Why is it called a 'vampire crab'?

The name comes from the bright yellow eyes of some Geosesarma species, not from any blood-related feeding behavior.

Where does it come from?

It is endemic to forested slopes near streams in central Java, Indonesia, and was only formally described as a species in 2015.

Vampire Crabバンパイアクラブ

Geosesarma dennerleNE— Not Evaluated

The vampire crab is a small, semi-terrestrial crab endemic to forested stream slopes in central Java, Indonesia, first formally described in 2015. Named for its bright yellow eyes rather than any blood-feeding habit, it is omnivorous and completes its larval development inside the egg, hatching as a miniature crab. It is popular in the aquarium trade, where overcollection is a growing conservation concern, though it has not yet been formally evaluated by the IUCN.

Vampire Crab (reference photo) — Photo: Kev22 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Decapoda / Sesarmidae Source
Size: A small crab with a carapace width under 10 mm
Diet: Omnivore Omnivorous, eating small invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus
Distribution: Endemic to central Java, Indonesia, where it lives on forested slopes near streams. Source
Sources: en.wikipedia.org www.indoorecosystem.net

Did You Know?

It was formally described as a new species only in 2015, named after the German aquarium supply company Dennerle. Source
The "vampire" name refers to its bright yellow eyes, not its feeding habits; larval development is completed entirely inside the egg, so it hatches already as a miniature crab. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 1

ENOSHIMA AQUARIUMKanagawaOpened in 2004

Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Not Evaluated (NE)

Sources

en.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

Why is it called a 'vampire crab'?: The name comes from the bright yellow eyes of some Geosesarma species, not from any blood-related feeding behavior. Source
Where does it come from?: It is endemic to forested slopes near streams in central Java, Indonesia, and was only formally described as a species in 2015. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?: Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 1 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org