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  • Thai Micro Crab – Complete Care Guide

    Thai Micro Crab Facts

    The Thai Micro Crab is an incredibly small crab species that are not commonly seen in this hobby. It is a freshwater crab species that looks like a small spider and it will not get larger than 1/2 of an inch! Thai Micro Crabs are fully aquatic so they will not require any land area in their enclosure. Although they are not very commonly seen at Pet Stores, you can often find Thai Micro Crabs for sale at AquaticArts. This Micro Crab is not recommended for beginner aquarium keepers, because of their small size. If you’re looking for crabs that are larger and/or partially terrestrial, check out 9 Unique Terrestrial, Semi-Terrestrial, Brackish & Freshwater Crabs. This article will cover aquarium requirements, food and diet, tank mates, and more for the Thai Micro Crab.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Thai Micro Crabs are a much smaller species of crab, this makes them excellent for nano fish tanks. These crabs will do well in aquariums that are about 2 gallons or larger. Larger aquarium’s water parameters are likely to be more stable so I always recommend at least a little larger fish tank. Their enclosure should also be full of a variety of aquatic plants, and caves/rockwork for them to hide in.

    Water parameters are important for aquatic animals, and it is no exception for this crab. The following are the recommended water parameters for the Thai Micro Crab:

    • Temperature: 72°-82° F
    • pH: 6.5 – 8.0
    • KH: 6 – 15 dKH

    This little crab should settle in its new home beautifully if the water parameters in the aquarium match what it needs. Keep in mind that many invertebrates are incredibly sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters such as the ones above, but also to nitrates, phosphates, and many others!

    Food & Diet

    For the most part, the Thai Micro Crab should be able to find food on its own. They will primarily filter feed using little hairs on their claws. However, like most crabs, they are opportunists and may try to make a meal out of some small invertebrates such as shrimp. They are too small to cause harm to most fish. If your aquarium is not completely mature, consider feeding this Micro Crab flake food or pellet food.

    Tank Mates

    The Thai Micro Crab is incredibly peaceful. It mostly keeps to itself and will not harm most inhabitants of the aquarium. It may take a chance at a small invertebrate, but most fish are safe around this crab. I would be more worried of certain fish trying to eat the Thai Micro Crab due to its incredibly small size. I would keep this crab with fish such as:

    • Neon Tetra
    • Ember Tetra
    • Endler’s Live Bearers
    • Harlequin Rasbora
    • Other peaceful small mouthed fish

    I would not house this crab with larger fish or fish that can fit the Micro Thai Crab into its mouth. Fish such as Angelfish, Rams, Kribensis, and larger may think this crab is food!

    Breeding

    After researching the topic, it seems that the Thai Micro Crab is incredibly hard to breed. If it breeds successfully, the offspring do not survive very long. If you have any success or more information on this topic, please consider sharing it!

    Final Notes

    The Thai Micro Crab is an excellent invertebrate to add to your freshwater fish tank if you have a proper setup. If you’re looking to add a crab to your aquarium, really consider this species. They will not bother fish or plants, and they are not destructive like crayfish. They can be hard to find for sale but with a little patience, one will pop up.

  • Red Devil Crab – Complete Care Guide

    Red Devil Crab – Complete Care Guide

    Red Devil Crab Information

    Red Devil Crabs are a species of small semi-terrestrial crab that are native to Indonesia. They’re incredibly vibrant with their mostly red & orange colorations. These are much different than the similarly named Thai Devil Crab, so do not mistaken the two. Red Devil Crabs can be great pets but, in my opinion, you really have to love them. I am saying this because they’re not incredibly active, you should not physically handle them like you would other animals and they’re skittish. They’re a great pet, if you’re ok with not seeing them all the time and if you provide them with the proper habitat.

    Aquarium Requirements

    The Red Devil Crab will require at least half of its enclosure to be terrestrial and the other half having water. You will most likely need to design a paludarium for this species of crab. A male and two females should do well in a 5 gallon aquarium. If you want more crabs, you’ll have to get a larger enclosure. They’re much different from fully aquatic freshwater crabs such as: Pom Pom Crabs, Panther Crabs, and the Thai Micro Crab. Red Devil Crabs live along forest streams and rivers in the wild. It usually hangs out on the land but will occasionally drop in the water, especially to molt.

    Your paludarium should reflect its natural habitat as close as possible. I would recommend adding a lot of mosses, driftwood and rocks for a hardscape. Also, adding a bunch of leaf litter is and other vegetation will give this crab plenty of cover and privacy. It should not eat healthy plants so this gives you plenty of options to scaping the enclosure.

