White Mandarin Vampire Crab Male (Geosesarma pontianak)

White Mandarin Vampire Crab (Geosesarma pontianak) — The Porcelain Jewel of the Paludarium

The White Mandarin Vampire Crab (Geosesarma pontianak) is one of the most striking and sought-after members of the Vampire Crab family. With its pristine white to pale cream body, vivid yellow-orange eyes, and delicate, almost porcelain-like appearance, this rare semi-terrestrial crab is a breathtaking addition to any paludarium or terrarium. Named for its ethereal, mandarin-like colouration, the White Mandarin Vampire Crab is a collector’s species that commands attention wherever it is kept.

Porcelain Beauty, Bold Presence

The White Mandarin Vampire Crab’s clean, pale colouration is unlike almost anything else in the freshwater hobby — a striking, almost luminous white that contrasts dramatically with its vivid eyes and dark carapace markings. Active and curious by nature, these crabs explore their environment with confidence, foraging across land and climbing through plants and driftwood with surprising agility. Their bold yellow-orange eyes give them an intense, watchful expression that makes them endlessly fascinating to observe.

Care Profile

• Scientific Name: Geosesarma pontianak
• Origin: Indonesia (Borneo region) — humid tropical forest floors near freshwater streams
• Size: Up to 4–5 cm carapace width
• Temperament: Generally peaceful toward other species; males may be territorial toward each other — provide ample hiding spots and visual breaks
• Diet: Omnivore — accepts blanched vegetables, fruit, dried leaves, fish flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworm, and small live invertebrates
• Humidity: 70–80% — high humidity is essential; mist the enclosure regularly
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• Setup: Paludarium or terrarium with both land and water areas; land should make up the majority of the enclosure; provide cork bark, driftwood, and leaf litter for hiding and foraging
• Water: Shallow freshwater area for moulting and hydration; dechlorinated water only
• Available as: Male ($25.00) | Female ($28.00) | Pair ($50.00)

Paludarium Compatibility

The White Mandarin Vampire Crab thrives in a well-planted paludarium with tropical plants such as pothos, bromeliads, mosses, and ferns that provide cover, climbing opportunities, and humidity retention. It can be kept in small groups with careful attention to sex ratios — one male to two or more females is recommended. Avoid housing with fish or invertebrates in the water section that may be predated upon.

Rare, luminous, and utterly captivating — the White Mandarin Vampire Crab is the porcelain jewel that elevates any paludarium into a living masterpiece.