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Red Devil Crab – Complete Care Guide

    red devil crab

    Red Devil Crab Information

    Red Devil Crabs are a species of small semi-terrestrial crab that are native to Indonesia. They’re incredibly vibrant with their mostly red & orange colorations. These are much different than the similarly named Thai Devil Crab, so do not mistaken the two. Red Devil Crabs can be great pets but, in my opinion, you really have to love them. I am saying this because they’re not incredibly active, you should not physically handle them like you would other animals and they’re skittish. They’re a great pet, if you’re ok with not seeing them all the time and if you provide them with the proper habitat.

    Aquarium Requirements

    The Red Devil Crab will require at least half of its enclosure to be terrestrial and the other half having water. You will most likely need to design a paludarium for this species of crab. A male and two females should do well in a 5 gallon aquarium. If you want more crabs, you’ll have to get a larger enclosure. They’re much different from fully aquatic freshwater crabs such as: Pom Pom Crabs, Panther Crabs, and the Thai Micro Crab. Red Devil Crabs live along forest streams and rivers in the wild. It usually hangs out on the land but will occasionally drop in the water, especially to molt.

    Your paludarium should reflect its natural habitat as close as possible. I would recommend adding a lot of mosses, driftwood and rocks for a hardscape. Also, adding a bunch of leaf litter is and other vegetation will give this crab plenty of cover and privacy. It should not eat healthy plants so this gives you plenty of options to scaping the enclosure.

    Like most other crabs, Red Devil Crabs are excellent climbers and escape artists. You should provide a tight fitting lid to guarantee this crab does not escape from your enclosure. A tight lid will also help keep humidity levels at a higher level which is important for the Red Devil Crab.

    Invertebrates are usually a little more sensitive to water parameter fluctuations and quality. The Red Devil Crab is no different. The overall temperature of its enclosure should sit between 75° and 82° F (24° – 28° C). Humidity levels should be 75% or higher. The water portion of the terrarium should have the following parameters:

    • Temperature 75° – 80° F
    • pH 7.5 – 8.0
    • KH 4 – 10

    This will promote ideal conditions for Red Devil Crabs which will hopefully help keep them healthy and living longer.

    Food & Diet

    Red Devil Crabs are omnivorous scavengers This is similar to just about every other crab out there. This is nice because it opens up many doors to what we can feed them. These freshwater crabs eat primarily plant based foods. I would offer them greens such as lettuce, algae pellets, algae wafers and much more. They will also forage the waters of the paludarium and consume algae and detritus. Because they are opportunistic animals, I would occasionally offer them foods like worms, crickets, and other insects normally found in pet stores.

    If fish are kept in the paludarium, the Red Devil Crab may occasionally make a meal out of them. Make sure the fish you keep are fast moving to help prevent them from becoming lunch. Also, larger and more aggressive fish should not be kept with Red Devil Crabs. Fish I would consider for a paludarium with Red Devil Crabs are:

    Keep in mind that you will have to provide the proper water parameters for any included fish, which can add more work, especially for newer hobbyists.

    Tank Mates

    Red Devil Crabs are very similar to Vampire Crabs in shape, size, and habitat requirements. However, they do best with only Red Devil Crabs. Red Devil Crabs are communal animals but with their own species. They may fight with each other but they will definitely fight with crabs of a different species. They are best kept with a ratio of 1 male to 4 females. This will help settle aggression and lower competition between crabs.

    Breeding

    There is not too much information on Red Devil Crab breeding habits. However, when a female is ready to mate she will allow a male to do so. The female will then hold onto the eggs until it’s time to hatch. She does not require saltwater to successfully release her eggs. The released eggs will more than likely be found in the water without any red colorations. Although not mandatory, consider removing the eggs from the parents’ enclosure because there is a small chance of cannibalization. The young crabs should take care of themselves as long as their is enough water and algae in the aquatic habitat but crushing flakes and food into small pieces will help them acquire additional nutrients to promote growth.

    Final Notes

    Red Devil Crabs are a very wonderful pet if you have the patience for them and are ok with not always seeing them. Remember, these are not aquarium crabs and will require a paludarium. They mostly care for themselves and will not enjoy being handled. Your job is to feed them and provide proper husbandry for their enclosure. Otherwise, enjoy your new semi-aquatic companion!

    Image by Thue on wikiMedia

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