Vampire Crabs are one of the coolest looking crabs out there. They get their name from the two big fangs that stick out of their mouths. They are found in Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean Sea. They live in shallow waters and can often be found in tide pools.
Despite their name, Vampire Crabs are not dangerous to humans. They are a popular pet crab and can be found in many pet stores.
Here you will learn all about Vampire Crabs, from their habitat to their diet to how to care for them as a pet.
So let’s get started learning all about Vampire Crabs!
Table of Contents
Species Summary
| Scientific name: | Geosesarma Dennerle |
| Common Name: | Vampire Crab |
| Habitat: | The Vampire Crab is found in Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean Sea. |
| Family: | Sesarmidae |
| Size: | 1.5-2 inches wide |
| Life Span: | 2-3 years |
| Nature: | Vampire Crabs are nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden during the day. |
| Tank Size: | 10 gallons or more |
| Compatibility: | Vampire Crabs can be kept with other docile species of Crabs. |
| Temperature Range: | 70°-82° Fahrenheit |
| pH Range: | 7.0 – 8.0 |
| Water Hardness: | 0-10 dKH |
| Water Type: | Marine or brackish |
| Temperament: | They are not aggressive and can make good beginner pets. |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Diet: | Vampire Crabs are scavengers and will eat just about anything they can find. |
If you’re looking for a cool, unique crab to add to your tank, Vampire Crabs are scavengers and will eat just about anything they can find. Vampire Crabs are a great choice. They are also easy to care for, making them good for beginner crab enthusiasts.
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Vampire Crab Size & Growth Rate
The average size of a Vampire Crab is 1.5-2 inches, but they can get up to 3 inches wide.
They grow at a moderate rate and can reach their full size in 2-3 years. If you want to keep a juvenile Vampire Crab, you will need a tank size of 10 gallons or more. As they age, they become more docile and less active.
Vampire Crab Lifespan
The typical Vampire Crab’s lifespan is 2-3 years in captivity. This is the same for both males and females.
In the wild, Vampire Crabs can live up to 5 years. And their lifespan is determined by the amount of food they can scavenge.
Vampire Crab Appearance
The most interesting thing about Vampire Crabs is their appearance. They have two large fangs that protrude from their mouths, giving them a vampire-like appearance.
They come in a variety of colors, including orange, red, green, and blue. They have black spots on their shells, which help to camouflage them in the wild.
They have 10 legs, and their front legs are much larger than their back legs. This helps them to climb and scavenge for food. While most crabs have powerful claws, Vampire Crabs have weak claws unsuited for fighting. The color is brightest on a Vampire Crab’s claws, used for defense and to help them climb.
Typically, the body of a Vampire Crab is about the size of a quarter. It may be small, but it’s one of the coolest-looking crabs.
Creamy white spots on a Vampire Crab’s legs help it camouflage in the wild. On top of their heads, they have two black antennae that they use to feel their way around. These antennae are also used to communicate with other crabs.
Vampire Crabs have gills that allow them to breathe underwater. These gills are located on the underside of their body and are covered by a flap of skin.
Males and females look virtually the same, except that males are typically a bit larger than females. This can make it challenging to sex Vampire Crabs unless you have a trained eye. However, there are a few ways to tell the difference. One way is to look at the shape of their abdomen. The abdomen is more rounded in females, while it is more triangular in males.
Another way to sex Vampire Crabs is by examining their genital pouches. In males, these pouches are large and triangular, while they are small and round in females.
Vampire Crab Behavior & Temperament
These crabs are nocturnal creatures that prefer to stay hidden during the day. They are very active at night and often climb on things in their enclosure. They are not aggressive towards humans or other animals. However, they will fight with other Vampire Crabs if they feel threatened.
These are social creatures and should be kept in at least 3 crabs. They are very active and playful animals. They will often play with each other.
Vampire crabs are easy to care for and make great pets for children and adults. They are an excellent choice for anyone looking for an exciting and unique pet.
They will roam the tank freely during the night. If you have other pets in the house, you should make sure that they cannot get to the Crabs. This is because the other pets may harm or eat them.
Vampire Crabs are not demanding and do not need a lot of care. They are an excellent pet for someone who does not have time to care for a pet.
Vampire Crab Breeding
Vampire Crabs can be bred in captivity. They are a very easy species to breed and make an excellent starter crab for new crab owners.
To breed, you will need to provide them with a tank of at least 10 gallons in size. The tank should be filled with plenty of hiding places, so the crabs can feel safe. You should also provide many different types of food so the crabs can breed.
