Red chameleon crab - Metasesarma aubryi

Red chameleon crabs are true rarities in the trade, which are not offered so often. Originally they come from the rainforest and are at home in Southeast Asia, where they are often found near fresh water. They primarily inhabit moist and rocky areas. These fascinating land crabs, as their name suggests, can change color depending on their mood, but always red remain their small red claws with white tips. Occasionally they also color black legs and a black upper body surface.

They reach a carapace diameter of about 4 cm and a total diameter of just under 8 cm. To date, we have no reports of captive breeding. Especially the claws of the males are larger than those of the females and usually they are also the ones with more intense coloration. The females have a U-shaped abdominal flap, while that of the males is V-shaped and also rather smaller. They can reach an age of almost 4 years. Internally they are very peaceful.

The terrarium for the Red Chameleon Crab should have an edge length of at least 60 cm and have both a bathing bowl with fresh water, but also many caves and hiding places. A coco-based terrarium humus is recommended as substrate. This should be layered at least 5 cm high so that the animals can dig. This allows plants to be partially dug out. Therefore, rather fast growing species, such as Dracaena, are suitable. The air temperature in the terrarium should be between 24-30 ° C, in addition, this should be absolutely tightly closed, because the small climbing mastiffs are very curious and could possibly run away. They also value their conspecifics and should therefore be kept with at least three of them. Socialization with other crab species is rather not recommended. The terrarium should be misted daily to keep the humidity accordingly high.

Red chameleon crabs are omnivores, which can be fed uncomplicated. However, the main component of their diet should be vegetarian. They can be fed with fruits and vegetables, but also with catfish tablets. Brown autumn leaves are also suitable, in which they hide among other things. A special crab food is also recommended.

Our food recommendation: Crabs in the wild tend to have a very varied diet. Most species are omnivores, and with the Natureholic Crab Feed Sticks we have taken this preference into account. They contain biologically balanced animal and plant components, which are also part of the natural food spectrum of omnivorous crabs in the field in such or such a similar way. The valuable ingredients of NatureHolic Crab Feed support the moulting, digestion, growth and reproduction of your crabs in a completely natural way.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use marsh plants, which are plants that are rooted in soil that is very wet or even submerged, but whose flowers and leaves are usually all or partially in the airspace and can be seen above the water surface. For example, marsh plants are usually found on and in lakes and streams, but also on and in garden ponds or other bodies of water that provide them with a wet substrate, but still leave room for flowers and leaves to show to the outside.

Expert Tip: We recommend NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid when keeping invertebrates. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your invertebrates. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.