Vampire Crab Geosesarma sp. 'Borneo Purple'

The Vampire Crab Geosesarma sp. 'Borneo Purple' is an undescribed trade form originating from humid forest habitats of Borneo. It displays a rich, deep purple carapace with the characteristic vivid yellow or orange eye colouration that defines the vampire crab genus, making it visually indistinguishable in aesthetic appeal from the more widely known Sulawesi forms.

Borneo vampire crabs inhabit humid tropical forest floors near small streams and seepages — habitats that are faithfully replicated in a well-constructed bioactive paludarium with moist tropical soil, living mosses, dense leaf litter, and cork bark hides. The water section must be shallow, and the land-to-water ratio should strongly favour land area.

This form is believed to be a direct developer like all Geosesarma, releasing fully formed miniature juveniles after the female's brooding period. In captivity it accepts dried insects, fruit flies, blanched vegetables, sinking pellets, and leaf litter. A tight-fitting, ventilated lid is essential as all Geosesarma are exceptional climbers that will exploit the smallest gap.

Water: 23–28°C, pH 7.2–8.0, GH 5–15, KH 2–10; shallow water section; dechlorinated only; no copper. Tank: minimum 30 L paludarium; moist tropical soil, living moss, leaf litter, cork bark; 60–70% land; escape-proof lid. Feeding: omnivore — dried insects, fruit flies, blanched vegetables, sinking pellets, leaf litter; feed every 1–2 days. Breeding: direct developer; female broods eggs under abdomen; miniature juveniles fully independent on emergence. Compatibility: 1 male to 2–3 females; incompatible with fish; do not mix with other Geosesarma.