- Tank Setup. Vampire Crabs of the Geosesarma genus are among the few species of true freshwater crab. ...
- Diet. Vampire Crabs are omnivorous and will happily eat many different foods. Live food such as crickets, earthworms, or brine shrimp are good sources of protein.
- Breeding. There isn’t a great amount of information on breeding Vampire Crabs available. ...
- Closing Thoughts. Vampire Crabs are weird. They’re tiny little freshwater crabs that existed in the pet trade before scientists even knew where they came from.
What do vampire crabs eat in a tank?
Vampire Crabs will happily eat most foods you add to their tank but ensure you include enough variety to keep them eager to feed and avoid boredom. Spinach, peas, and broccoli are always welcomed. Ideally, you should feed your crabs once a day and keep varying your food sources to give them an enriched diet.
How often should I Feed my vampire crabs?
Ideally, you should feed your crabs once a day and keep varying your food sources to give them an enriched diet. For Vampire Crabs, the most common issues that affect them are things like parasites, fungal infections, and bacterial infections if they do get sick.
What is the best way to care for a vampire crab?
The temperature should be in the range of 70°F to 82°F and pH should be 7.5-8.0. Perform water changes every month to prevent a buildup of ammonia and nitrates. A filter is necessary to help keep the water clean. Vampire Crabs are sensitive to poor conditions so react quickly if there are any changes in their environment.
What do crabs eat in captivity?
In the wild environment, these crabs are scavengers, eating both dead plant matter and meaty foods like insects and small fish. That makes feeding these crabs in captivity pretty straightforward.
What do vampire crabs eat?
A varied diet of live baby crickets, earthworm pieces, fish flakes, brine shrimp and even fresh vegetables ensure your pet Vampire Crab remains healthy. Remember that these little guys are scavengers, so feeding them once a day should be sufficient.
Do vampire crabs need land?
Vampire Crabs live on the edges of rivers and lakes. This gives them access to land and water to satisfy their semi-terrestrial lifestyle. These habitats are usually dense with plants, both on land and in the water. Many people add these crabs to paludariums because of their need for plants in their environment.
Will vampire crabs eat insects?
What do vampire crabs eat, you ask? In the wild environment, these crabs are scavengers, eating both dead plant matter and meaty foods like insects and small fish. That makes feeding these crabs in captivity pretty straightforward.
Do vampire crabs need saltwater?
Natural Habitat of the Vampire Crab They live in forests (between rocks and among the dense vegetation) near freshwater rivers and lakes. They do not depend on saltwater for development.
How many vampire crabs should I keep together?
The ideal tank size for Vampire Crabs is about 10 gallons. This will offer plenty of room to roam and will allow you to keep half a dozen together without any issues. You'll see a lot of owners keeping them in tanks as small as 5 gallons (and care guides recommending this tank size as well).
How do you take care of a vampire crab?
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Are Vampire crabs fully aquatic?
Although they are actually not fully aquatic and therefore cannot live in a completely filled tank, vampire crabs are included here because they do still need access to an area with fresh water.
Can vampire crabs live with tree frogs?
They do not cohabitate in the wild but the care sheets for the two animals are almost identical.
Origins
Vampire crabs ( Geosesarma spp.) are a very rare species that come from the island of Java in Indonesia. They typically inhabit the freshwater rivers on that island.
Color and Appearance
Vampire crabs have a deep, vibrant purple color with wild yellow eyes.
Behavior and Tank Mates
Vampire crabs are peaceful but very shy. They primarily spend their time hiding in plants on land or in the water.
Tank Setup
Vampire crabs need access to both land and water. A 10 gallon (40 l) tank is a good minimum for this species.
Food and Diet
Vampire crabs are omnivores and can be fed any commercial shrimp food.
Breeding
Breeding this species in captivity is no easy task, some say it’s near impossible. Because of this, there is not much information available on how to successfully breed vampire crabs.
Closing Thoughts
If you are looking to add a new species to your aquarium and want something unusual, mysterious, and beautiful, then the vampire crab is the perfect fit!
What is a vampire crab guide?
This Vampire Crab guide will serve as a mentor that will teach things that aquarium pets aficionados need to learn about Vampire Crab and how to raise them
Where can I find vampire crabs?
