{"product_id":"leopard-crab-parathelphusa-pantherina-crab-phanter","title":"Leopard Crab (Parathelphusa pantherina) 4-6 cm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Leopard Crab (\u003cem\u003eParathelphusa pantherina\u003c\/em\u003e) is a striking freshwater crab admired for its dark shell patterned with lighter speckles and its engaging, inquisitive behaviour. Offered here at approximately 4-6 cm, this is a fascinating invertebrate for aquarists who want something a little different from the usual shrimp or snails. Although hardy once settled, it is best suited to a carefully planned setup with secure escape-proofing, clean water and plenty of hiding places.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnlike fully aquatic fish, freshwater crabs need a tank that balances water quality, shelter and access to land or shallow areas depending on the individual setup and keeper preference. They are opportunistic omnivores and can be territorial, so they are usually best kept either singly or with very careful tankmate selection. With the right environment, Leopard Crabs can become long-lived, active additions to a specialist aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we supply healthy livestock with a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e, so your new crab arrives in the best possible condition. Please note that this species is best kept by aquarists with some invertebrate experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCare factor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommendation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cem\u003eParathelphusa pantherina\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLeopard Crab\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCare level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate to expert\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-aggressive\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to around 8-10 cm carapace span, depending on sex and conditions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 litres for a single crab, larger for groups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22-28°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5-8.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTank region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eParathelphusa pantherina\u003c\/em\u003e is native to freshwater habitats in Indonesia, particularly Sulawesi, where it inhabits lakes, streams and associated margins with abundant cover. In the wild, freshwater crabs spend much of their time hidden under rocks, among roots, leaf litter and submerged vegetation, emerging to forage for food. This natural lifestyle explains why they appreciate a complex aquarium with caves, driftwood and dense planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause these crabs are adapted to a life close to the substrate and shoreline, they are not open-water swimmers. They are best understood as bottom-dwelling scavengers and hunters that explore slowly but purposefully. Their natural environment is warm, stable and rich in microhabitats, so consistency in water quality is important.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA secure aquarium is essential. Leopard Crabs are excellent climbers and can escape through surprisingly small gaps, so a tight-fitting lid is non-negotiable. Filtration should be efficient but not so powerful that it creates excessive current. Gentle flow, good oxygenation and regular maintenance will help keep the crab healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide plenty of hiding places using caves, coconut shells, rockwork, driftwood and dense planting. Smooth stones and broad-leaved plants can help create a naturalistic layout, while leaf litter can offer additional cover and foraging opportunities. If you keep more than one crab, the tank must be significantly larger with multiple territories and visual barriers to reduce conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater should be clean and stable, with regular partial changes to prevent the build-up of waste. As with most freshwater crabs, ammonia and nitrite must always remain at zero. Avoid copper-based treatments, which are harmful to invertebrates. A sandy or fine gravel substrate is usually suitable, especially when combined with areas of rock and roots for climbing and shelter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecommended parameters are:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 22-28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: 6.5-8.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardness: moderate to hard is generally acceptable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTank size: 60 litres minimum for one individual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen acclimating, take your time. Crabs can be sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and water chemistry, so a slow drip acclimation is ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeopard Crabs are omnivorous and should be offered a varied diet. In the wild they will scavenge plant matter, detritus, small invertebrates and other available foods, so a mixed feeding plan works best in captivity. A high-quality sinking crab or invertebrate pellet can form the staple, supported by frozen foods and vegetable matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood food options include:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSinking crab pellets or algae wafers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlanched vegetables such as courgette, spinach and peas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen bloodworm, mysis or chopped shellfish as an occasional protein source\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeaf litter and natural grazing materials\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed small amounts once daily or every other day, depending on the crab’s size and appetite. Remove uneaten food to maintain water quality. Calcium is important for healthy shell development, so ensure the diet includes suitable mineral content. A cuttlebone or invertebrate mineral supplement can be useful in some setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompatibility is the main challenge with this species. Leopard Crabs can be territorial and may prey on small fish, shrimp or snails if given the opportunity. They are best kept in a species tank, especially by newer keepers. If you do choose tankmates, select robust, fast-moving fish that occupy different parts of the aquarium and are too large to be considered prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable companions may include larger, peaceful fish in spacious tanks, but even then there is always some risk. Avoid slow, long-finned, bottom-dwelling or very small species. Never house them with delicate shrimp colonies, tiny rasboras or fish that sleep on the substrate. Any tankmate should be chosen with caution, and the crab should always have its own hiding spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs with all freshwater crabs, there is also a risk of aggression towards other crabs, especially in confined quarters. If keeping more than one, ensure the aquarium is large, heavily structured and monitored closely.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen you buy a Leopard Crab from Tropical Fish Co, you can expect healthy stock, careful packing and reliable service from a UK specialist retailer. We understand that live invertebrates need expert handling from the moment they are selected to the moment they arrive at your door. That is why we offer a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e for peace of mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe also aim to provide clear, practical care information so you can set up the right environment before your crab arrives. Whether you are building a dedicated species tank or adding a unique invertebrate to an established aquarium, our team is here to help you make an informed choice. Choose Tropical Fish Co for quality livestock, dependable delivery and support you can trust.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a specialist freshwater crab and is not suitable for a standard community aquarium without careful planning.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57446844694863,"sku":"KB98","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/leopard-crab-parathelphusa-pantherina-crab-phanter-hero-driftwood-kb98.webp?v=1777556253","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/leopard-crab-parathelphusa-pantherina-crab-phanter","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}