Vampire Crab (Geosesarma sp.) Care Guide

A small, strikingly colored semi-terrestrial crab with bright purple or orange legs and yellow eyes. Requires a paludarium setup with both land and water areas.

Overview

Geosesarma sp. is a species in the family Sesarmidae. A small, strikingly colored semi-terrestrial crab with bright purple or orange legs and yellow eyes. Requires a paludarium setup with both land and water areas. Mostly nocturnal and territorial with its own kind but fascinating to observe.

Taxonomy

Family: Sesarmidae
Genus: Geosesarma
Scientific name: Geosesarma sp.
Other names: Geosesarma Crab
Origin: Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Sulawesi

Habitat

Geosesarma species are small, semi-terrestrial crabs from forest floors and stream margins of Southeast Asia, notably Sulawesi, Indonesia. They live largely out of water on damp substrate and require a paludarium with both land and shallow water.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 30 L
Temperature: 22-28 °C
pH: 7.5-8.5
GH: 4-16 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 2-3 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 Vampire Crabs
Avoid with: Fish, Shrimp