The Vampire Crabs thrive primarily throughout Krakatau and Java. You can also find them all over South Asia. They also have been spotted in places like Hawaii in the Pacific.
How to make a paludarium for a vampire crab?
It needs to have more land than water. Keep the recommended amount of land and water , because it is already the most suitable paludarium set up for Vampire Crabs in the tank.
How long do vampire crabs live?
The typical lifespan of Vampire Crabs is only up to 2 years – whether in the wild or in captivity Poorfy maintained surroundings or habitats make them sick and can shorten their lifespan. They are easy to care for, but it doesn’t mean that their owners can neglect their living conditions.
How many legs does a vampire crab have?
The most striking thing about a Vampire Crab is its appearance. It has a similar profile to that of other small crabs. It has ten legs, including the big claws or pincers.
Why do pathogens thrive in aquariums?
When new tank mates from a pet store join the tank, many pathogens get mixed in. Pathogens thrive in water with poor conditions. The unhealthy state of the water allows the pathogens to proliferate. Keep the tank clean to hinder the pathogens from causing trouble to the inhabitants of the aquarium.
How to make crabs live longer?
It should have little water movement. To make the crabs live out their lifespan happily, make sure to provide them with living conditions that are similar to their natural habitat.
How many gallons of water do vampire crabs need?
The ideal tank size for Vampire Crabs is about 10 gallons. This will offer plenty of room to roam and will allow you to keep half a dozen together without any issues.
What is the water to land ratio for vampire crabs?
Many seasoned Vampire Crab owners recommend a land to water ratio of 80/20. Luckily, that’s not a lot of water in the tank to maintain! In the wild, you can find these crabs living in dense forest rivers and lakes. Both the land and water portion needs to have a lot of plants.
What is the best crustacean for a tank?
If you’re looking for a standout crustacean for your tank, there’s no better choice than the Vampire Crab ( Geosesarma dennerle ). These aptly named creatures are incredibly mysterious and have a somewhat hazy history.
What color are vampire crabs?
When it comes to coloration, Vampire Crabs are one of the most fascinating creatures to observe. Their bodies are covered in dark purple. The color is brightest on their legs and claws. With some specimens, the claws take on a lighter pink hue. Typically, the body is a bit darker.
How many legs does a vampire crab have?
The most interesting thing about Vampire Crabs is, without a doubt, their appearance! Their profile is similar to that of other small crabs. They have a total of ten legs! This includes their two big pinchers.
How long do vampire crabs live?
The typical Vampire Crab lifespan is around 2 years at most. This is the same when kept in captivity or in the wild. As you would expect, their lifespan is determined by several factors. A poorly maintained environment can cause disease and shorten their life expectancy by quite a bit.
Where do Geosesarma crabs come from?
Scientifically referred to as Geosesarma Dennerle, these crabs come from small islands in the Indian Ocean. They have been found living in Java, Sulawesi, Riau, and Krakatau. However, they’ve also been distributed throughout Asia and the Western Pacific.
Vampire Crab Facts
These colourful crabs are known for their deep purple bodies with creamy white spotting, lighter pink claws and, glowing yellow, bright orange, or red eyes on their head. The Vampire Crab has an average body size of 1-2” (2.5 – 5cm) and can grow to a maximum body span of 2.5” (_cm).
Vampire Crab Food & Diet
These crabs are omnivores and will readily accept most foods that they are offered. The Vampire Crab can be fed meat-based foods such as bloodworms, earthworms, and brine shrimp as well as plant-based foods such as dried flakes and pellets, algae, and dry plants or leaves.
Vampire Crab Tank Mates
The ideal tankmates for a Vampire Crab is other Vampire Crabs. They are peaceful amongst their species, and it is recommended to keep a single male for every two females to prevent aggressive behaviour.
Breeding Vampire Crab
Due to the limited information available, there is no established breeding method for Vampire Crabs. It is likely breeding will occur on its own with your mature crabs. A female Vampire Crab will carry up to 80 eggs and after 1 month, they will give birth to live, fully formed baby crabs into freshwater.
