Vampire Crab sp. 'Yellow'

The Vampire Crab sp. 'Yellow' is a golden-yellow trade form of undescribed Geosesarma from Indonesia. Its uniform sunshine-yellow to golden-amber carapace provides an unusually warm palette in the paludarium, distinct from the purples and reds that dominate the vampire crab trade. The characteristic vivid eyes of the genus provide further contrast against the yellow body.

In terms of husbandry, the 'Yellow' form requires the same paludarium setup as all Geosesarma: a predominantly land-based enclosure with moist tropical substrate, live moss, cork bark hides, leaf litter, and only a shallow water section. Temperature and humidity consistency are the primary factors in long-term success.

This form is active and visible during both day and night, spending considerable time foraging across the land surface. It is a direct developer and will breed in captivity in a well-established, stable enclosure. Calcium availability — via cuttlebone, eggshell, or calcium-rich sinking foods — is important for maintaining healthy exoskeleton development between molts.

Water: 23–28°C, pH 7.5–8.0, GH 6–15, KH 3–10; very shallow section only; dechlorinated. Tank: minimum 30 L paludarium; dominant land area with moist soil, moss, cork bark, cuttlebone available. Feeding: omnivore — dried insects, fruit flies, blanched vegetables, sinking pellets, cuttlebone for calcium. Breeding: direct developer; female carries eggs 4–6 weeks; miniature juveniles fully independent on hatching. Compatibility: 1 male to 2–3 females; do not mix with fish or competing crabs; escape-proof lid required.