They are most likely to breed in the spring or summer months. To increase your chances of breeding them, you can keep the tank at a temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The female vampire crab will lay her eggs in a safe place. Once the eggs hatch, the baby crabs will be on their own. Vampire crabs do not provide any care for their young. We recommend that you remove the young crabs from the tank once they have hatched. This will help ensure that they survive.
These Crabs make great pets for both children and adults. They are a fun and exciting addition to any home and bring hours of enjoyment. If you are looking for an unusual pet, then this Crab may be the perfect choice for you!
Vampire Crab Care
Vampire Crab care is relatively easy, and they can be kept with other docile species of Crab. Unfortunately, the lack of aggression also means that they are not very hardy and can die if mishandled.
They are semi-terrestrial crabs, which means they spend part of their time on land and water. Because of this, you will need to provide both land and water area in their tank.
To create a land area, use moss, coco fiber, or sand. You can also use small ceramic house ornaments to help your Crab feel at home.
You will need to provide a wet and dry area for their water area. The wet area should be filled with fresh water, while the dry area should be filled with salt water. If you do not have access to both types of water, you can use a water conditioner to make the freshwater salty.
Keep the water levels consistent in both areas, and change the water in the wet area every day.
Tank Size
As mentioned earlier, Vampire Crabs are semi-terrestrial crabs. This means they need both land and water area in their tank.
For a single Crab, you will need a tank size of 10 gallons or more. If you plan on keeping multiple Crabs together, you will need an even larger tank.
Remember to always provide plenty of places to hide, as they love to burrow. You’ll see many owners use coconut husks, moss, or other types of live plants to achieve this.
Water Parameters
It’s important to ensure that the water in your tank is filtered and maintained properly. Due to their unique semi-terrestrial lifestyle, they are very sensitive to water parameters.
- Water Temperature: The water temperature in your tank should be around 70°-82°F.
- pH Level: The pH level in your tank should be maintained at a level of 7.0-8.0
- Ammonia Levels: Ammonia levels should be kept at 0ppm or below.
- Nitrite Levels: Nitrite levels should also be kept at 0ppm or below.
- Water Changes: It’s essential to change the water in your tank every week, or even more often if needed. As you can see, taking care is not as difficult as it may seem. With a little bit of knowledge and some basic supplies, you can thrive in its new home.
Filtration
It is important to keep the water in your Vampire Crab’s tank properly filtered. This is especially important because they are very sensitive to water parameters.
There are a number of different types of filters you can use for your tank.
Some recommended filters are:
- Canister Filters: Canister filters are a great option for tanks up to 125 gallons.
- HOB Filters: HOB filters (stand-alone) are good for tanks up to 55 gallons.
- RO/DI Systems: If you use salt water in your tank, you will need to install a RO/DI system. This will ensure that the water is kept at the correct pH level and free of harmful toxins.
No matter which type of filter you choose, clean it regularly. A good rule of thumb is to clean your filter every two weeks.
Substrate
When it comes to a substrate, you have many different options. The most important thing to remember is that these crabs are very sensitive to chemicals. This means that you need to avoid substrates that contain chemicals or have been treated with chemicals.
Some recommended substrates for vampire crab tanks are:
- Moss: Moss is another good choice for vampire crab tanks. It is natural and chemical-free, and it helps to keep the humidity levels high.
- Live Plants: Live plants are a great way to add greenery to your tank. Not only do they look nice, but they also help to keep the humidity levels high.
- Sand: Although not as common, and can also be used as a substrate for tanks. Just be sure to avoid any sand that has been treated with chemicals.
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Water Conditioners
If you are using tap water in your tank, you will need a water conditioner to make it safe for your vampire crab. Most water conditioners will remove chlorine and chloramine from the water and other harmful toxins.
We recommend using a water conditioner that is specifically designed for reptile tanks. This will help ensure that your vampire crab’s skin does not come into contact with any harmful chemicals.
Some popular water conditioners for reptile tanks are:
- Seachem Prime: Prime is a popular water conditioner designed for both freshwater and saltwater tanks. It removes chlorine, chloramine, and ammonia from the water and other harmful toxins.
- Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Conditioner: This water conditioner is designed to remove chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals from the water. It also helps to stabilize the pH level and reduce stress in fish.
Heating
If you are using a tank that is not heated, you will need to purchase a heater. The ideal temperature for a vampire crab tank is 70°-82°Fahrenheit.
