Purple Volcano Borneo Crab (Lepidothelphusa Sp. ‘ Purple Volcano Borneo’ )

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PLEASE NOTE: This species is a semi-terrestrial crab. Its habitat must be at least half (and preferably more) land with freshwater. It is an ideal paludarium animal.

The Purple Volcano Borneo Crab (Lepidothelphusa sp. ‘ Purple Volcano’ ) is an uncommon species that is beautifully marked and will often breed in the paludarium!

The Purple Volcano Borneo Crab (Lepidothelphusa sp. ‘ Purple Volcano’ ) is a small, very colorful, semi-terrestrial species that is native to Indonesia. It inhabits forest areas near streams, rivers, and ponds. It spends most of its time on land, but also often submerges in freshwater. It is communal with its own species, and males typically have one larger and one smaller claw while females have two equally sized claws . 

In nature, the Lepidothelphusa sp. lives in leaf litter and vegetation. In the paludarium, it requires ample land area. It typically will not eat healthy plants, but it will often help keep them clean and it may consume dead leaves. Like most crabs, it needs plenty of cover, especially when molting, so lots of decor is necessary. While it is communal with its own species, it is often aggressive with other types of crabs, including vampire crab species with which it competes in the wild. It is a skilled climber, so extra care must be taken to ensure that it does not escape its enclosure.

Like most crabs, the Purple Volcano Borneo Crab is an omnivorous scavenger and an opportunistic hunter on occasion. It feeds on filamentous algae and detritus in the paludarium and will also readily accept high-quality dry foods that are rich in plant matter. It also consumes animal matter, so bloodworms, cyclops, and similar frozen or dry foods are recommended. Fresh and dried vegetables are also excellent food sources, as are insects, worms, and other invertebrates. Due to its opportunistic nature, the Orange Arm Borneo Crab might eat other ornamental invertebrates and fish, so its tankmates must be chosen with great care.