Metasesarma aubryi Crab

Metasesarma aubryi is a sesarmid crab from Southeast Asian coastal forest and mangrove-edge habitats, distinguishable from Geosesarma species by its slightly larger size and more robust build. It displays a handsome combination of deep purple-blue to dark teal carapace and vivid orange-red chelae, making it visually comparable to the popular vampire crabs but with a distinctly different body plan.

This species is primarily terrestrial but requires regular access to shallow freshwater to maintain osmotic balance, drink, and occasionally submerge for short periods. High humidity in the land section of the paludarium is essential. It is an active forager that will explore every aspect of its setup and appreciates a complex, enriched environment.

Captive breeding has been achieved in well-maintained paludariums: the female broods a clutch of eggs and the young hatch as fully formed miniature crabs, making captive propagation considerably easier than marine-larval crabs. Groups of mixed sexes can be maintained together in adequately large setups.

Water: 22–28°C; fresh shallow pool essential; pH 7.0–8.0; humidity 75–90% on land area. Tank: minimum 30 L paludarium, humid tropical soil, leaf litter, cork bark, shallow freshwater zone. Feeding: omnivore — fruit flies, dried shrimp, blanched greens, algae wafers, leaf litter. Breeding: direct development; female broods eggs on land; miniature juvenile crabs at hatching. Compatibility: social with conspecifics in groups; peaceful in suitable setups.