Conclusion
Vampire Crabs found in pet stores are typically wild-bred specimens as there are no established captive-bred enterprises. If you are looking to purchase your Vampire Crab in a pet store you can expect to pay between $15 – $25USD.
Species Overview
The Vampire Crab belongs to the Sesarmidae family and has the scientific name Geosesarmadennerle. They are known to be quite mysterious and intriguing, and not many people know much about their history.
Lifespan
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to enjoy Vampire Crabs for a long time, even if you breed them yourselves. This is because they have one of the shortest lifespans among aquatic creatures.
Appearance
Vampire Crabs steal the show with their appearance, and they are quite fascinating to watch. They resemble smaller crabs of other species, having eight legs and two big pinchers.
Size
Vampire Crabs are quite tiny as compared to other types of crabs you may have seen, and their average size is no more than 2 inches wide. This means that you will have to watch up close if you want to see exactly what they are doing inside the tank.
Vampire Crab Care
In essence, caring for Vampire Crabs is quite easy. It is the lack of authentic care information and guidelines that causes confusion among aquarium owners.
What do Vampire Crabs Eat?
Another thing that makes the care of Vampire Crabs easier is the fact that they aren’t particularly picky eaters. Since they are omnivores, they eat whatever they find in the wild, including smaller creatures, insects, plant detritus, and much more.
Behavior & Temperament
True to their name, Vampire Crabs are nocturnal and stay away from the light as much as possible. Therefore, they are more active after sunset.
Why do vampire crabs need a filter?
A filter is necessary to help keep the water clean. Vampire Crabs are sensitive to poor conditions so react quickly if there are any changes in their environment. Water testing kits are useful for making sure the conditions are consistent. Live plants are essential for recreating their habitat in the wild.
When were vampire crabs first described?
Vampire Crabs have a strange history. Though they’ve been kept as pets for a long time, nobody knew where they came from. It wasn’t until 2006 that they were first described.
What is the best crustacean to start a tank with?
People looking to start a new tank of crustaceans have come to the right place. Vampire Crabs are an excellent choice, they have become very popular.
Why do people put crabs in paludariums?
Many people add these crabs to paludariums because of their need for plants in their environment.
How long do crabs sit in water?
Usually, they will find a spot in the tank and sit there for hours.
What is a vampire's color?
The term “vampire” isn’t used because of their behavior or feeding habits, it’s because of their purple colors and bright yellow eyes.
How much do crustaceans cost?
They cost in the range of $10-$20; larger individuals tend to be more expensive. These crustaceans are fairly simple to care for, but you should learn their specific requirements before purchasing any. If you keep them healthy, they should live for 2 years, which is the same as their lifespan in the wild.
How many gallons of water do vampire crabs need?
Vampire crabs are very small, so you can keep them in a small tank. We recommend an aquarium of at least 10 gallons for a group of up to six crabs. If you want to keep more than that, you’ll need to increase the size of your tank accordingly.
Where do vampire crabs live?
Vampire crabs inhabit the warm, slightly alkaline freshwaters of lakes and river edges where there’s little or no current. That enables the crabs to live both in the water and on land, too.
How long do vampire crabs live in captivity?
In both the wild and captivity, these crabs have a lifespan of around two years, as long as you feed them properly and provide them with clean water.
How often do vampire crabs molt?
Crabs have a protective exoskeleton to keep them safe from predators. That hard shell doesn’t grow with the crab. When the creature outgrows the shell, it must discard it and grow a new, larger one through a process called molting.
Are vampire crabs aggressive?
Unfortunately, vampire crabs can be aggressive. You can safely keep groups of these crabs together without incident, but they will attack and eat small fish and other species of crab.
Do vampire crabs make good pets?
Vampire crabs are extremely easy to care for, which makes them a good choice for a beginner who’s looking to keep something other than fish.
What is the scientific name of a vampire crab?
Vampire crabs are sold in many fish and pet stores. The crabs’ scientific name is Geosesarma sp. , and they make up the whole genus.
What is a vampire crab?
Vampire Crabs are weird. They’re tiny little freshwater crabs that existed in the pet trade before scientists even knew where they came from. They chill out on land or in the water, they’re bright purple (purple!) and they live-bear their young. If you’re looking for a pet that’s a bit different; but also easy to look after, there are few better or stranger options.
