Photo: AverageWalrus, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Vampire crab
Geosesarma dennerle
2.2 cm
Adult size
40 L
Minimum volume
3
Minimum group
—
Lifespan
Size: carapace width.
Water parameters
Understand these valuesHardness (GH): not given by the sources
Carbonate hardness (KH): not given by the sources
- Genus
- Geosesarma
- Diet
- omnivore
- Social life
- small group
- Activity
- nocturnal
- Adult habitat
- fresh water
- Breeding
- in fresh water
In the wild
Overview
The vampire crab combines a purple body with yellow or orange eyes. Native to Java, it lives in contact with damp land. Its small size and colour must not lead to keeping it as a mere bottom dweller in an aquarium.
- Scientific name
- Geosesarma dennerle Ng, Schubart & Lukhaup, 2015
- Classification
- Decapoda › Sesarmidae
- IUCN Red List
- Not evaluated (NE)
Natural habitat
Endemic to the island of Java (Indonesia)
Native countries Rivers and lakes
This small, mostly terrestrial crab lives in dense vegetation, under and between rocks near streams, and sometimes digs burrows in soft soil. According to local collectors, its populations are declining: collecting it for the hobby is not sustainable.
Behaviour
Nocturnal, it lives in small groups and defends its territory. It hunts small insects and larvae and helps recycle decaying plant matter.
In the aquarium
Care and setup
Set up a dedicated paludarium with an accessible land area, hiding places and a water area. Refuges are essential during moults. Look for animals of documented origin.
Feeding
It is omnivorous with a preference for meaty foods.
Breeding
The female carries the eggs under her abdomen. Fully formed little crabs appear and scatter through the decor.
Sources:Fishipedia GBIF · Base map: Natural Earth