Vampire Crab Geosesarma notophorum

Geosesarma notophorum is one of the most biologically fascinating members of the vampire crab genus. Unlike most crabs where females simply brood eggs attached to the pleopods, G. notophorum females are known to carry developed juveniles dorsally — on their backs — an extraordinary parental behaviour that has captivated researchers and hobbyists alike.

Native to the humid forest habitats of Sulawesi, this species displays dark brown to deep charcoal-grey carapace colouration with the vivid yellow-orange eyes characteristic of Geosesarma. It is semi-terrestrial and requires a paludarium setup with a generous land area, moist substrate, and shallow water section.

In captivity, G. notophorum is peaceful within a correctly structured group and adapts well to a varied diet of dried insects, fruit flies, blanched vegetables, and sinking invertebrate foods. The unique reproductive strategy means that observing breeding events — particularly the juvenile-carrying behaviour — is an extraordinary experience for the attentive keeper. Groups should be maintained with more females than males to reduce aggression.

Water: 23–28°C, pH 7.5–8.0, GH 6–15, KH 3–10; shallow water section 3–5 cm; dechlorinated only. Tank: minimum 30 L paludarium; deep moist substrate, cork bark, moss, leaf litter; tight-fitting secure lid. Feeding: omnivore — dried insects, fruit flies, blanched vegetables, sinking pellets; remove uneaten food daily. Breeding: female broods eggs then carries juveniles dorsally; juveniles independent within days of hatching. Compatibility: 1 male to 2–4 females; do not mix with fish or competing crab species; males spar if crowded.