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InvertebrateFreshwaterIntermediate

Red land crab

Metasesarma obesum

The Batik Crab is a beautifully patterned terrestrial crab. Found in the upper intertidal zone, it requires a paludarium with extensive sandy land for burrowing and a shallow brackish pool.

Taxonomy

Class:Malacostraca

Order:Decapoda

Family:Sesarmidae

Genus:Metasesarma

Species:Metasesarma obesum

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Water Temperature

22 - 28 °C

pH Value

7.2 - 8

Water type

Freshwater

Invertebrate type

Marine crab

Adult size

2.5 cm

Minimum group

>= 1

10 - 20 dGH

6 - 12 dKH

TDS

210 - 420 ppm

Ecological role

Scavenger

Species description

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Metasesarma obesum is widely distributed along the tropical coasts of the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa and Madagascar to Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and the South Pacific islands. This small crab primarily inhabits the upper intertidal zone, sandy beaches, coastal dunes, and mangrove forests, spending most of its life out of water in humid environments.

Taxonomy: Belonging to the family Sesarmidae and the genus Metasesarma, it is commonly known as the Beach Crab, Marble Crab, or Obese Land Crab. It exhibits specialized evolutionary adaptations that allow it to breathe and forage on land, although it remains dependent on seawater or brackish water for reproduction.

Social Behavior: Active burrowers, constructing tunnels in damp sand to shelter from the heat of the sun and avoid predators. They are territorial regarding their burrows and will engage in minor, non-lethal fights with conspecifics to defend their territory. They are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, emerging at dusk.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Carapace coloration is highly variable and mottled, ranging from light grey, tan, and yellowish to white, providing excellent camouflage against sandy shorelines. The claws may show reddish or purple hues. Males possess larger claws and a narrow abdominal flap, whereas females have a wide, rounded flap.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Tank Setup: A paludarium or terrarium of at least 50-60 liters is required for a small group. Design the setup with a large land area (70-80% of the tank) consisting of a deep layer (8-10 cm) of damp play sand to facilitate burrowing. Provide a separate, shallow aquatic section filled with brackish or marine water.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous and opportunistic feeder. In the wild, they consume decaying plant matter, fallen fruits, algae, and small dead organisms. In captivity, feed them crab pellets, fish flakes, fresh vegetables (carrots, peas), fruits, and frozen foods like bloodworms or mysis. Always provide cuttlebone for calcium.

Water Quality: The water in the aquatic section must be kept clean through regular water changes. Salinity should be brackish or marine (specific gravity 1.010-1.020) with water temperatures maintained between 24°C and 28°C (75-82°F). Never use untreated tap water; always dechlorinate water and monitor parameters.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Can be kept in small groups, preferably with more females than males to minimize territorial disputes. Do not house with large predatory fish or other aggressive crabs. They can cohabit with small land snails or other small, non-aggressive semi-terrestrial crabs of similar size.

Aquarium Breeding: Breeding in captivity is exceptionally rare. Gravid females carry the eggs under their abdomen and release planktonic larvae (zoea) into saltwater. Rearing the larvae through their complex planktonic stages requires highly specific micro-plankton diets and is beyond the scope of most hobbyist setups.

Risks and Diseases: The main threat is desiccation; if the ambient air humidity drops below 70-80%, the crab's modified gills will dry out, leading to suffocation. They are also notorious escape artists, so a tightly sealed enclosure with no gaps around cords or lids is absolutely mandatory.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Metasesarma obesum is widely distributed along the tropical coasts of the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa and Madagascar to Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and the South Pacific islands. This small crab primarily inhabits the upper intertidal zone, sandy beaches, coastal dunes, and mangrove forests, spending most of its life out of water in humid environments.

Origin

Tropical oceans and reefsAfrica and MadagascarSouth and Southeast AsiaEast Asia

Invertebrate profile

Diet: Omnivore
Ecological role: Scavenger
Shock sensitivity: Medium
Calcium and minerals: Medium
Molting: Yes
Reproduction: Oviparous
Compatibility & tankmates: Community

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Related species

Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.

Variants and close relatives

Same atlas type, nearby scientific identity, genus, or family.

Chameleon land crab

Metasesarma aubryi

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates