Tomato Vampire Crab (Red Ruby)

Tomato Vampire Crab (Red Ruby) — A Jewel of the Paludarium World

Dramatic, vivid, and utterly captivating, the Tomato Vampire Crab "Red Ruby" (Geosesarma sp.) is one of the most striking freshwater crabs in the hobby. With its intense tomato-red to ruby body, contrasting pale yellow eyes, and compact, jewel-like form, this is a crab that commands attention in any paludarium or terrarium setup. A true collector’s species that never fails to impress.

Vampire Crabs are semi-terrestrial — spending much of their time on land while requiring access to freshwater for hydration and moulting. Their bold colouration, active behaviour, and relatively small size make them one of the most rewarding and visually spectacular invertebrates you can keep.

Care at a Glance

• Common Name: Tomato Vampire Crab, Red Ruby Vampire Crab
• Scientific Name: Geosesarma sp. "Red Ruby"
• Origin: Southeast Asia (Java, Indonesia)
• 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

Tomato 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 misting and a tight-fitting lid
• Hiding spots: cork bark, driftwood, leaf litter, and dense planting (pothos, ferns, mosses)

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 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. Avoid housing with fully aquatic species or large, aggressive animals.

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!