Apricot Vampire Crab (Geosesarma dennerle)

Apricot Vampire Crab — A Warm & Rare Colour Variant of the Classic Vampire Crab

Soft, warm, and utterly charming, the Apricot Vampire Crab (Geosesarma dennerle) is a rare and beautiful colour variant of the iconic Vampire Crab. Where other variants dazzle with bold purples and oranges, the Apricot stands apart with its delicate warm apricot-peach to golden-orange body colouration — a softer, more understated elegance that makes it one of the most unique and sought-after Geosesarma variants in the hobby.

Paired with striking pale eyes and the compact, jewel-like form characteristic of all vampire crabs, the Apricot is a true collector’s piece — equally at home as the centrepiece of a lush tropical paludarium or as part of a stunning multi-variant vampire crab display.

Care at a Glance

• Common Name: Apricot Vampire Crab
• Scientific Name: Geosesarma dennerle
• Origin: Java, Indonesia (tropical forest streams and riverbanks)
• Adult Size: Carapace up to ~2.5 cm; legs span wider
• pH: 7.0 – 8.0
• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)
• Humidity: 70 – 80% (essential for semi-terrestrial lifestyle)
• Temperament: Generally peaceful; males may spar with each other
• Habitat Type: Semi-terrestrial — requires both land and water access
• Difficulty: Moderate

⚠️ Important: Paludarium Setup Required

Apricot Vampire Crabs are semi-terrestrial and cannot be kept in a standard fully aquatic aquarium. They require a paludarium or terrarium setup with:

• A generous land area (at least 70% of the enclosure) with moist substrate — coconut fibre, organic topsoil, or a mix works well
• A shallow freshwater pool or water section for drinking, soaking, and moulting
• High humidity (70–80%) maintained through regular misting and a tight-fitting lid
• Hiding spots and climbing structures: cork bark, driftwood, leaf litter, and lush tropical planting (pothos, ferns, mosses, bromeliads)

Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers. Accept a wide variety of foods: small insects (crickets, fruit flies, springtails), frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, blanched vegetables, leaf litter, and commercial invertebrate foods. Feed every 1–2 days, removing uneaten food promptly to prevent mould in the humid environment.

Compatible Tank Mates

Best kept as a species-only group or with other small, peaceful semi-terrestrial invertebrates. Keep one male with one or more females to minimize male-on-male aggression. Can be displayed alongside other Geosesarma variants in a large, well-divided paludarium.

Moulting

Vampire Crabs moult periodically as they grow. During and after moulting they are soft and extremely vulnerable — provide ample hiding spots and avoid disturbing them. Do not remove the shed exoskeleton; the crab will consume it to reclaim valuable minerals including calcium.

📸 Photos are for reference only. Actual crabs may vary slightly in colour and pattern — each one is uniquely beautiful!