|
This page will give a completely detailed profile of the selected
fish, from A to Z. The profiled fish will be chosen randomly by Badman,
and will come from the complete genre of tropical fish. New profiles
are added on a regular basis. If you would like to submit a profile
for the site please contact me. Don't forget to let us know you experiences
with this fish by filling out the
comment form.
This profile was written by Ken Tweddle an active contributor to the site.
Perisesarma (Sesarma) bidens
|
|
|
Overview:
The Red Claw Crab is a forager. They use fine hairs on their legs and
claws to taste the sand and will spend a large amount of time scavenging
the substrate for food. These crabs like to make small tight fitting
caves under rocks and logs and will quickly scurry to safety when threatened.
They also spend a few days in their burrows during molting and should
not be disturbed during this process. There should be a place above
the waterline such as a pile or rocks, wood or other substrate so the
crab can climb out of the water. The Red Claw Crab is a good climber
and will go exploring outside of your tank if it finds a way out. Run
air tubes and power cords through small holes in your hood and keep
the aquarium sealed to the best of your abilities.
|
Quick stats:
|
Listed tank sizes are the minimum
|
| Size: |
Leg span up to 4" (10 cm) |
| Tank: |
10 gal minimum |
| Strata: |
Benthic |
| PH: |
7.5 to 8.5 |
| Hardness: |
dKH 8+ |
| Temperature: |
75°F to 80°F (24°-27° C) |
Classification:
| Order: |
Decapoda |
| Suborder: |
Labroidei |
| Family: |
Sesarmidae |
| Genus: |
Sesarma |
| Species: |
Bidens |
|
|
Common name:
Red Claw Crab, Thai Crab
Image gallery:
Additional
species photographs
Discuss:
Badmans'
Forum
Distribution
Mangroves and Mudflats of South China Sea From Hong Kong to Singapore.
General Body Form:
Flattened shell with protruding eye stalks and Two equal sized claws.
A crab biotope set up |
Males in front females in back
|
Coloration:
Dull red with brown patterns and bright red claws.
Maintenance:
Best kept in brackish conditions with land access. The addition of Marine
Salt in the amount of 2 tbs/gal or a Specific Gravity of 1.005 is sufficient.
The use of Marine Grade Salt will help to provide trace minerals needed
for proper development. As the crab grows it must shed its exoskeleton.
The new shell is soft and the crab will hide for a few days until this
hardens. The use of a sand or soil substrate will allow for more natural
feeding habits as well as facilitate burrowing. Red Claw Crabs are Omnivorous
and enjoy brine shrimp, bloodworms, peas, beans, spinach and raw fish.
They will also eat commercial flake foods and crab pellets as well as
bits of driftwood and aquarium plants.
Biotope:
Mangrove swamp or Mud Flats. P.bidens make good companions for Mud Skippers,
Knight Gobies Bumblebee Gobies, Indian Glass Fish, Halfbeaks, Mollies,
Guppies, Amano and shrimp and other Brackish fish that do not prey on
large invertebrates. These types of setups are most easily filtered
with canister, or in-tank filtration as Hang On Back types do not work
well with lowered water levels. Keep the water well below the rim of
the tank and allow for safe perches above the waterline.
Breeding:
Special breeding requirements will not likely be met in the home
aquarium. Larva of The Red Claw Crab live for a time as Plankton in
the water column.
|
