Rainbow vampire crab (blue)

Common Name: Rainbow Vampire Crab (Blue)
Scientific Name: Geosesarma dennerle

Adult Size: Around 5cm (adult)
Native Range: Central Java, Indonesia

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

Humidity: Approx. 75–85% with good airflow; keep the land section damp with 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 water changes

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

Geosesarma dennerle is one of the best-known “vampire crabs” in the hobby, a small, land-leaning freshwater crab from forested habitats in Central Java. The “Rainbow (Blue)” name is a trade label for brighter colour expression rather than a formal morph, so individuals can vary in how much blue they show.

They’re most confident with heavy cover leaf litter, moss, cork, root-like décor and dense planting, then become noticeably more active at dusk and overnight, rummaging and climbing with purpose. 

Despite the name, they’re not an aquarium crab; they generally do better when the habitat prioritises land space and humidity, with water provided mainly for drinking and dipping rather than deep swimming.