Description
For the safety of our animals, we now ship Vampire Crabs exclusively via UPS Next Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout.
PLEASE READ: This species is semi-terrestrial—not fully aquatic. It requires a habitat that is at least 50% land (ideally more), with access to clean, shallow freshwater. Orchid Vampire Crabs are ideal for paludariums and bioactive setups. Do not house with other Vampire Crab species, as they are not the same species and will likely fight.
⚠️ Important Legal Note: All aquatic invertebrates are prohibited to possess in any form or sell in the state of Maine. Please check your local regulations before purchasing. We are unable to ship livestock from this listing to Maine. If you reside in Maine and try to checkout with this in your cart you will be unable to checkout and receive an error message until it is removed from the cart.
The Orchid Vampire Crab (Geosesarma sp. “Orchid”) is a striking and compact species native to Java, Indonesia. This crab is known for its vibrant purple tones, contrasting claws, and glowing yellow eyes. Males are typically larger and display more prominent claws than females. They thrive in land-heavy habitats with hiding spaces and shallow freshwater access, making them perfect for nano paludariums or small terrarium-style aquariums.
What We Love About This Species:
Dramatic coloration with iridescent purple and contrasting features
Peaceful in groups (with its own species)
Ideal for paludariums and bioactive enclosures
Active scavenger that helps clean up detritus and dead plant matter
Fascinating behavior—a joy to watch during feeding, climbing, and molting
Natural Habitat:
The Orchid Vampire Crab inhabits leaf-littered forest floors near streams and ponds. In captivity, it prefers damp land with driftwood, rocks, botanicals, and dense vegetation. While it won’t harm healthy plants, it may nibble on decaying leaves. Molting requires both humidity and access to freshwater. These crabs are skilled climbers—a tight-fitting lid is essential to prevent escape.
Diet & Feeding:
These crabs are omnivores and opportunistic scavengers. In the wild, they feed on detritus, algae, plant matter, and small invertebrates. In captivity, they accept:
High-quality invert pellets and flakes
Fresh or dried vegetables (zucchini, spinach, etc.)
Freeze-dried or frozen insects, worms, and shrimp
Natural leaf litter and botanicals (which promote biofilm growth)
Calcium-rich supplements like cuttlebone to support healthy molting
Tank Mates & Compatibility:
Best kept in groups of their own species (1 male to 2+ females)
Do not house with other Vampire Crab types
May harass or eat small invertebrates or slow fish
Not safe for community aquariums—paludarium setups or tropical terrariums only
B-Grade Option:
We offer a B-Grade variant for this species. These are healthy crabs that may be missing legs or claws—usually from transport or social interactions. They regenerate fully in 1–2 molts and retain excellent coloration and behavior.
Recommended Tank Parameters:
Temperature: 75° – 82° F (24° – 28° C)
pH: 7.5 – 8.0
KH: 4 – 10 dKH
Humidity: 75%+ (essential for molting)
Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons (1 male + 2 females); more space required for larger groups
Care Guidelines:
Diet: Omnivorous; variety of plant and protein-based foods
Social Behavior: Peaceful with own species, aggressive toward others
Origin: Java, Indonesia
Average Adult Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
Average Purchase Size: 1 – 2 inches (2.5 – 5 cm)
Bring color, movement, and intrigue to your paludarium with the Orchid Vampire Crab—a bold and engaging crustacean perfect for semi-aquatic natural habitats.
Live Arrival Guarantee:All Aquatic Arts brand animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee and free email support!
