Vampire Crab sp. 'Purple'

The Vampire Crab sp. 'Purple' is an undescribed Geosesarma form that has been in the European and Asian aquarium trade for many years. Its precise origin within Indonesia has not been formally disclosed, as is common for many Geosesarma trade forms. It displays deep, saturated purple coloration across the carapace and dorsal surfaces, with the characteristic vivid yellow eyes that give the genus its dramatic visual appeal.

Care requirements align closely with other Geosesarma: a paludarium setup is essential, providing both a moist land section and a shallow water area. Tropical substrate, living moss, cork bark, and leaf litter create the ideal microhabitat. The species is semi-terrestrial and will drown if it cannot access dry ground, so the land-to-water ratio should favour land strongly.

The 'Purple' trade form is generally robust and adaptable compared to some rarer named species, making it a popular entry point into vampire crab keeping. It is a direct developer, breeding readily in well-maintained paludariums. Small groups with a balanced sex ratio are recommended, with more females than males to manage territorial interactions.

Water: 23–28°C, pH 7.5–8.0, GH 6–15, KH 3–10; shallow section only; no chlorine or copper. Tank: minimum 30 L paludarium; 60–70% moist land, tropical soil, moss, leaf litter, cork bark hides. Feeding: omnivore — dried insects, blanched vegetables, fruit pieces, sinking pellets; feed every 1–2 days. Breeding: direct developer; female broods eggs 4–6 weeks; releases miniature juveniles; no larval stage. Compatibility: groups of 1 male to 2–3 females; incompatible with fish; do not house with larger crabs.