Encyclopaedia

InvertebrateBrackishFreshwaterIntermediate

Red Claw Crab

Parasesarma bidens

The Red Claw Crab is an active, semi-terrestrial scavenger. Excellent escape artists, they demand a secure paludarium featuring both brackish water and dry land to molt and exhibit natural traits.

Taxonomy

Class:Malacostraca

Order:Decapoda

Family:Sesarmidae

Genus:Parasesarma

Species:Parasesarma bidens

Formerly known as:Sesarma bidens

Check out Red Claw Crab on Atlarium

PracticeRecognition quizzesPhotos, names, origins, and puzzles to review Atlas species.Open quizzes

Water Temperature

20 - 27 °C

pH Value

7.2 - 8.2

Water type

Brackish / Freshwater

Invertebrate type

Marine crab

Adult size

4 cm

Minimum group

>= 2

12 - 20 dGH

6 - 10 dKH

TDS

240 - 400 ppm

Ecological role

Scavenger

Species description

Geographical Origin and Habitat: This species is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from Zanzibar to Japan, Fiji, and Australia. It primarily inhabits mangrove forests, river estuaries, and brackish coastal zones where tides create alternating conditions of water and dry land.

Taxonomy: Also known by the synonym Perisesarma bidens, it belongs to the family Sesarmidae, order Decapoda. It is a crustacean characterized by a robust, square-shaped carapace reaching about 3-4 cm in width, and legs equipped with sensory hairs that help it detect environmental vibrations.

Social Behavior: An active and territorial species, especially among males who may engage in ritualistic fights to defend territory or females. Being semi-terrestrial, it spends significant time out of water, climbing mangrove roots to forage and escape aquatic predators.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Displays a dark, brown, or olive carapace with purplish hues, contrasted by bright red or intense orange claws. Males possess significantly larger and more robust claws compared to females, along with a narrow, T-shaped abdomen (pleon), whereas females have a broad, rounded abdomen for egg incubation.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Tank Setup: Strictly requires an aquaterrarium or paludarium rather than a traditional fully submerged aquarium. The tank must feature a brackish water area and an easily accessible land zone (e.g., using sand or rocks) where the crab can dry off completely. A secure, tight-fitting lid is mandatory, as they are expert climbers and escape artists.

Diet and Feeding: An omnivorous and detritivorous species. In the wild, they feed on decaying mangrove leaves, small invertebrates, and organic detritus. In captivity, they accept sinking pellets, dried catappa leaves, blanched vegetables (zucchini, carrots), small pieces of fish or shrimp, and specialized crab foods.

Water Quality: Prefers brackish water (specific gravity SG 1.005-1.010, achieved using marine salt), though they can tolerate freshwater for limited periods. Ideal parameters are: temperature 22-28 °C, pH 7.5-8.2, and high hardness. Efficient biological filtration is required in the aquatic section.

Compatibility and Tankmates: An opportunistic predator. They will attempt to catch small, slow-moving fish or snails if given the chance. It is best kept in a species-specific tank or with fast-moving, medium-sized brackish fish. Avoid keeping them with peaceful, slow bottom-dwelling species.

Aquarium Breeding: Extremely difficult. Females carry the eggs under their abdomen until hatching. The released larvae are microscopic (zoea) and require full marine salinity (SG 1.020-1.024) and specialized phytoplankton feeds to complete their metamorphosis, making captive breeding virtually impossible.

Risks and Diseases: The primary risk in captivity is drowning if the crab does not have access to a dry land area, as it needs to breathe atmospheric air. During molting, it is highly vulnerable to attacks from conspecifics and requires secure hiding spots both on land and in water to prevent cannibalism.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

This species is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from Zanzibar to Japan, Fiji, and Australia. It primarily inhabits mangrove forests, river estuaries, and brackish coastal zones where tides create alternating conditions of water and dry land.

Origin

Tropical oceans and reefsSouth and Southeast AsiaEast AsiaAustralia, New Guinea, and Oceania

Invertebrate profile

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

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.

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