    Like most other crabs, Red Devil Crabs are excellent climbers and escape artists. You should provide a tight fitting lid to guarantee this crab does not escape from your enclosure. A tight lid will also help keep humidity levels at a higher level which is important for the Red Devil Crab.

    Invertebrates are usually a little more sensitive to water parameter fluctuations and quality. The Red Devil Crab is no different. The overall temperature of its enclosure should sit between 75° and 82° F (24° – 28° C). Humidity levels should be 75% or higher. The water portion of the terrarium should have the following parameters:

    • Temperature 75° – 80° F
    • pH 7.5 – 8.0
    • KH 4 – 10

    This will promote ideal conditions for Red Devil Crabs which will hopefully help keep them healthy and living longer.

    Food & Diet

    Red Devil Crabs are omnivorous scavengers This is similar to just about every other crab out there. This is nice because it opens up many doors to what we can feed them. These freshwater crabs eat primarily plant based foods. I would offer them greens such as lettuce, algae pellets, algae wafers and much more. They will also forage the waters of the paludarium and consume algae and detritus. Because they are opportunistic animals, I would occasionally offer them foods like worms, crickets, and other insects normally found in pet stores.

    If fish are kept in the paludarium, the Red Devil Crab may occasionally make a meal out of them. Make sure the fish you keep are fast moving to help prevent them from becoming lunch. Also, larger and more aggressive fish should not be kept with Red Devil Crabs. Fish I would consider for a paludarium with Red Devil Crabs are:

    Keep in mind that you will have to provide the proper water parameters for any included fish, which can add more work, especially for newer hobbyists.

    Tank Mates

    Red Devil Crabs are very similar to Vampire Crabs in shape, size, and habitat requirements. However, they do best with only Red Devil Crabs. Red Devil Crabs are communal animals but with their own species. They may fight with each other but they will definitely fight with crabs of a different species. They are best kept with a ratio of 1 male to 4 females. This will help settle aggression and lower competition between crabs.

    Breeding

    There is not too much information on Red Devil Crab breeding habits. However, when a female is ready to mate she will allow a male to do so. The female will then hold onto the eggs until it’s time to hatch. She does not require saltwater to successfully release her eggs. The released eggs will more than likely be found in the water without any red colorations. Although not mandatory, consider removing the eggs from the parents’ enclosure because there is a small chance of cannibalization. The young crabs should take care of themselves as long as their is enough water and algae in the aquatic habitat but crushing flakes and food into small pieces will help them acquire additional nutrients to promote growth.

    Final Notes

    Red Devil Crabs are a very wonderful pet if you have the patience for them and are ok with not always seeing them. Remember, these are not aquarium crabs and will require a paludarium. They mostly care for themselves and will not enjoy being handled. Your job is to feed them and provide proper husbandry for their enclosure. Otherwise, enjoy your new semi-aquatic companion!

    Image by Thue on wikiMedia

  • Vampire Crab – Complete Care Guide

    Vampire Crab – Complete Care Guide

    Vampire Crab Summary

    Vampire crabs, sometimes called Purple Vampire Crabs, are vibrant and beautiful invertebrates that are fantastic for a paludarium. They are normally found in varying shades of purple, yellow and black. This semi-terrestrial crab does best surrounded by mosses and plants. The vampire crab spices up and creates a sense of mystery in a paludarium because they may not always be seen. This guide will provide complete care for a vampire crab.

    Crab Information

    The Vampire Crab will grow to be roughly two inches in length and has a life span of about 2 years. It won’t grow to incredibly large sizes. This is good because less space is needed to keep this social crab happy! They are normally peaceful with their own species but males may spar and fight when it is time to mate. Alleviate aggression by adding one male for every two females. This omnivorous species of crab is an excellent scavenger and will forage throughout the paludarium. It will also hunt from time to time so be mindful when keeping it with fish and shrimp.

    This crustacean primarily spends its time on land but will submerge itself in water from time to time. The vampire crab will usually molt while submerged and will often graze on algae while being underwater. Much of this activity may not be seen because the vampire crab is a nocturnal animal!

    The vampire crab is a remarkable escape artist. It can climb wires, plants, silicone on aquariums, and much more to reach the top of the aquarium and escape. It is important to keep the paludarium covered to prevent this.

