Halloween vampire crab

Common Name: Halloween Vampire Crab 
Scientific Name: Geosesarma dennerle 

Adult Size: Body 2–2.5cm; overall span typically 4–7cm
Native Range: Indonesia

Enclosure: Secure-lidded paludarium with mostly land and a shallow freshwater area
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

“Halloween” is a trade label used for dark-bodied vampire crabs with bright, autumnal contrast, often sold under Geosesarma alongside named species like G. dennerle. In practice, stock can vary, so colour and exact ID aren’t always consistent between imports.

What is consistent is the lifestyle: these are land-leaning freshwater crabs that thrive in humid, heavily planted paludaria with lots of tight cover. 

They’re most active at dusk and overnight, picking through leaf litter, climbing roots and hardscape, and retreating quickly if the enclosure feels too open. A layout with deep litter, multiple hides, and easy access to a shallow water section tends to show the most natural behaviour.