from turquoise at the base to peach-orange and black at the tips.
Steel-blue crayfish, known for burrowing, are native to the western coasts of New Guinea near Indonesia. They have also been found in Hungarian thermal springs, likely introduced by irresponsible pet owners.
The new species was identified based on body shape and color, with DNA analysis revealing 5.6 to 13.8 percent genetic divergence from other freshwater crayfish.
