Watermelon Crab Care Guide
Paraleptuca crassipes
Stocking Calculator
Bioload Score
800
- Max Size
- 3.4 cm / 1.3"
- Temperature
- 24–29°C (75–85°F)
- pH Range
- 7.5 – 8.5
- Min Tank Size
- 38L (10 gal)
- Min Group Size
- 5 fish
- Tank Level
- Bottom
- Origin
- Asia
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Breeding Difficulty
- Difficult
Diet
Omnivorous scavenger that eats biofilm, algae, plant matter and detritus, plus sinking crab pellets, fish foods, vegetables and small meaty items like bloodworms or brine shrimp.
Community Compatibility
Peaceful semi-terrestrial fiddler crab best kept in brackish paludariums with its own kind and, if desired, a few small, non-aggressive brackish fish that won’t nip or be harassed.
Good to Know
The Watermelon Crab (Paraleptuca crassipes), also sold as the watermelon fiddler crab, comes from intertidal mangrove flats across the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia where it grazes in brackish mudflats between the tides.
Gender Differences
Males have a single greatly enlarged claw and slightly narrower carapace, while females have two small claws and a rounder, more uniform body.
Stock Watermelon Crab in Your Tank
Use our free stocking calculator to see if Watermelon Crab fits your aquarium