Pseudosesarma Moeshi (Red clawed mangrove crab)
Origin: Asia.
Appearance: Varying from brown to red with brown, red to blue legs. The scissors are brown or red with different coloured tips (white, red or yellow). The scissors usually have a brighter colour than the armor. In the mating season the colours can even be brighter. The males' claws are generally larger than those of the females.
Sexing: Female abdomen plastron is round and almost covers the entire belly. Male abdomen plastron is narrow and has more a pointy shape. The men's scissors are larger and uneven in size. The claws of the females are smaller and of the same size.
Life span: 2-4 years.
Size: 4cm.
Sexually mature: Unknown.
Gestation: 3-4 weeks.
Character: Is used to living in a group because of social behavior. With enough space and shelter, several males can be kept together. The hiding places must be made so that the crabs can be completely out of sight. They like to stay near hiding places so that they can withdraw quickly. Every now and then there is a small fight to determine the ranking. It is usually not intended to injure each other. They are mostly in the water but prefer to retreat to land for shedding.
Tank setup: From 54 liters. Set up as an aqua terrarium, an aquarium with a land area, in which stones, roots and sturdy plants are present. Provide a structure with sufficient hiding options in the form of roots or stones. Withered leaves (beech, oak) can also serve as a hiding place. In groups of at least 3 animals. The ratio of men to women should be approximately 1 man to 2 women. For larger groups, make sure that all males have enough space on the land area near the water. These crabs also tolerate brackish water.
Waterconditions: Temperature 20 to 28ºC. They are more active from 24ºC.
Feeding: Crabs are in general omnivores. In the natural environment leaves are the main food. Take clean fallen leaves (not green) from trees such as beech and oak. They also eat almost all vegetables and fruits such as peas, lettuce, cucumber, apple, zucchini, pear, banana, grapes, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts. Avoid parsley or beans because they contain too much cyanyde or copper. Boiled carrot, potatoes and boiled rice. No citrus fruits due to the acidity. In terms of dry food, they take catfish tablets, spirulina tablets, crayfish food, rabbit and guinea pig pellets (without copper). Frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, cyclops, brine shrimp, meat. Live earthworms cut into pieces to prevent burrowing. Frozen fish such as tuna, smelt, sardines, herring, etc. Fresh or canned (not in oil). Use crushed egg shells or calcium powder in sticks to administer calcium.
Breeding: Females carry eggs for three to four weeks. This can be thousands of eggs. Afterwards, larvae are released into brackish water where they go through different stages until they turn into small crabs.
Tank mates: Shrimps, snails (small ones can be eaten), gyppy's, small bottom fish, friendly crayfish and other crabs.
Copyright photos: © Garnalenkweker.nl
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