    Aquarium Requirements

    5 gallons is the minimum tank size for Vampire crabs. Normally, one male and two females can be kept in an enclosure this small. They are social animals so having a single vampire crab isn’t recommended. A half dozen (2 males & 4 females), can be kept in a 10 gallon aquarium. Keeping a ratio of at least 1 male to 2 females is very important to help prevent males from fighting over females.

    The paludarium needs a well-fitted glass top to prevent your crabs from escaping. Having an enclosed habitat will also help keep humidity at a relatively high level which is something a vampire crab requires. They do best with humidity levels at 75% or higher.

    Image by u/Young-One23

    A Vampire Crab paludarium is best when filled with mosses, plants, and leaf litter. Moss, like this one from Amazon, retains water which will help increase humidity levels as well as provide a habitat for small insects your crab can consume. The plants will provide additional cover and help absorb excess nutrients in the soil. Your crab may also scavenge dead/dying foliage. Leaf litter provides cover for your crab to help keep it feeling safe. The enclosure should also have an 80/20 land to water ratio. The water should have temperatures ranging between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (24 – 28 degrees Celsius), pH levels between 7.5 and 8.0, and KH levels between 4 and 10 dKH. Consider getting a Freshwater Master Test Kit to test for nitrates, nitrites, pH, and ammonia.

    Lighting that is sufficient for live plants will work with vampire crabs. They do not need anything in particular because they are nocturnal. Plants that you can keep with Dart Frogs should be great plants for Vampire Crabs. You should install a sponge filter or submersible filter in a crab tank.

    Food & Diet

    Vampire Crabs spend much of their time scavenging and foraging for food in the paludarium but, it’s important to provide them with a well-rounded diet. Because they are omnivorous giving them both vegetative and food high in protein is a must.

    Besides algae and plant matter in the paludarium, vampire crabs can be fed algae pellets, algae flakes, and vegetables to help provide them with proper nutrition. To help supplement their protein requirements foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, live fruit flies, crickets, and protein rich pellets can be given. Be mindful that live fruit flies and crickets can escape and get around your home. Supplement food with reptile safe calcium powder, like Zoo Med Reptile Calcium or place small cuttlebone pieces in the paludarium to provide additional calcium for your crabs.

    Tank Mates

    Vampire crabs are great with other vampire crabs. They may become territorial and fight with other species of crab such as Red Devil Crabs & Fiddler Crabs. Do not keep them with reptiles and amphibians. The reptile/amphibian will get picked on or the vampire crabs may get eaten. Very small fish and shrimp may also become an appetizing snack for vampire crabs if you have enough water space to house fish.

    Fish that are similar in size to the crab should do fine in the same enclosure. Shrimp should be fine overall but may disappear due to their size. A tough shell will keep snails protected from crabs. Vampire crabs will try eating snails if they flip over. Bare in mind that vampire crab are opportunistic hunters and if they get a chance to acquire a meal, they will take it!

    Breeding Vampire Crabs

    There is not enough information to know how to properly breed vampire crabs. They normally accomplish this on their own if conditions are right in the paludarium. Once a male and female breed the female will carry around between 20 & 80 eggs on her body for roughly a month. Once the eggs hatch the babies go straight to work foraging and independently living in the enclosure.

    Take the young vampire crabs out of the enclosure to prevent their parents and other crabs from eating them. Some may survive by hiding within plant matter and between rocks but many may perish to cannibalistic tanks mates.

    Vampire Crab Molting

    Vampire Crabs will molt roughly once a month. Molting occurs when a crab outgrows its exoskeleton. The crab will essentially “pop” out of its old skeleton and develop a new one. A molting vampire crab is incredibly vulnerable because right after a molt, the skin is becomes incredibly soft and fleshy. It takes time for the skeleton to harden. During this time, you should take care to avoid disturbing your Vampire Crab because the molting process is very stressful. They will likely hide throughout their molt and may not be seen for a few days. Providing plenty of hiding spots will help prevent other crabs from disturbing the molting Vampire Crab.

    Final Notes

    Vampire Crabs are incredible animals that continue to grow in popularity. They are not incredibly hard to keep and are a great pet for someone who does not need to see them all the time. They will spend a majority of their time independently foraging for food and with proper supplementation and a beautiful paludarium, the vampire crab can thrive in your home! If you are looking for a terrestrial crab species, take a look at the Halloween Moon Crab. Check out more guides on fish, plants, and inverts on atparium.com!

    Images by u/Young-One23