Intermediate
Midnight Red Claw Vampire Crab (Geosesarma sp.), 3-4 cm
22–28°C
£16.99
A striking, colorful terrestrial crab that thrives in a warm, humid paludarium with plenty of land, hiding places, and a varied diet. Moderate care, semi-aggressive. 24-28C, pH 7.0-8.5.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Cardisoma armatum
Confirm your email, then we’ll send an availability message for this exact item if it returns within 180 days.
This request is only for this product—no newsletter or other promotions. A mail-provider retry may very rarely duplicate the same availability message. Unconfirmed addresses are removed after 48 hours. See our privacy policy.
A striking, colorful terrestrial crab that thrives in a warm, humid paludarium with plenty of land, hiding places, and a varied diet. Moderate care, semi-aggressive. 24-28C, pH 7.0-8.5.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
22–28°C
22–28°C · pH 7–8 · 40L
22–28°C · pH 7.5–8 · 40L
22–28°C · pH 7.5–8 · 40L
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
The land crab, scientifically known as Cardisoma armatum, a striking, colorful terrestrial crab that thrives in a warm, humid paludarium with plenty of land, hiding places, and a varied diet.. Cardisoma armatum is a species of terrestrial crab.
Native to West Africa, especially coastal regions and brackish/terrestrial habitats of Nigeria and surrounding areas, this moderate-care species belongs to the Gecarcinidae family and has earned a loyal following among UK aquarists for its unique characteristics and manageable requirements.
The Land Crab, (African) rainbow crab, (Nigerian) moon crab, Patriot crab is a striking terrestrial crab with vibrant coloration including blue, purple, orange, and red tones. Their impressive carapace and powerful claws make them a fascinating addition to a paludarium setup.
At Tropical Fish Co, we select only the healthiest specimens with vibrant coloration and active behavior, ensuring you receive premium quality fish for your aquarium.
In the wild, Cardisoma armatum inhabits west africa, especially coastal regions and brackish/terrestrial habitats of nigeria and surrounding areas. Understanding their natural environment helps us replicate optimal conditions in the home aquarium.
West African waters range from acidic blackwater streams to brackish coastal regions. The diverse habitats have produced an incredible variety of fish species adapted to specific ecological niches.
A minimum tank size of at least 75, preferably larger (around 100+ for a single adult) litres is essential for housing Land Crab, (African) rainbow crab, (Nigerian) moon crab, Patriot crab. Larger aquariums provide more stable water chemistry and greater swimming space, both critical for long-term health.
This is a terrestrial species requiring a paludarium with at least 70-80% land area. Provide deep, moist substrate (10-15 cm) for burrowing, multiple hiding places, and a shallow water area for drinking and bathing. Temperature and humidity must be carefully maintained.
Invest in quality filtration capable of turning over the tank volume 4-6 times per hour, and perform regular 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain pristine conditions.
Take time to acclimate new fish slowly (1-2 hours drip acclimation) to prevent shock. Patience during introduction pays dividends in long-term health and survival.
Maintaining correct water parameters is crucial for the health of Land Crab, (African) rainbow crab, (Nigerian) moon crab, Patriot crab:
Moderately soft to slightly hard water suits this adaptable species. Regular water testing and gradual parameter adjustments ensure long-term stability.
Invest in quality test kits and check parameters weekly. Stability is more important than hitting exact numbers - avoid sudden changes that stress fish.
As a omnivore, Land Crab, (African) rainbow crab, (Nigerian) moon crab, Patriot crab requires a carefully balanced diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.
Offer a varied omnivorous diet of quality crab pellets, algae, blanched vegetables, leaf litter, fruits in moderation, and occasional protein such as bloodworms, earthworms, insects, or small pieces...
Vary the diet between quality flakes/pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp), and occasional fresh vegetables. Nutritional variety promotes vibrant colors, strong immunity, and natural behavior.
Remove uneaten food after 3-5 minutes to prevent water quality degradation. A single weekly fasting day can benefit digestion and overall health.
The Land Crab, (African) rainbow crab, (Nigerian) moon crab, Patriot crab is classified as semi-aggressive, though individual personality can vary with age, tank size, and stocking density.
Expect territorial behavior, especially during breeding or in undersized tanks. Provide ample space and visual barriers to reduce conflict. This species may view smaller fish as food.
This is a terrestrial crab that needs a land-dominant paludarium with deep, moist substrate for burrowing, secure escape-proof lid, access to both land and shallow water, and high humidity. Do not...
Choose tankmates carefully to ensure a harmonious community aquarium:
Compatible species include:
Avoid housing with:
Always research specific compatibility and introduce new fish gradually, monitoring behavior closely during the first few weeks.
Breeding is uncommon in home aquaria because this species has complex reproductive needs and typically requires very specific brackish-to-marine conditions for larval development.
When you choose Tropical Fish Co for your land crab purchase, you benefit from:
With decades of combined experience in the UK aquarium trade, we understand what makes healthy, thriving fish. Our Land Crab, (African) rainbow crab, (Nigerian) moon crab, Patriot crab specimens are among the finest land crab available online today.
Order with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a trusted UK specialist. We're passionate about connecting aquarists with exceptional fish for sale UK wide.
