Red Claw Crab Care Guide
The Red Claw Crab (Perisesarma bidens) is a colourful and unusual semi-aquatic crab popular in the UK aquarium hobby. Known for its bright red claws and active behaviour, it's often kept in paludariums or brackish aquariums.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about Red Claw Crab care, including tank size, water conditions, compatibility, feeding, and typical UK prices - plus how to buy or sell them locally.
Quick facts about Red Claw Crabs
Red claw crabs are small semi-terrestrial crabs native to mangroves and coastal regions in Southeast Asia. Despite often being sold as freshwater aquarium animals, they actually require access to land and mildly brackish water to thrive long-term.
They are active, territorial, and excellent climbers.
Perisesarma bidens
5-7 cm (including legs)
Southeast Asia
60L (15gal)
2-5 years
Territorial, semi-aggressive
24-28°C
Omnivore (pellets, algae, frozen foods)
7.5-8.5
�4-�12 per crab
How Many Red Claw Crabs Should You Keep?
Red claw crabs can be kept singly or in carefully managed groups.
- One male per tank is recommended
- Multiple females can sometimes coexist in larger setups
- Provide plenty of land areas and hiding spaces
Keeping multiple males together can lead to:
- Territorial fighting
- Lost limbs or injury
- Stress
Space and territory are essential.
Ideal Tank Conditions for Red Claw Crabs
Providing the right environment is critical for their long-term health.
- Tank Setup: Paludarium or brackish aquarium with both land and water areas
- Water Type: Slightly brackish water is strongly recommended
- Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
- Land Areas: Rocks, wood, or platforms for climbing and resting
- Filtration & Flow: Gentle filtration with stable water conditions
- Lighting: Moderate lighting
A tightly fitted lid is essential, as red claw crabs are excellent escape artists.
Are Red Claw Crabs Easy to Care For?
Red claw crabs are moderately easy to care for but are often incorrectly housed.
They require:
- Access to both land and water
- Slightly brackish conditions
- Secure lids
- Proper territories
Many problems arise when they are kept fully aquatic in freshwater.
Red Claw Crab Price in the UK
In the UK, red claw crabs typically cost between £4-£12 each.
Prices vary depending on:
- Size and colour quality
- Availability
- Shop vs hobbyist sellers
They are affordable and commonly available.
Where to Buy Red Claw Crabs in the UK
Red claw crabs are available in many UK aquarium shops and from hobbyists.
Sourcing locally can:
- Reduce transport stress
- Allow you to assess health and activity
- Offer better value
TankMate UK helps connect aquarists who want to buy, sell, or rehome aquatic pets safely - without shipping.
Can You Sell Red Claw Crabs?
Yes - red claw crabs are commonly sold and occasionally bred by hobbyists.
Selling locally is often the best option, as it:
- Minimises stress for the crab
- Avoids the risks of shipping
- Helps ensure suitable homes
TankMate UK allows you to list aquatic pets quickly and find local buyers.
Feeding Red Claw Crabs
Red claw crabs are omnivorous scavengers and easy to feed.
Key Tips:
- Feed sinking pellets and algae wafers
- Supplement with frozen foods such as bloodworms or shrimp
- Offer vegetables occasionally
- Remove uneaten food promptly
A varied diet supports shell health and colouration.
Common Problems with Red Claw Crabs
Escape attempts, often caused by:
- Lack of land access
- Poor water quality
- Insecure lids
Aggression, linked to:
- Multiple males
- Insufficient territory
Poor moulting, caused by:
- Inadequate minerals
- Poor water conditions
Why Red Claw Crabs Are So Popular
- Bright red claws and unusual appearance
- Interesting climbing and scavenging behaviour
- Suitable for paludariums
- Active and entertaining
- Affordable and widely available
When kept correctly, red claw crabs become fascinating and highly active additions to semi-aquatic setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they require access to land areas to thrive.
They survive short-term in freshwater but do best in slightly brackish water.
They can be territorial, especially males.
At least 60 litres, with both land and water sections.
Looking to Buy or Sell Red Claw Crabs Locally?
TankMate UK connects aquarists who want to buy, sell, or rehome aquatic pets safely within their local area.
Whether you're building a paludarium or passing livestock on to a new home, you can:
- Browse listings near you
- List your own aquatic pets in minutes
- Avoid the risks of shipping
Explore local listings with TankMate UK and find the right additions for your setup.