Purchasing Juveniles Without Considering Adult Size

Small specimens often grow into large lobsters that quickly outgrow typical home aquariums.

Keeping Them with Shrimp and Small Crabs

Cleaner Shrimp, Peppermint Shrimp, Hermit Crabs, and other small crustaceans will often become food.

Underestimating Their Strength

Large Painted Crayfish can move rocks, dislodge decorations, and potentially damage unsecured aquascaping.

How large does a Painted Crayfish get in captivity?

Adult Painted Crayfish can reach 30–40 cm in length, including their long antennae. Their impressive size is one of the main reasons they require very large aquariums.

Can a Painted Crayfish live in a reef tank?

Generally no. While they may ignore corals, they commonly prey on shrimp, crabs, snails, and other desirable reef invertebrates. Most reef keepers consider them unsuitable for mixed reef aquariums.

Why does my Painted Crayfish hide all day?

This species is naturally nocturnal. It is normal for them to remain inside caves and rockwork during daylight hours before becoming active after lights dim.

Will a Painted Crayfish eat Cleaner Shrimp?

Yes. Cleaner Shrimp, Peppermint Shrimp, Sexy Shrimp, and many other crustaceans are at risk of predation. Even long-term tank mates can eventually be hunted.

How often should I feed a Painted Crayfish?

Most specimens do well with two to four feedings per week using a varied diet of marine-based meaty foods. Overfeeding can contribute to water quality issues and excessive nutrient build-up.

Why has my Painted Crayfish stopped eating?

Reduced appetite often occurs before moulting. During this period, the lobster may become more reclusive and remain hidden for extended periods until the moult is complete.

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Aquamarine Aquaristic

Painted Crayfish (Panulirus versicolor)

Name: Painted Crayfish (Panulirus versicolor)
Brand: Aquamarine Aquaristic
SKU: 49019585265910
Price: 150.0 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock

$150.00 each

Out of stock

Painted Crayfish (Panulirus versicolor) Description The Painted Crayfish is one of the most striking marine crustaceans available in the aquarium hobby. Also known as the Painted Spiny Lobster, this species...

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Description

Painted Crayfish (Panulirus versicolor) Description

The Painted Crayfish is one of the most striking marine crustaceans available in the aquarium hobby. Also known as the Painted Spiny Lobster, this species is renowned for its vivid blue, green, orange, and white markings, making it a true showpiece inhabitant. Unlike true crayfish found in freshwater, the Painted Crayfish is a marine spiny lobster that spends much of its time hiding within caves and rockwork during the day before emerging at night to forage. While incredibly attractive, its size, appetite, and predatory tendencies make it best suited to larger fish-only or predator-style marine aquariums.

Shipping To Tasmania	NO
Shipping To Western Australia	NO

Husbandry

Care guide

Care difficulty

BeginnerModerateExpert

Moderate

Temperament

SkittishPeacefulSemi-agg.Aggressive

Semi-aggressive

Maximum size 40cm

0 cm 15 cm 30 cm

Minimum tank size

500 litres

Reef safe

No

Diet

Painted Crayfish are opportunistic carnivores and scavengers that feed on: Prawns, Mussels, Clams, Marine fish flesh, Crabs, Frozen seafood preparations

Avoid these pitfalls

Common mistakes to avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls when caring for marine livestock.

Small specimens often grow into large lobsters that quickly outgrow typical home aquariums.
Cleaner Shrimp, Peppermint Shrimp, Hermit Crabs, and other small crustaceans will often become food.
Large Painted Crayfish can move rocks, dislodge decorations, and potentially damage unsecured aquascaping.

Help centre

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about our products and shipping.

Adult Painted Crayfish can reach 30–40 cm in length, including their long antennae. Their impressive size is one of the main reasons they require very large aquariums.
Generally no. While they may ignore corals, they commonly prey on shrimp, crabs, snails, and other desirable reef invertebrates. Most reef keepers consider them unsuitable for mixed reef aquariums.
This species is naturally nocturnal. It is normal for them to remain inside caves and rockwork during daylight hours before becoming active after lights dim.
Yes. Cleaner Shrimp, Peppermint Shrimp, Sexy Shrimp, and many other crustaceans are at risk of predation. Even long-term tank mates can eventually be hunted.
Most specimens do well with two to four feedings per week using a varied diet of marine-based meaty foods. Overfeeding can contribute to water quality issues and excessive nutrient build-up.
Reduced appetite often occurs before moulting. During this period, the lobster may become more reclusive and remain hidden for extended periods until the moult is complete.