Panther Crab
Parathelphusa pantherina
What you need to keep a Panther Crab
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pH
7.5–8.5
Temperature
25–30 °C
Where to buy
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Panther Crab is a large, fully aquatic freshwater crab from Sulawesi, known for its beautiful orange-yellow shell covered in dark spots. They are territorial and can be aggressive towards tank mates, so they are best kept in a species-only tank with plenty of space. They require warm, alkaline water to replicate their native lake environment.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Panther Crab healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
Add it only to a fully cycled, mature tank: invertebrates tolerate ammonia and nitrite far worse than fish. Use a tight lid and give plenty of caves: crabs and crayfish escape and need a safe spot to moult.
Water parameters
Keep pH 7.5–8.5 and 25–30°C. Never use copper: most fish medications and some plant fertilisers contain it and it kills invertebrates. Drip-acclimate over at least an hour.
Feeding
Carnivore. Remove uneaten food within a few hours so it doesn't foul the water.
Behaviour
It hides after moulting while the new shell hardens: leave the old shell in the tank, it eats it back for minerals.
Tankmates
Panther Crab can catch slow or sleeping fish and will eat smaller invertebrates. Keep it with fast, robust fish.
Breeding
Whether Panther Crab breeds at home depends on the species' larval stage; many need brackish or marine conditions to raise young.
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.