Red Claw Crab
Perisesarma bidens
Also sold as Red-clawed crab
Red Claw Crab (Perisesarma bidens) is an aggressive freshwater invertebrate that reaches about 4.5 cm (1.8 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 72–81°F (22–27°C) and pH 7.5–8.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 38 L (10 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Invertebrate |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) |
| Minimum tank | 38 L (10 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 72–81°F (22–27°C) |
| pH | 7.5–8.5 |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Lifespan | 2–2.5 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Red Claw Crab needs at least 38 L (10 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 10 Gallon.
- It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
- It holds at 72–81°F (22–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- It is aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
- It eats most plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.
- Before you buy: it is not fully aquatic and needs a land area above the water.
- Before you buy: it needs brackish water, not a freshwater tank.
What tank size does it need?
At least 38 L (10 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 10 Gallon.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
72–81°F (22–27°C), pH 7.5–8.5.
How long does it live?
2–2.5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.
Often compared with
| Red Claw Crab | Thai Micro Crab | Asian Gold Clam | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 4.5 cm | 1 cm | 5 cm |
| Min tank | 38 L | 19 L | 40 L |
| Group | 1+ | 5+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 72–81°F (22–27°C) | 72–81°F (22–27°C) | 72–81°F (22–27°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | No | No |
More livestock
Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026
- Temperature, Jumping, Digging, Eats plants, What it eats, Land access, Brackish wateraquariumbreeder.com
- What it eatsbuildyouraquarium.com
- What it eatsfishkeeper.co.uk
- aquariadise.com