Rainbow Land Crab

Cardisoma armatum is a spectacular large land crab from West Africa with a vivid blue, orange, and purple carapace that makes it one of the most colourful terrestrial crustaceans in the hobby. Juveniles start with more uniform coloration that intensifies dramatically with maturity. Due to their size and vigorous digging behaviour, they require a spacious paludarium enclosure with deep substrate, robust construction, and access to both fresh and slightly brackish water.

Minimum 200 L paludarium with deep (20+ cm) sandy-loam substrate for burrowing. Provide both terrestrial area with leaf litter/hides and a freshwater/low-salinity water section. pH 7.5–8.5, temperature 24–30°C, humidity 70–90%. Feed omnivorous diet: fruit, vegetables, invertebrate pellets, protein foods. Escape-proof enclosure essential — excellent climbers. Handle with care; claws are powerful.