Red Apple Crab

Common Name: Red Apple Crab / Chameleon Crab
Scientific Name: Metasesarma aubryi

Adult Size: Carapace 2.5–4cm; leg span 7–10cm
Native Range: Indonesiaa

Enclosure: Mostly land with a shallow freshwater area; larger preferred for more cover
Heating: ambient 22–24 °C

Humidity: 70–90% with good airflow; keep substrate damp (not waterlogged)

UVB: Standard lighting for viewing/plants is commonly used

Diet: Prepared crab foods, greens/leaf litter, plus insect/shrimp-style proteins in rotation

Water: Dechlorinated freshwater bowl/pool, shallow with easy exits; filtration or regular water changes recommended

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

Metasesarma aubryi is the crab behind the “Red Apple” and “Chameleon Crab” names. It’s a small, land-leaning sesarmid that naturally lives along shaded waterways in dense tropical habitat, where it can dig in damp substrate and disappear into leaf litter.

In captivity, it spends most of its time on land, but still benefits from constant access to clean freshwater for dipping and during moults. Colour can be surprisingly variable some individuals show vivid reds, while others lean darker with orange edging often shifting with surroundings and stress levels.

They’re most noticeable from late afternoon into the evening, when they emerge to pick through litter and climb over roots, cork and rockwork.