Vampire Crabs

[SwimWill]

Alright first true post here. Would anyone like any information on V.C.? I have two of them and got lots of information.

 

[Emi929]

Uh what are they lol

 

[LemurLad]

I would love some info on Vampire crabs! I've been thinking about getting some for my paludarium project What temps can they be kept at? What are your water params? Do they bug your fish? Will they climb out of an open tank? Etc. etc. etc.

 

[TheCrazyFishLady]

Oh wow. These sound interesting! I will definately be wanting more info too!

 

[SwimWill]

Okey dokey! First I would recommend having only two for a ten gallon ( and only use a ten g aquarium for these). Get them at the same time so the dominate one will be known day one. After they figure that out they will play with each other in a fighting way. They are very interesting species and will Not get along with other crabs. The one cool thing about these crabs is that they can Not pinch humans and they will not attack/eat fish. Though they will defend. Another thing is these crabs do need to leave the water at time to time. So what I did was tied fishing line to a plastic plant (thats ground level to water surface) on a foam platform that I used from my grocery. I also put straws (tied on the float). They love it! Wanna say 75% of the day they're in the water the other on the float. So yes they do climb and check out the surroundings. I just gaf taped the tank up. Another thing is they are somewhat nocturnal. Try having a light that temp is at 52ook. But don't get me wrong they are very active during the day. Hmm let's have more questions ^^

 

[SwimWill]

Temp - 75 f (65-80f)
Ph - moderate
Water - freshwater no salt
Light - 52ook
Food - shrimp pellets and algae waffers. I have seen crickets. Remember they are scavengers. Have gave them blood worms in the past.

 

[SwimWill]

And my fish especially the gullies love the crabs. The tetras just ignore them unless they are climbing up the plants.

 

[SwimWill]

This is what they are. This picture is not mine.

 

[LemurLad]

Ah, I've heard that they'd be mostly terrestrial, good to know that they do spend time in the water. So they would probably climb out of an open tank? How long have you had them? How big are they?

 

[the_fish_man]

Do they drink your blood?
Lol just joking

 

[SwimWill]

The only way they could climb out is if they have access to (can't crawl on the glass). I have seen them jump to get to where they want. But its only double there body length. Ive had these two for two months. Been logging everything in my book.
And yea I read that as well but they love the water and they love exploring at anytime they please.

 

[SwimWill]

They get to two inches I've read. My biggest one is inch and half that's with legs somewhat spread. Also the colors change as they age.

 

[LemurLad]

That's the first time I've heard that their colors change, how cool. Where'd you get them?

 

[SwimWill]

Oh yeah! They will always be purple.
Child - light yellow back with yellow eyes.
Teen - dark yellow back with Orange eyes
Adult - light Orange back with red eyes

I randomly found them at a pet store near me. But you can order them at any pet store.
Pet supermarket usually always have random species.

 

[SwimWill]

I'll take pictures tonight of the set up

 

[LemurLad]

Cool cool, my local reptile shop recently got some Batik crabs in, I bet I could get them to order some vamps. How much did you pay for them?

 

[SwimWill]

13$

 

[wickdnytemare]

Those are some awesome looking crabs! You say they won't purposely kill your fish just for food, however will defend themselves if the need be?

 

[SwimWill]

Yep they haven't hurt nor try to attack any fish. They only thing I've seen is when they are holding the waffers a tetra may come up and want some too. So the crab would just lift a leg and the fish is gone. here are the pictures.

 

[SwimWill]

And more