Pet traders sold the crayfish under a variety of names, but scientists had never formally classified them — until now. A Cherax pulverulentus, or dusty crayfish, showing the “purple” coloring.

Pet traders sold the crayfish under a variety of names, but scientists had never formally classified them — until now. A Cherax pulverulentus, or dusty crayfish, showing the “purple” coloring.

Researchers in Czechia acquired several freshwater crayfish from a pet trader specializing in “ornamental aquatic animals,” according to a study published Aug. 10 in the journal Zootaxa.

Pet traders sold the crayfish under a variety of names, but scientists had never formally classified them — until now. A Cherax pulverulentus, or dusty crayfish, showing the “purple” coloring.

Pet traders sold the crayfish under a variety of names, but scientists had never formally classified them — until now. A Cherax pulverulentus, or dusty crayfish, showing the “purple” coloring.

Pet traders sold the crayfish under a variety of names, but scientists had never formally classified them — until now. A Cherax pulverulentus, or dusty crayfish, showing the “purple” coloring.

Within the pet trade, the creature is known as the “tiger crayfish,” researchers said. The tiger crayfish, like other crayfish, burrow into the silty bottoms of creeks, researchers said.

Pet traders sold the crayfish under a variety of names, but scientists had never formally classified them — until now. A Cherax pulverulentus, or dusty crayfish, showing the “purple” coloring.

Pet traders sold the crayfish under a variety of names, but scientists had never formally classified them — until now. A Cherax pulverulentus, or dusty crayfish, showing the “purple” coloring.

Within the pet trade, the creature is known as the “tiger crayfish,” researchers said. The tiger crayfish, like other crayfish, burrow into the silty bottoms of creeks, researchers said.