The numbers
Enclosure
Paludarium ~40 L, ~80% land : 20% freshwater
Diet
Bloodworms, dried shrimp, insects, veg, leaf litter · Every 1–2 days
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
75%+
Identity
Order / Family
Decapoda
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; range-restricted Thai natives; conservation-sensitive
Difficulty
Intermediate
Commonality
Rare; mostly wild Thai endemics, little in trade
Adult size
~1–2 cm carapace
Lifespan
2–3 yrs (est.)
Growth rate
Moderate
Activity & niche
Semi-terrestrial freshwater swamp-forest crab
Temperament
Shy, secretive
Venom / defense
Harmless to humans; small pinch
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
75%+
Min. enclosure
Paludarium ~40 L, ~80% land : 20% freshwater
Substrate
Coco peat + sphagnum; damp swamp-forest style
Hides / decor / water
Leaf litter, roots, driftwood, live plants; shallow freshwater
Diet
Staple food
Bloodworms, dried shrimp, insects, veg, leaf litter
Feeding frequency
Every 1–2 days
Supplements
Cuttlebone / calcium for molting
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Minimal; best observed
Communal
Yes – 1 male : 2+ females with ample hides
Defense / stress signs
Hiding, claw display, failed molts
Reproduction
Reproduction
Direct development — female broods and releases miniature crabs
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsFailed molts, drowning, aggression
Red flags / quarantine
SignsConservation-sensitive; discourage wild collection; quarantine
Good to know
- G. todaeng (2023) lives in the root systems of Lum Phee palms in a Narathiwat swamp forest.
Others in this group
Caribbean / Purple Pincher Hermit CrabCoenobita clypeatusGiant African Land SnailLissachatina fulicaRed Apple CrabMetasesarma aubryiIndonesian / Purple Land Hermit CrabCoenobita brevimanusRuggie Land Hermit CrabCoenobita rugosusVampire Crab (assorted Geosesarma)Geosesarma sp. (e.g. dennerle, 'red devil')Giant Pink-foot / Immaculate Land SnailAchatina immaculataGiant West African / Banana Rasp SnailArchachatina marginata