Red Devil Crab - Geosesarma Hagen : Complete Crab Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Red Devil Crab (Geosesarma Hagen) is a visually stunning semi-terrestrial species that is ideal for paludariums or nano aquariums. These Crabs have captivated aquarists worldwide with their distinctive appearance and intriguing behaviour. With their striking colours and captivating personalities, Red Devil Crabs have become an increasingly sought-after addition to freshwater aquariums, reflecting the rich biodiversity and fascination of the aquatic ecosystems they call home.
The Red Devil Crab is generally peaceful and can be kept in groups. However, males may clash on occasion for territorial dominance. While they get along with their own kind, they are often aggressive with other crab species, including other Vampire Crab species. You can safely house these crabs with small fish, Crayfish, Frogs, and other amphibians.
In its natural habitat, the Red Devil Crab thrives amidst leaf litter and dense vegetation. In a paludarium environment, this species necessitates a generous expanse of terrestrial terrain to accommodate its habits effectively. While it typically refrains from consuming healthy plants, it plays a valuable role in maintaining their cleanliness and may assist in the removal of decaying leaves.
Given the typical behaviour of crabs, providing ample hiding places becomes crucial, especially during the moulting process, necessitating an abundance of decor within its enclosure. As adept climbers, Red Devil Crabs require extra precautions to prevent any potential escapes from their habitat.
The Red Devil Crab boasts a distinctive and eye-catching appearance characterized by its squarish body, which is slightly wider than it is long. Its carapace and walking legs exhibit a dark brown colouration in the anterior section, creating a striking contrast with the posterior part, which adopts vibrant shades of orange or reddish hues.
The abdomen of this crab takes on a subtle yet elegant greyish tone, while its bright yellow eyes provide a captivating focal point. Complementing this vibrant palette are its claws, which sport an appealing shade of orange or reddish colouration. In their early stages, hatchlings showcase a predominantly dark colouration, gradually transitioning to the more pronounced reddish tones observed in young Red Devil Crabs, adding to their allure and intrigue in both natural and aquarium settings.
Red Devil Crab Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing male and female Red Devil Crabs is a relatively uncomplicated task. Males are commonly larger than females and exhibit significantly larger claws. Additionally, the area of the abdomen that is shaded is narrower in males when compared to females.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Geosesarma Hagen |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2015 |
| Other Names | Geosesarma Red Devil, Geosesarma sp rot |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Malacostraca |
| Order | Decapoda |
| Family | Sesarmidae |
| Genus | Geosesarma |
| Origins | |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Livebearer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 2 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.0 - 8.5 |
| GH | 4 - 16 |
| KH | 0 - 10 |
| ℉ | 75 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
The beautiful and fascinating Red Devil Crabs are native to the tropical island of Java, located in Southeast Asia's Indonesian archipelago. In their natural habitat, these unique creatures can be found dwelling amidst lush forested areas close to ponds, streams and rivers, surrounded by leaf litter and dense vegetation. Despite being primarily terrestrial creatures, these crabs have a strong affinity for freshwater and often venture into it, particularly during moulting. With their striking reddish-orange claws and captivating behaviour, these curious creatures make for a mesmerizing addition to any aquarium or terrarium.
Breeding
The Red Devil Crab is a remarkable freshwater species that has evolved a natural reproductive cycle. Unlike many other crab species, these crabs have a unique breeding method. Mating rituals are absent, and the male turns the female upside down and wraps himself around her to fertilize. The fertilized eggs take approximately one month to hatch. Prior to hatching, the females become more reserved and hide more frequently. The number of eggs carried by the females can vary from twenty to eighty, depending on their size.
The females give birth to fully formed miniature versions of the adult Vampire Crab, which measure only 1 to 2 mm long. Newly hatched crabs require their parent's care and may remain under the mother's abdomen for several weeks. However, cannibalism between the crabs can occur after the brood-care behaviour has ended. Therefore, it is vital to separate the mother from the babies to ensure that a substantial number of young crabs reach adulthood. Additionally, baby crabs are susceptible to predation by their siblings during moulting. To avoid this, providing multiple hiding places is crucial. Separating them by size is also recommended to promote their growth and survival.
Diet & Feeding
Red Devil Crabs are an opportunistic species that can thrive on a diverse diet consisting of both plant and animal material. While they primarily feed on detritus and filamentous algae in their natural habitat, they can quickly adapt to a captive diet rich in high-quality dry foods, such as sinking flakes and pellets, that are packed with plant material. In addition to these, fresh and dried vegetables can also be a great source of nutrients for these crabs, along with other invertebrates, worms, and insects. However, their opportunistic nature can sometimes make them hunt and eat other ornamental invertebrates and fish, so it's crucial to select their tankmates carefully.
