Description

Distribution & Habitat:

• Known from the Indo‑West Pacific region, found in brackish and estuarine environments from Myanmar through southeastern Asia to parts of southwestern China. It is not a strictly freshwater species.

• Typical habitats include tidal streams, estuary margins, and lower reaches of rivers with mixed salinity and good water flow.

Morphology & Identification:

• Adults are small, with carapace width of approximately 12 mm (around 1.2 cm) and a nearly square carapace that is smooth and slightly elevated at the centre. Three distinct teeth are present near the orbitals.

• Body is generally dark brown with pale spotting, while chelipeds (claws) may show purple or lighter coloration. Legs often have sparse hairs.

Ecology & Behavior:

• Omnivorous detritivore: feeds on red worms, brine shrimp, and decaying fish or shrimp. Does not hunt actively live prey.

• Can be housed in fully aquatic conditions (deep freshwater / brackish setups) and tolerates group keeping if oxygenation or flow is sufficient. It does not tolerate cold temperatures and prefers tropical conditions.