There are a number of different types of heaters available on the market.
Some popular heaters for reptile tanks are:
- Fluval E 300w Heater: This heater is designed for tanks up to 30 gallons. It has an automatic shut-off feature, so you don’t have to worry about overheating.
- Aquarium Pharmaceuticals 100w Heater: This heater is designed for tanks up to 20 gallons. It has an adjustable thermostat, so you can easily control the temperature of your tank.
Lighting
Vampire Crabs do not require a lot of light, but they do need some light to thrive. We recommend using a fluorescent light bulb that is designed for reptile tanks. This will provide your Crab with the right amount of light without being too harsh.
Some popular fluorescent light bulbs for reptile tanks are:
- Exo-Terra Sun Glo 25w Bulb: This bulb is designed for use with terrariums. It provides a natural basking light for reptiles and amphibians.
- Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp: This bulb is designed for use with reptiles. It emits a high level of UVB light, which is necessary for vitamin D3 synthesis.
Humidity
Vampire Crabs require a high level of humidity to thrive. We recommend keeping the humidity levels in your tank between 60-80%.
There are a number of different ways to increase the humidity level in your tank.
Some popular methods are:
- Mist your vampire crab regularly. You can use a spray bottle filled with water to mist your Crab.
- Place a humidifier in your tank. This will help to increase the humidity level in your tank.
- Add some live plants to your tank. Live plants help to keep the humidity levels high.
Aquarium Decorations
One of the best things about Vampire Crabs is that they are very small, so you don’t need a lot of decorations in their tank.
We recommend using live plant sand or driftwood to decorate your tank. This will provide them with some shelter, but it will also help keep the humidity levels high.
Some popular live plants for vampire crab tanks are:
- Java Fern: Java Fern is a hardy plant that does well in low light conditions. It is perfect for tanks.
- Anubias Nana: Anubias Nana is another hardy plant that does well in low light conditions. It is also a good choice for tanks.
Other Tank Accessories
In addition to a heater, water conditioner, and fluorescent light bulb, there are a few other items that you will need for your vampire crab tank.
- Tank lid: A tank lid is important to have in order to keep your vampire crab from escaping.
- Feeding dish: You will need a feeding dish to eat from.
- Coconut husk: Coconut husk is a great substrate for vampire crab tanks. It helps keep the humidity levels high and provides your Crab with some shelter.
Cleaning The Tank
It is important to keep your tank clean.
- You should remove any uneaten food and waste material from the tank daily.
- You can use a gravel vacuum to clean the bottom of the tank. This will help to remove any built-up waste or debris.
- You also cleaned the sides and top of the tank with a sponge or cloth.
- You should do a complete cleaning of your tank every 2-4 weeks. This involves removing all of the crabs from the tank and cleaning all the decorations, substrate, and glass.
- You can use a mild soap and water solution to clean the tank. Be sure to rinse the tank thoroughly before returning the crabs and decorations.
Common Possible Diseases
There are several diseases that can affect Vampire Crabs.
Some of the most common diseases include:
- Metabolic Bone Disease: Metabolic bone disease is caused by a lack of calcium in the diet. Symptoms include softening of the shells, deformities, and paralysis.
- Vitamin A Deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency can cause problems with the eyes, skin, and shells. Symptoms include dry skin, cloudy eyes, and shell deformities.
- Dehydration: Dehydration is a common problem in crabs. Symptoms include lethargy, sunken eyes, and dehydration.
Preventing Diseases
There are a number of things that you can do to prevent disease in your vampire crab.
Some tips include:
- Provide a well-balanced diet that includes calcium and vitamin supplements.
- Maintain proper humidity levels in the tank.
- Clean the tank regularly to remove any build-up of waste or debris.
- Quarantine new crabs before adding them to your main tank.
Treatment And Medications Of Diseases
If your Crab is sick, there are some different treatments and medications that you can use.
Some common treatments and medications include:
- Calcium supplements: Calcium supplements can be used to treat metabolic bone disease.
- Vitamin A supplements: Vitamin A supplements can be used to treat vitamin A deficiency.
- Dehydration fluids: Dehydration fluids can be used to treat dehydration.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial infections.
- Metabolic support supplements: Metabolic support supplements can be used to treat metabolic bone disease.
Food & Diet
A well-balanced diet is essential for vampire crabs. They should have a diet that includes both plant and animal matter.
A variety of live and frozen foods can be offered.
Some popular food items include:
- Bloodworms: Bloodworms are an excellent source of protein.
