Vampire Crab

Vampire Crabs bring bright color, raised eyes, and intriguing climbing behavior to a planted paludarium. They are small land-oriented crabs that explore damp cover and sheltered banks, so their enclosure needs to provide a substantial terrestrial habitat as well as accessible freshwater.

Animal details

• Scientific name: Geosesarma sp.; the familiar purple Vampire Crab is G. dennerle
• Size offered: Contact us for the current size
• Adult size: Usually around 2 cm across the shell; leg span is larger
• Origin: Southeast Asia; G. dennerle is native to Java, Indonesia
• Water type: Semi-terrestrial with a freshwater section
• Temperament: Can be territorial, especially if space or hiding places are limited

Recommended enclosure conditions

• Enclosure: A planted paludarium of 10 US gallons or larger; 20 gallons offers more room for a small group
• Layout: Approximately 70–80% land with a shallow, easily exited water area
• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• Humidity: High humidity, around 75–90%, with ventilation

Use moisture-holding substrate, leaf litter, cork or wood, and many small retreats. Provide gentle slopes or textured exits from the water. Keep the land damp without allowing the whole enclosure to become waterlogged. A secure lid prevents climbing escapes.

Diet and feeding

Offer small insects or other suitable invertebrate foods, quality crustacean foods, and some vegetable material. Place food on accessible land near cover and vary the menu. Remove uneaten food before it spoils in the warm, humid enclosure.

Compatibility and care

Keep a single identified species together and provide more hides than crabs. Separate animals if persistent fighting occurs. A normal aquarium filled with water is unsuitable. Avoid large companions or animals that compete for the same sheltered spaces. Keep the freshwater area clean, allow undisturbed molting, and confirm the current species or color form before combining it with an existing group.

Sizes are approximate. Contact Las Vegas Exotic Fish at (702) 685-5100 to confirm availability or discuss your setup.