Vampire Crab

Geosesarma sp.

Description

Vampire crabs are a newly described species of semi-terrestrial crab from the genus Geosesarma. They are one of the most colorific crabs to become available, regularly exhibiting orange, purple, red, yellow and black. Why vampire? Most likely they get their name thanks to their red eyes, which become evident at sub-adulthood. The are interesting in that they are one of very few “true” freshwater crabs with the ability to live and breed without making a mecca to the ocean. They are live-bearers giving birth to fully developed baby crabs. They grow to about a ¾ of an inch wide (carapace without legs) and can live for at least several years.

Natural Habitat

Vampire crabs are native to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi (formerly Celebes). They inhabit forests near sources of running freshwater. From our observations, they spend about half of their time on land and half in shallow freshwater pools.

Artificial Habitat

One of our favorite aspects of vampire crabs is that they lend themselves to elaborate paladarium setups and can be kept with many other fascinating species. They do extraordinarily well on biofoam inserts with heavy vegetation and ample hiding and climbing areas.

Diet

Like most crabs, vampire crabs are scavengers and will eat most anything but seem to have a propensity for corn, peas and other legumes. Ours also seem particularly fond of small crickets. Additionally, they will eat carrion, other insects and fish (although the last is fed on opportunistically, as they seem to prefer slower moving food items).

Caveats

So far the only caveat we know of is the general lack of knowledge about these crabs. We have been keeping them for nearly two years without problems and have had dozens of babies.