Tricolor vampire crab

Common Name: Tricolor Vampire Crab
Scientific Name: Geosesarma 

Native Range: Central Java, Indonesia

Enclosure: Secure-lidded paludarium; mostly land with a shallow freshwater section
Heating: ambient 22–24 °C

Humidity: 75–85% with good airflow; keep substrate damp with some drier pockets

UVB: Low output

Diet: Leaf litter/veg plus insect and shrimp-style proteins in rotation

Water: Dechlorinated freshwater pool with easy access in/out; keep clean with filtration or regular partial changes

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

“Tricolor” is a trade name used for a striking Geosesarma-type vampire crab with contrasting tones across the carapace, legs and claws. Because this form is commonly sold as an undescribed Geosesarma (and sometimes mislabelled as “Geosesarma tricolor”), colour and exact ID can vary between suppliers.

Behaviour is classic vampire crab: land-leaning, secretive in open layouts, and far more visible once the enclosure is dense with leaf litter, moss, cork, roots and plants. They’re confident climbers and will explore vertical décor, but they still want tight retreats and a damp forest-floor feel.

Expect the most activity from late afternoon into the evening, with steady foraging rather than swimming.