Vampire Crab
Geosesarma dennerle
What you need to keep a Vampire Crab
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pH
7–8
Temperature
22–26 °C
Where to buy
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
Vampire Crabs are stunning semi-terrestrial crabs with vibrant purple bodies and contrasting yellow eyes. They require a paludarium setup with both land and water areas. These crabs are social with their own kind and can be kept in groups, providing a fascinating display of behavior.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Vampire 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 7–8 and 22–26°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
Vampire Crab can catch slow or sleeping fish and will eat smaller invertebrates. Keep it with fast, robust fish.
Breeding
Vampire Crab breeds readily in a stable, predator-free tank.
Community photos
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Market intelligence
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
Price history — last 90 days
SA price range this month: R300–700 · Average: R520
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