Vampire crabs do no longer depend upon saltwater for their development; instead, they live close to freshwater rivers and in forests among rocks and dense plants. This tiny crab is one of the most popular tank pets these days, and anyone needs one. While vampire crabs don’t feed on blood as their call includes, they’re nocturnal and are typically lively at night.
Vampire crabs range from most crustaceans due to the fact they’re semi-terrestrial, that means they live most of their lifestyles on land and spend some of their time inside the water.
These spellbinding creatures are freshwater crustaceans first observed in forests, rivers, and lakes on the Island of Java, Indonesia. Later, locals observed them on small islands off the coast of Indonesia called Sulawesi, Riau, and Krakatau.
Vampire crabs had been popping up in aquariums for many years; but, they have been only officially determined in 2006. So, certainly, there may be little or no information available on their habitat and biology.
These crabs are tough little guys; they can thrive in the right surroundings however have a few precise care necessities.
Amazing Facts About Vampire Crabs
These tiny crabs attain simplest 2 inches when fully grown, together with their legs
- Males are barely large, and their claws are lighter than the females.
- Vampire crabs live as much as their name and are nocturnal creatures
- These crabs are aggressive with other species of crab or small fish and will even assault or consume them, however they’re civil with their personal species.
- Vampire crabs don’t stay that lengthy; their lifespan is usually 2 years, however they are able to grow barely older with proper care.
Classification and Scientific Name
The Vampire crab’s medical call is Geosesarma dennerle. However, the motive for their common name (Vampire Crab) is a subject of debate.
Some consider that it’s because of their crimson bodies and yellow eyes that resemble Dracula, even as others assume it’s because they have cream-coloured spots on their our bodies in the form of bats.
Vampire crabs belong to the genus Geosesarma which includes semi-terrestrial crabs dispensed extensively across the jap Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and the western Pacific. However, because they were best recently located, their taxonomy remains in a country of flux. The identified species in the genus are the:
- Vampire crab that is violet and cream in shade (Geosesarma Dennerle)
- Red Devil Crab this is darkish brown and shiny orange (Geosesarma Hagen)
Vampire Crab Habitat
Vampire crabs are in particular discovered at the Island of Java, Indonesia, and their habitats consist of freshwater rivers, lakes, dense plants, and rocky terrain inside the forest.
How to Identify Vampire Crabs: Appearance and Description
The vampire crab is tough to overlook with its violet coloring, specially status on its ten legs (which incorporates the pinchers). Their bodies are so darkish that they almost appearance black and are protected in cream spots comparable to a bat’s outline, that’s why their yellow eyes stand out a lot.
They are tiny little things, barely attaining 2 inches in period, which include their legs; their body on my own is simplest 1 inch extensive.
While vampire crabs proportion the identical primary characteristics as regular crabs, they nonetheless stand out and are smooth to identify. For example, besides their coloring, they have got very small pinchers; they may be so tiny that they wouldn’t be capable of harm people easily.
There are several methods to differentiate among males and females, with the maximum apparent their length. Males are slightly large than girls, and their claws are lighter in shade. Another distinction is their underbelly. The male’s belly flap is pointed, while the ladies are round and wider.
One more giveaway is the eggs. Once mating is a success, the female will bring round 20 to 80 fertilized eggs (relying on size) below her abdomen for about a month till they hatch.
Vampire Crabs Diet
Vampire crabs aren’t picky eaters; they are omnivores and will devour nearly something. In their herbal habitat, these crabs will prey on:
- Living and dead crickets
- Grasshoppers
- Earthworms
- Mealworms
- Woodlice
- Springtails
- Worms
- Plant detritus
However, their diets are a piece specific in captivity and might include:
- Brine shrimp
- Earthwork portions
- Bloodworms
- Dried algae
- Shrimp
- Fish flakes
- Wafers
- Pellets
- Vegetables
- Dry leaves
Crabs join the institution of crayfish, shrimp, and snails that require quite a few calcium to keep their exoskeleton healthful.
Vampire Crab Behavior
These crabs are semi-terrestrial and spend the majority of their lives on land and some of their time inside the water.
When in an aquarium, the vampire crab will spend maximum of its time in the equal spot. In addition, vampire crabs stay as much as their names and are more often than not lively at night (nocturnal.)
These tiny little crabs molt. Their exoskeletons shield them however do no longer develop with the relaxation of the frame. So once their frame grows too large for his or her exoskeleton, they must discard it to broaden a new one.
Adult vampire crabs will molt as soon as each 30 days. However, when they may be more youthful, molting may be more common due to the fact they grow faster. Vampire crabs are fairly prone as soon as their protection is long past, and they may stay hidden till a new exoskeleton develops.
When in captivity, it’s important to cast off the discarded exoskeleton from the tank and not do no longer contact the crab due to the fact even the slightest contact should harm it.
These tiny crabs have an competitive streak and could conflict with different species like small fish and different crabs. But, unusually, they tolerate their personal species. They use their claws to attack but are not dangerous to humans due to the fact their pinchers are too small.
Predators and Threats
Vampire crabs need to be cautious of many predators inside the wild. Any crab-consuming animal is a hazard to them. For instance:
- Birds
- Fish
- Turtles
- Snakes
- Sea otters
However, their biggest threat is the puppy exchange. Their vibrant colors and edgy call have piqued peoples’ interest, and over-accumulating is starting to emerge as a hassle.
Reproduction and Lifespan
Once mating season is over, it takes approximately 30 days for the eggs to hatch. You can tell when the eggs are about to hatch whilst the girl turns into greater secretive and hides 24/7. Females can bring between 20 to eighty eggs under their abdomens, relying on their size. There are not any larval stages because the eggs are massive sufficient for direct improvement. After hatching, girls deliver stay beginning to fully developed miniature crabs. They are born in freshwater and most effective measure between 1 to two mm at birth.
The lady remains with them and shields them beneath her abdomen for numerous weeks until they may be huge enough to undertaking out independently.
In addition, the zoea (toddler crabs) develop into cannibals after brooding is over, so it’s fine to split the mom from the zoea in case you want them to make it to maturity. This cannibalistic behavior additionally occurs for the duration of the molting season, so tanks must have an abundance of hiding places, or they ought to be separated through length.
Vampire crabs can live up to 2 years, but they are able to stick around barely longer with more love and care.
Caring for Vampire Crabs
The tank for a vampire crab will appearance very unique out of your average fish tank. This is due to the fact they require some thing known as a paludarium setup. That approach that there are land elements and water elements.
Vampire crabs aren’t equipped to stay in water for lengthy intervals of time and could drown. Therefore, 80% in their tank need to be terrestrial and 20% aquatic. However, the minimal necessities are 50/50.
