The red mangrove crab or red Thai crab is by far the most popular crab for paludaria (combined aquaria and terraria). What is not yet widely known is that it was placed in a different genus – Manarma – in 2020. In the hobby, the species name is also traditionally misspelled. The correct name is moeschii (i.e. with SCH and two I’s), not moeshi or something similar; the species was named in 1892 in honor of the collector, Dr. C. Moesch in Zurich.
These animals should always be kept in groups, as they are social. As a slight addition of salt to the water (approx. 5-10g/l) is very good for the animals, the tank should be filled with such salted water. Red mangrove crabs are omnivores and can easily be fed on fish food and all kinds of plant foods (leaves, fruit, vegetables).
You can find a detailed article on setting up an optimal tank for these crabs here: https://www.aqualog.de/blog/ein-paludarium-fuer-mangrovekrabben/ (unfortunately only available in German)
For our customers: the animals have code 490003 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & Photo: Frank Schäfer
Literature
Schubart, C.B. & P.K.L. Ng (2020): Revision of the intertidal and semiterrestrial crab genera Chiromantes Gistel, 1848, and Pseudosesarma Serène & Soh, 1970 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Sesarmidae), using morphology and molecular phylogenetics, with the establishment of nine new genera and two new species. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 68: 891–994.
