Red mangrove crabs or Thai crabs are quite sturdy and easy to hold. However, the water should not be too dirty. The animals are sociable and 3 to 5 animals should be kept together in the species tank. Because the males can seriously injure themselves during territorial fights, there should be hiding places in the tank.
Depending on the origin, scientific names are Sesarma cf. johorensis, S. bidens, S. chiromates or S. siamensis.
Red mangrove crabs like to be in the water, but they are just as common on land. They therefore need a water part and a land part, i.e. an aquaterrarium, for species-appropriate keeping.
A small piece of land, for example a root that partially protrudes from the water, is sufficient. At night, the crabs like to wander the same paths through the aquarium.
The pool must be well sealed. They use every opportunity to escape from the pool. They climb up every hose or pipe. They even shimmy upside down over smooth surfaces. If they cannot go back into the tank, they will dry out and die. Depending on the humidity, it can take several hours to dry out, so they can move far away from the aquarium. They also hide very well.
A shallow bowl of water should be placed in a quiet corner of the room in case a crab should escape. If possible, a hiding place should be placed in the bowl, eg a root. With their fine sense, the crabs find the shell filled with water and can be picked up again from there.
Red mangrove crabs need brackish water to breed. Adult animals prefer fresh water. The water values are relatively unimportant, with very soft water a pinch of salt makes sense. The KH value should be greater than 4, otherwise the animals can have problems with their shell.
Small groups can be fed rabbit food or shrimp, eg from Aldi. Depending on the size of the group, a frozen mackerel can be fed once a week.
Fish can be attacked by Mangrove Red Crabs. Furcata females have been reportedly surprised and eaten while they are asleep. The fins of guppies were eaten. All species of juvenile fish are endangered. Amano shrimp are eaten with pleasure. Snails are constantly attacked. They tend to stick to their offspring. Small snails are cracked with the scissors and then eaten. Large snails, such as large apple snails, are less bothered.
Plants can at least be nibbled on.
information about molting
During the growth phase, the crabs often molt. Molting takes a few minutes. The old, shed skin may look like it’s still the whole crab. She is absolutely complete after skinning, with eyes, claws and legs. At first, the old skin looks glassy. After a few hours or after one night, the skin is white-dark yellow. The opening where the crabs come out of the skin is at the back between the last pair of legs. The crabs usually hide for a few hours while the new shell hardens.
The skin can be picked up for testing. It is feather light and empty. Some mucus may be in the skin.