Not furry either, still lovely.
Red Claw Crab
Perisesarma bidens
Also called Red-clawed crab, Parasesarma bidens (alternative name)
From Indo-Pacific, from Zanzibar to Japan and Fiji; lives in mangroves12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Small semi-terrestrial mangrove crab
A small crab with a carapace usually no more than about 5 cm across and a leg span reaching around 10 cm. It is named for its eye-catching red claws.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moves between the ground and mangrove trees, living both on the bottom and among branches.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
A brackish-water species from warm mangrove areas; an enclosure should combine water and dry areas to climb on.2
Home where they are happiest
Brackish mangrove areas in subtropical and tropical coasts, where it uses both the muddy floor and the trees.2
The story where it all began
De Haan described the species in 1835 as Grapsus bidens, and it has been moved between several genera since. It belongs to the Sesarmidae, a family of crabs that includes several truly land-living genera.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Willem de Haan
- Described in 1835 as Grapsus bidens1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Red Claw Crab. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkBrackish fish need a little marine salt, and some need more as they growevery week
- Water changeAbout 25% of the water, mixed to the same salinityevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Red Claw Crab?
Feed your Red Claw Crab small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, but always adjust based on how much your crab eats in a few minutes.2 Furry Diary plan
What does a Red Claw Crab eat, and what should it never eat?
Red Claw Crabs are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet of sinking pellets, blanched vegetables, and small protein sources like brine shrimp. Never feed them anything with copper or preservatives, and avoid overfeeding to keep water clean.2
How much space does a Red Claw Crab need?
A Red Claw Crab needs an enclosure that combines both water and dry areas to climb on, as it moves between the ground and mangrove trees. A 10-gallon tank or larger is a good starting point for one crab.2
What temperature, light or water does a Red Claw Crab need?
This crab needs brackish water with a little marine salt, and a warm environment similar to its subtropical mangrove home. Furry Diary's plan recommends daily temperature checks and weekly salinity checks to keep conditions stable.2 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Red Claw Crab's home?
Change about 25% of the water weekly, mixed to the same salinity, and rinse the filter monthly in old tank water. Furry Diary's plan also suggests weekly water tests to monitor quality. Furry Diary plan
Can a Red Claw Crab live with others?
Red Claw Crabs can be territorial, so it's best to keep only one per tank or provide plenty of space and hiding spots. Always monitor for aggression if housing with other peaceful brackish species.2
How long does a Red Claw Crab live?
With proper care, a Red Claw Crab can live for 2 to 3 years in captivity. A stable brackish environment and good diet help them reach their full lifespan.1
Can I handle a Red Claw Crab?
Handling is not recommended as Red Claw Crabs are delicate and can pinch. It's best to observe them in their habitat and use a container if you need to move them.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Perisesarma bidens en.wikipedia.orgused for common name, range, size, naming history
- SeaLifeBase: Parasesarma bidens sealifebase.seused for environment, mangrove habitat, ground and tree living
- Wikipedia: Sesarmidae en.wikipedia.orgused for family background
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.