- Brine shrimp: Brine shrimp are also a good source of protein.
- Calcium supplements: Calcium supplements are essential for vampire crabs. They can be offered in the form of powder, tablets, or liquid.
- Mealworms: Mealworms are a good source of protein.
- Vitamin supplements: Vitamin supplements are important. They can be offered in the form of powder, tablets, or liquid.
- Larvae: Larvae are a good source of protein.
Fruits & vegetables: Fruits and vegetables can be offered as a treat for vampire crabs.
Some popular choices include:
- Apples: Apples are a good source of vitamin C.
- Cucumbers: Cucumbers are a good source of water.
- Squash: Squash is a good source of vitamin A and potassium.
- Zucchini: Zucchini is also a good source of vitamin A and potassium.
- Carrots: Carrots are a good source of fiber.
- Spinach: Spinach is a good source of calcium and iron.
- Kale: Kale is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and iron.
- Collards: Collards are a good source of calcium and potassium.
- Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A and fiber.
- Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin A and potassium.
The best way to offer fruits and vegetables to vampire crabs is to chop them up into small pieces. This will make it easier for the Crab to eat them. Fruits and vegetables can be offered fresh, frozen, or canned.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an important vitamin for vampire crabs. It can be found in foods such as:
- Oranges: Oranges are a good source of vitamin C.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamin C.
They will typically eat 2-3 times per day. You should offer small food items that your Crab can easily consume.
Diet Foods To Avoid
There are a few food items that you should avoid feeding your Crab. These food items can be harmful to your Crab and cause health problems.
Some of the food items that you should avoid:
- Avocados: Avocados contain a toxin that can be harmful.
- Peaches: Peaches also contain a toxin that can be harmful.
- Rhubarb: Rhubarb also contains a toxin that can be harmful.
You should also avoid feeding junk food. Junk food is not suitable for their health and can lead to obesity.
We hope this information will help you keep your Crabs healthy and happy!
Tank Mates
The best tank mates for Vampire Crabs are other Vampire Crabs. They are social creatures and do best when they are kept in groups.
They can also be kept with other small, peaceful creatures such as:
- Hermit crabs: Hermit crabs are a good tank mate. They are similar in size and have similar care needs.
- Guppies: Guppies are a good tank mate. They are peaceful fish that will not bother the vampire crabs.
- Fiddler crabs: Fiddler crabs are a good tank mate. They are similar in size and have similar care needs.
- Mollies: Mollies are a good tank mate. They are peaceful fish that will not bother the vampire crabs.
Vampire Crabs can also be kept with other peaceful animals.
Some good tank mates for Vampire Crabs include:
- Crickets: These insects make good food.
- Insects: Many different types of insects can be fed.
- Mealworms: These insects also make a good food source.
You should avoid keeping Vampire Crabs with larger animals as they may view them as prey. You should also avoid keeping them with aggressive or territorial animals as they may hurt or kill the Vampire Crabs.
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Advantages Of Having Vampire Crabs In Your Tank
The first advantage of having vampire crabs in your tank is that they are easy to care for. They do not require a lot of attention or care, and they are a great pet for someone who does not have a lot of time to dedicate to a pet.
Another advantage of having vampire crabs in your tank is fascinating and unique creatures. They are not something you see every day, and they are sure to fascinate both children and adults.
Additionally, Vampire Crabs make great tank mates for other small, peaceful creatures. They are social creatures and do best when kept in groups. They can also be kept with similar animals, such as hermit crabs or fiddler crabs.
Lastly, vampire crabs are very easy to breed in captivity. This is great news for those who want to add more of these creatures to their tank. Breeding vampire crabs is a relatively simple process, and it is something that even beginner crab owners can do.
Disadvantages Of Having Vampire Crabs In Your Tank
Although there are many disadvantages to having vampire crabs in your tank, one of the biggest disadvantages is that they can be very aggressive towards other tank mates. This is something to keep in mind if you consider adding vampire crabs to a tank that already has other animals.
Another disadvantage of having vampire crabs is that they can be messy. They often leave behind a lot of waste and food, which can be difficult to clean up.
Lastly, vampire crabs can be expensive to buy. This is something to keep in mind if you are on a tight budget.
Still Interested?
As you can see, there are both pros and cons to having vampire crabs in your tank. If you are still interested in adding these unique creatures to your home, then be sure to do your research first. This will help ensure that they are the right fit for your tank and that you are able to provide them with the care they need.
Thanks for reading!
