Red Claw Crab

Perisesarma bidens

Also known as: Red Clawed Crab, Red Mangrove Crab

A bold mangrove crab with bright red claws that needs a brackish paludarium with dry land.

Water

Brackish

Temperature

72–82°F

pH

7.5–8.5

Hardness

10–20 dGH

Max size

2.5 in

Min tank

10 gal

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Social

Solitary

Swim level

Bottom

Diet

Omnivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

2-4 years

Breeding

Egg-layer

Suitability

Intermediate

Origin

Indo-Pacific mangroves and estuaries

A brackish species that is often sold as freshwater but does best at low salinity, around 1.005 specific gravity. It must have a land area to climb out and breathe air, plus a secure lid. Males fight, so keep one male per tank and avoid small fish.