Someone please help me ID this crab

[phira]

Hi all,
These photos were taken in Phuket. The crabs were found near a freshwater stream. They're about 2cm across, not including legs. I also saw a few females carring eggs. Any idea what species, or at least genus are they? Thanks

Male ( left ) and Female


Male

[lucasjiang]

they are metasesarma obesum. they require saltwater.

[phira]

Ah thanks for the quick reply man...
guess my chances of breeding this guys are pretty slim

[lucasjiang]

if u have a marine tank, then it is possible.

[BEASTIEPENDENT]

Yes, this is the terrestrial crab Metasesarma obesum (old synonym: M. rousseauxi). The live on beaches and therefore should be held on sand with a small bowl of brackish water. New observations give us a hint they may not need salt/bracksih water but this is not sure for yet. They won't go deep IN the water but need it of course (and/or a high humid air) to moisten their gills.

Breeding in laymens' captivity has not been reproduced with success but is possible of course. But You need brackish water, 24 h light, micro food and a tank with nearly no decoration for the larvae. a HowTo You can find here: http://www.panzerwelten.de/forum/showthread.php?tid=712 – the only difference may be that Metasesarma could need a higher salinity which should be at about sea water (34 gr./L).