Red Claw Crabs

The Red Claw Crab (Perisesarma bidens) is a small freshwater crab species native to Southeast Asia. They grow to about 2 inches in size and have a bright red color on their claws, with a dark green to brownish-black carapace. They are a popular choice for freshwater aquariums due to their unique appearance and active behavior.

Red Claw Crabs are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including algae, small invertebrates, and plant matter. In captivity, they can be fed commercial crab or shrimp pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and other small foods. It's important to avoid overfeeding and provide a varied diet to keep them healthy.

Male Red Claw Crabs are typically larger than females and have a narrower abdominal flap. Females will have a wider abdominal flap, which they use to carry and protect their eggs.

Red Claw Crabs can breed in captivity, but it can be challenging to raise the larvae. The female will carry her eggs under her abdomen until they hatch, which can take several weeks. Once hatched, the larvae will need to be in a brackish water environment until they are large enough to be introduced to freshwater.

Red Claw Crabs are generally hardy, but they can be susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections. It's important to maintain good water quality and provide a balanced diet to prevent illness.

Red Claw Crabs are native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Red Claw Crabs can be aggressive towards each other and other tank mates, so it's best to keep them in a species-only tank or with other peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. They are also known to be escape artists, so it's important to have a secure lid on their tank.

The Acclimation Process: When introducing Red Claw Crabs to a new aquarium, it's important to acclimate them slowly to prevent shock. Float the bag with the crabs in the tank for 20-30 minutes to equalize the temperature, then gradually add small amounts of aquarium water to the bag over the course of an hour before releasing them into the tank.

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