How many vampire crabs can live in a 10 gallon aquarium?
They are not territorial or aggressive to one another, so will live happily in a small group. Roughly half a dozen crabs can be kept together in a 10 gallon (40 litre) aquarium. The water should be heated to 70F (21C), but are flexible to within a few degrees either way.
How many young crabs are produced at a time?
Young crabs will usually hide among rocks and plants and can be difficult to spot. Keepers report that between 3-10 young are produced at a time.
Where do vampire crabs live?
They’ve existed in the pet trade for a decade or so, but the species was only officially discovered last year. They live in tropical rivers on the island of Java — an environment that can be easily (and attractively) ...
Where do squid live?
They’ve existed in the pet trade for a decade or so, but the species was only officially discovered last year. They live in tropical rivers on the island of Java — an environment that can be easily (and attractively) replicated in an aquarium. Photograph by Chris Lukhapu.
Origins
Color and Appearance
Behavior and Tank Mates
- Vampire crabs are peaceful but very shy. They primarily spend their time hiding in plants on land or in the water. The best tank mate for the vampire crab is other vampire crabs! Freshwater shrimp and snailsmake good companions as well. Like with the Thai micro crab, fish can cohabit with this species, but it may be best to avoid them as fish can make a tasty snack out of the tiny …
Tank Setup
- Vampire crabs need access to both land and water. A 10 gallon(40 l) tank is a good minimum for this species. A small group of around 3-6 members would live happily in a tank this size. If you are unable to purchase or make a paludarium, it is possible to make a standard aquarium work as well. All you need is a basking platform intended for turtles. Floating driftwood, plants, and tall ro…
Food and Diet
- Vampire crabs are omnivoresand can be fed any commercial shrimp food. Live options, especially earthworms, are an important staple. Vegetable-based foods should also be provided, algae and blanched veggies will gladly be accepted. A varied diet is a healthy diet! Always give your animals different food optionsto ensure optimum health. Vampire crabs...
Breeding
- Breeding this species in captivity is no easy task, some say it’s near impossible. Because of this, there is not much information available on how to successfully breed vampire crabs. What is known about this species is that they are egg layers, and the females hold the eggs until they hatch.
Closing Thoughts
- If you are looking to add a new species to your aquarium and want something unusual, mysterious, and beautiful, then the vampire crab is the perfect fit! As always, be sure to do your research beforehand and think carefully before buying any animal. I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please leave a message below!
Appearance
- The most striking thing about a Vampire Crab is its appearance. It has a similar profile to that of other small crabs. It has ten legs, including the big claws or pincers. Most vampire crabs that are suitable for tanks or aquariums have deep purple color especially their legs, including the claws.Some species have pincers with a lighter tint of pink. The carapace or the main body has …
Size
- The Vampire Crab measures 2 inches, induding the legs. The carapace itself only measures 1 inch wide. Even though it is small, it does not lack any defining features of a crab. Anyone can recognize it easily at a glance. When appreciating the beauty of the Vampire Crabs, it is best to take a look at them at close range. Lots of people find it surprising that this crab has a small siz…
Lifespan
- The typical lifespan of Vampire Crabs is only up to 2 years– whether in the wild or in captivity Poorfy maintained surroundings or habitats make them sick and can shorten their lifespan. They are easy to care for, but it doesn’t mean that their owners can neglect their living conditions. Like other creatures,there’s a need to provide them with comfortable living conditions and an environ…
Food and Diet
- Vampire Crabs are not fussy eaters and there’s no need to worry too much about what to feed them. They are omnivores by birth, and they typically eat anything that they can get in the wild. Plant detritus and insects are their primary sources of food if they are in their natural habitat. They can eat the same things even if they are to live in a ta...
