Sinopotamon henanense Yellow River Crab

Sinopotamon henanense is a fully aquatic freshwater crab from the Yellow River (Huang He) basin and adjacent river systems of central China, in Henan and neighbouring provinces. As a temperate species from one of China's great river systems, it is adapted to seasonal temperature variation, cool winters, and moderately hard to hard alkaline water reflecting the calcareous geology of the region.

Its carapace is broad and smooth, displaying warm amber to reddish-brown colouration, and adults develop well-proportioned chelae. Like other Sinopotamon, it is robust and active, spending much of its time foraging across the substrate and manipulating rocky structures in search of food.

In captivity, S. henanense requires cool, clean, well-oxygenated water and spacious aquaria with rocky caves. Temperatures of 14–22°C suit it well and no supplemental heating is required in temperate rooms. It is territorial and should be kept individually unless a very large tank permits separated territories. As a direct developer, females brood large-yolked eggs to full-term aquatic juveniles. Good filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain the pristine conditions this river crab requires.

Water: 14–22°C, pH 7.2–8.2, GH 8–20, KH 4–14; temperate; cool, hard, oxygenated; no heating needed in cool rooms. Tank: minimum 80 L; rocky caves, coarse gravel, strong filtration; secure lid; Yellow River biotope décor optional. Feeding: omnivore — sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, mussel, blanched vegetables, dried invertebrates; feed every 1–2 days. Breeding: direct developer; female broods large-yolked eggs; miniature aquatic juveniles; stable cool conditions required. Compatibility: one per tank; territorial; predatory on invertebrates and small fish; keep with robust temperate fish only.