Carnival Vampire Crab (Geosesarma sp.)

Species Overview

The Carnival Vampire Crab is one of the most colorful and eye-catching vampire crab species available in the hobby. Known for its vibrant mix of orange, yellow, purple, and red coloration, this species often appears as though it has been hand-painted. Combined with bright yellow eyes and an active personality, the Carnival Vampire Crab quickly becomes a centerpiece of any paludarium or tropical vivarium.

At Aquatic Arts, we especially appreciate Carnival Vampire Crabs for their incredible color diversity and entertaining behavior. These fascinating crabs spend much of their time climbing, exploring, foraging, and interacting with their environment, making them exceptional inhabitants for planted paludariums and bioactive tropical enclosures. Their bright colors create beautiful contrast against green plants, mosses, natural wood, and leaf litter.

What We Love About This Crab

• Exceptional multi-colored appearance unlike most vampire crab species

• Black eyes and a muli color carapace give a great coltrast

• Active, curious, and entertaining behavior

• Excellent choice for bioactive paludariums and tropical vivariums

Quick Care Guide

• Care Level: Moderate

• Temperament: Generally peaceful with appropriate space and hiding places

• Diet: Omnivorous scavenger that readily accepts prepared, frozen, and fresh foods

• Source: Wild Collected

• Average Adult Size: Approximately 1–1.5 Inches (2.5–3.8 cm)

• Average Purchase Size: Approximately 0.75–1 Inch (1.9–2.5 cm)

• Activity Level: Most active during morning, evening, and nighttime hours

• Group Size: Social species; best maintained in small groups

• Aquarium Type: Semi-terrestrial paludarium or vampire crab enclosure

• Shrimp Compatibility: Not Recommended

Enclosure Parameters

• Minimum Enclosure Size: 10 Gallons

• Temperature Range: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

• Humidity Range: 75–90%

• Water Depth: Shallow freshwater area with easy access to land

• Water Type: Freshwater

• pH Range: 6.5–8.0

• Recommended Land Area: 70–80%

• Recommended Water Area: 20–30%

Important Information

Semi-Terrestrial Species

Carnival Vampire Crabs are not fully aquatic crabs and cannot be maintained in a traditional aquarium. This species requires a paludarium-style enclosure that provides both land and water areas. Long-term success depends on providing adequate terrestrial space, proper humidity, and easy access to freshwater.

While Carnival Vampire Crabs are generally social with their own kind, we strongly recommend maintaining only a single species of vampire crab per enclosure. Mixing different Geosesarma species can result in territorial disputes, competition for resources, stress, injury, and potential hybridization.

State Restrictions

Vampire Crabs cannot be shipped to Maine due to state regulations. Questions? Contact [email protected] before placing your order.