Typical Temperament and Behavior
- Crabs are semi-terrestrial. It means they enjoy being in the water for some time, but they also like to spend time on land. They usually look for a dry area in the tank and rest there for several hours. It’s not surprising to see the Vampire Crabs being much more active when night comes. They are mostly nocturnal and will naturally enjoy nighttime. The Vampire Crabs have a hard exoskeleton …
Crab Care
- Providing care for the Vampire Crabs should not be difficult to do. Sadly, the usual information about these crustaceans does not offer much. The owners tend to commit lots of mistakes when providing care for their Vampire Crabs. While it is true that Vampire Crabs are easy to care for and they can be quite hardy, the owner still needs to provide them with a perfectly crafted environme…
Possible Diseases
- Vampire Crabs do not get sick often, but it is still possible for them to get ill.They can contract parasites, fungal issues, bacterial infections, and other diseases that may also harm the fish. They are not susceptible to Ich or white spot disease, which often targets the fish. However, they can serve as carriers of the pathogens that can cause the disease. It is important to quarantine the c…
Habitat and Tank Conditions
- The Vampire Crabs thrive primarily throughout Krakatau and Java.You can also find them all over South Asia. They also have been spotted in places like Hawaii in the Pacific. In their natural habitat, Vampire Crabs thrive on the edges of lakes and rivers It gives them the perfect access to land and water that they want. Such areas can satisfy their semi-terrestrial lifestyle The natural h…
Tank Conditions
- To create the ideal paludarium for the crabs, follow the 80:20 ratio of land to water.It needs to have more land than water. Keep the recommended amount of land and water, because it is already the most suitable paludarium set up for Vampire Crabs in the tank. There are various ways to create the land portion. The caretaker can start with the preparation of a large platform. He/s…
Tank Size
- The ideal tank to use is around 10 gallons. Some may say that it is all right to use a 5-gallon tank, but this will limit the movement of the crabs. A small tank can get dirty fast, which means more work for the caretaker. Giving the crabs lots of room to roam can make them happy. Even though they are small and do not move much when they are resting, the crabs can be more comfortabl…
Species Summary
Appearance
Average Size
- The average size of a Vampire Crab is about 2 inches wide. If you want to observe all their beauty you’ll have to get in close! This measurement includes their leg span. The carapace, which is their main body, is only about an inch wide. Author Note:Their small size is actually surprising to a lot of people. There’s something about the pictures of these crabs that make them look larger than …
Vampire Crab Care
- Vampire Crab care doesn’t have to be challenging. Unfortunately, the lack of information about these critters has led to a lot of mistakes by owners. This species can be quite hardy. But, that’s only true if you’re providing them with the right care. Vampire Crabs need a perfectly crafted environment to truly thrive. You can’t expect the crabs to live healthy lives with basic decor and s…
Food & Diet
- Vampire crabs aren’t picky eaters at all. They’re natural omnivores that usually take what they can get in the wild. In their natural habitat, insects and plant detritus are the main choices for food. The same can be done in your aquarium as well. They do fine with live food like bloodworms, brine shrimp, larvae, and earthworms. However, they can a...
Behavior & Temperament
- These crabs have a very fitting name. They’re largely nocturnal and will spend most of their days hiding away from the light. It’s when the sun goes down that they are truly active. They will roam the tank and spend time on land and in water. Usually, they will lay motionless in a preferred spot for hours on end. This is completely normal, so don’t be alarmed. Several times throughout their …
Vampire Crab Tank Mates
- The best tank mates for Vampire Crabs are going to be other Vampire Crabs. In fact, they do best in groups. As we mentioned earlier, fighting others of the same species isn’t too common. We recommend keeping a single male with two females. This will prevent any aggressive behavior around mating season. Other appropriate tank mates include large freshwater aquarium snails a…
Breeding
- Because not a lot of information is known about Vampire Crabs, there aren’t any established breeding methods around. In most cases, the creatures will just breed on their own time. When this happens, the male will get on top of the female to fertilize the eggs. The female will then carry between 20 and 80 eggs for about a month. After they hatch, you’ll notice fully-formed Vampire …
Still Interested?
- As you can see, Vampire Crab care is a bit different. Unlike a lot of the other animals you see in the aquarium scene, these semi-terrestrial critters have their own set of rules. However, their beauty makes it all worthwhile. If you have any stories, tips, or photos that you’d like to see added to this guide, just let us know! We’re fascinated by these creatures and want to provide the best r…