Researchers have made a rare discovery in an unlikely place: a previously undocumented aquatic species found in an ordinary shipment of aquarium pets.
According to researchers in the Czech Republic who made the surprise discovery, a vibrantly colored new crustacean has been dubbed Cherax pulverulentus, which means “the dusty crayfish.” The findings were detailed in a study that appeared in the journal Zootaxa.
A native to the freshwater streams of Indonesia and parts of New Guinea, the newly recognized species has long been a staple of the global aquatic pet trade. Sold under various names that often bespeak the creature’s unique coloration, it had never received any formal scientific classification.
In other words, an entirely new aquatic animal species may have been hiding in plain sight in people’s aquariums around the world for decades.
DNA analysis and an examination of its physical characteristics confirmed the uniquely colored crayfish to be a new species. The surprise discovery highlights the need for better management and identification in the aquatic pet trade as well as recognition and protection for the creatures in their natural habitat.
An Unexpected Discovery
The discovery of Cherax pulverulentus dates back to March 2023, when a team of Czech researchers purchased a shipment of Indonesian crayfish from a pet wholesaler. Of particular interest to the team was a brightly colored blue and purple crustacean, several of which were located within the shipment they purchased.
This colorful variety of crayfish has been recognized among aquatic pet dealers for decades and was among the earliest freshwater species exported from New Guinea more than two decades ago.
Since that time, Cherax pulverulentus has become a popular mainstay in pet shops in several countries throughout Europe, as well as in Japan, Indonesia, and the United States, often under names that include “Hoa Creek,” “Irian Jaya,” and “Blue Moon” crayfish. However, such names have been used interchangeably for several similarly colored species.
DNA Analysis
The Czech team closely examined six specimens they recovered from the shipment. DNA analysis confirmed their suspicions that these dusty blue crayfish were unique among their lobster-like cousins.
A key finding made by the team during DNA analysis had been a roughly 2% genetic divergence from other similar species (often bearing similar or identical nicknames when sold in pet shops).
The creature’s name derives from the Latin term pulverulentus, meaning “covered with dust.” The selection was made due to the spotted appearance of the creature’s exoskeleton, which gives it a dusty appearance.
Cherax pulverulentus is relatively small, growing to slightly more than two inches in length at the largest. Their distinctive coloration also comes in two varieties, one featuring a purple form with turquoise coloration found along the body and mottled with purple spots, as well as pale coloration found along the joints and tail. The second variety, a blue form, shows more variation, usually featuring dark and blackish blue colors and a darker orange coloration found along the joints and tails.
A Mysterious New Species
Given that Cherax pulverulentus has primarily been observed only in captivity, researchers know little about how the species behaves in the wild. Although most crayfish species are primarily nocturnal, the crustaceans can be active at all hours in freshwater streams and rivers around the world.
In at least one instance, a dusty crayfish was found living in a thermal spring in Hungary, which researchers believe resulted from an aquarium being emptied into local waterways. The Czech team behind the species’ official discovery now recommends more detailed surveys going forward in hopes of mapping the species’ distribution and ecological role in environments where it thrives.
The dusty crayfish’s discovery, resulting from research led by Jiří Patoka, Surya Gentha Akmal, Martin Bláha, and Antonín Kouba, underscores the need for continued research into Indonesia’s rich biodiversity and the responsible management of species within the global pet trade.
The team’s findings were detailed in a new paper, “Cherax pulverulentus, a new freshwater crayfish (Decapoda: Parastacidae) from Southwest Papua Province, Indonesia,” which was published in Zootaxa on January 9, 2025.
Micah Hanks is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of The Debrief. He can be reached by email at micah@thedebrief.org. Follow his work at micahhanks.com and on X: @MicahHanks.