Vampire crab

Overview

Vampire crabs are several Geosesarma species from the rainforests of Southeast Asia, mainly Indonesia. Their carapace is about 0.8-1.2 in (2-3 cm) and combines bold colors (purple, red, orange or black) with glowing yellow eyes, which is where the name comes from; they do not drink blood.

The key point is that this is not an aquarium animal: it is semi-terrestrial, spends most of its time on damp land and only enters water to drink, soak and breed. In a regular fish tank it will drown or escape. For anyone building a paludarium, though, it is a beautiful and lively pet.

Care and tank setup

It needs a paludarium of at least 10 gallons (40 L), ideally with a 24 x 12 in (60 x 30 cm) footprint: about two-thirds land and one-third shallow water just a couple of inches deep, with easy exits. The lid must seal well, because they climb damp glass and squeeze through gaps.

• Environment: 72-82 °F (22-28 °C) and high humidity (70-90%), with coco fiber or fertilizer-free terrarium soil, moss, leaf litter, bark and hides.
• Water: dechlorinated and changed often; the water area fouls quickly.
• Tankmates: one male with two or three females. Several males in a small space will fight, and they eat small animals. Do not keep them with fish in an aquarium.

Most are wild-caught, so look for captive-bred crabs when possible, and never release them.

Feeding

They are opportunistic omnivores. Offer crab and shrimp foods, sinking pellets, small insects (fruit flies, pinhead crickets), bits of fish or shrimp, ripe fruit and vegetables. Feed small portions every other day in the evening and remove leftovers to prevent mold on the land area.

Breeding

Unlike many crabs, they have no ocean larval stage: the female carries a few large eggs under her abdomen for several weeks, and fully formed baby crabs emerge. That is why they can breed in a freshwater paludarium. The babies are tiny and need moss, hiding spots and fine food; removing the adults or isolating the female improves survival.

Compatible tank mates

Species from our database that share water parameters, size and temperament with the Vampire crab. Calculated from the data in each profile.

Check the compatibility of your whole tank →

What not to keep it with

Popular species you shouldn’t house with the Vampire crab, and why.

• Cherry barb: one may eat the other due to size
• Panda cory: one may eat the other due to size
• Zebra danio: one may eat the other due to size
• Guppy: one may eat the other due to size
• Otocinclus catfish: one may eat the other due to size
• Ram cichlid: one may eat the other due to size
• Harlequin rasbora: one may eat the other due to size
• Celestial pearl danio: one may eat the other due to size

Recommended equipment

What you need to keep the Vampire crab healthy, checked against Amazon stock.