Care
The Vampire Crab is a small, colourful, semi-terrestrial species known from rainforest valleys on the Indonesian island of Java. These brightly coloured decapods have earned this formidable common name from their glowing eyes and crepuscular feeding habits. The natural habitat consists of rocky caves and small burrows excavated in the soil of the valley slopes, near to the edge of the freshwater stream that flows through the area. The water is relatively shallow and warm, and there are plenty of roots and tropical vegetation for the crabs to climb up on to bask out of the water. Vampire Crabs require a paludarium or an aquarium that has a vastly dropped water level with decor and plants extending above the water line, leading on to dry land. Approximately 2/3 of the layout should be land, and 1/3 of it water. These crabs are not fully aquatic, and absolutely MUST have an area where they can climb free of the water, where they will spend the majority of their time basking in the humid air. The terrestrial area should be sandy with plenty of roots, marginal/terrestrial plants, and rocky caves (which make excellent hiding places when the crabs have moulted), and the water area should be heated and filtered as normal. The water needs to be deep enough for the crabs to completely submerge themselves when moulting. Overgrown carpets of Java Moss cultivated in various parts of the paludarium - both in and out of the water - will also provide welcome shelter, a means of exiting the water, and foraging opportunities. A tight fitting lid is essential and be sure to block all holes where equipment feeds into the tank, as these crabs are great escape artists. Regular partial water changes should be carried out on the water area as you would do in an aquarium, in order to keep nitrate at a minimum. Best kept in a species-only environment, although some aquarists have success keeping them alongside small, fast-swimming, peaceful freshwater fish. Bear in mind, though, that Vampire Crabs will hunt small fish, so avoid any slow bottom-dwellers and observe very carefully. Keep only one male with several females unless the tank is particularly spacious as males can be a little territorial. This species is fascinating to keep and observe, but they do require an environment carefully designed around their needs.
Feeding
Omnivorous. Offer a selection of meaty foods such as bloodworm, Mysis shrimp, and finely chopped krill/prawns, along with some vegetable matter. Will also take many dry fish foods such as pellets and algae wafers. A number of specialist dried foods for crabs are also available.
Breeding
Vampire Crabs have been bred in the home aquarium. After mating, the female crab will carry the eggs under her abdomen for several weeks before they hatch and miniature crabs emerge - there is no larval stage. The young spend most of their time in or very near to the water, becoming proportionally more terrestrial as they mature.
