Red Claw Crab
Perisesarma bidens
Also known as: Red Clawed Crab
A feisty little brackish crab with vivid red claws and a personality to match.
About
The red claw crab (Perisesarma bidens) is a small semi-terrestrial crab native to the mangrove swamps and tidal mudflats of the Indo-Pacific region, from India through Southeast Asia and into parts of East Asia. In the wild, these crabs spend time both in and out of the water, clambering through root systems and foraging along the waterline. And that's exactly what they need in captivity too. A proper setup includes both a land area and a water section, with brackish water being essential for their long-term health. Many keepers attempt to keep them in freshwater, and while the crabs may survive for a time, they really do best with some salt in the mix. They're small crabs, typically reaching around an inch and a half across the shell, and those bright red claws on the males make them genuinely fun to watch as they forage and posture. Don't let the beginner-friendly care rating fool you into thinking they're completely easygoing. They can be aggressive with tankmates and will happily eat slower fish or sneak up on sleeping companions. A species-only tank or very carefully chosen companions work best. That said, they're hardy, personable little crabs that reward attentive setup with years of entertaining behavior.
Similar species
Other invertebrate you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Red Claw Crab
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Red Claw Crab aggressive?
- The Red Claw Crab is semi-aggressive. It can work in a community with careful tankmate choices and enough space.
- What does the Red Claw Crab eat?
- The Red Claw Crab is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.