Red Claw Crab (Perisesarma bidens) Care Guide

A small semi-terrestrial crab with distinctive bright red claws and a dark brown to olive body. Requires a brackish paludarium with land access, as it spends significant time out of water.

Overview

Perisesarma bidens is a species in the family Sesarmidae. A small semi-terrestrial crab with distinctive bright red claws and a dark brown to olive body. Requires a brackish paludarium with land access, as it spends significant time out of water. Territorial and may be aggressive toward conspecifics.

Taxonomy

Family: Sesarmidae
Genus: Perisesarma
Scientific name: Perisesarma bidens
Other names: Red Clawed Crab, Mini Crab
Origin: Southeast Asia, East Asia

Habitat

Perisesarma bidens, a brackish-water crab from mangrove estuaries and tidal mudflats of East and Southeast Asia. It is amphibious, requiring access to land, and is an opportunistic omnivore feeding on detritus, plant matter and small animals.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 40 L
Temperature: 22-28 °C
pH: 7.5-8.5
GH: 8-20 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 4-6 cm
Lifespan: 2-3 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Other Red Claw Crabs
Avoid with: Small Fish, Shrimp, Snails