Matano crab
Syntripsa matannensis
FreshwaterCrab
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–86°F
- 24–30°C
- pH
- 7.3–8.5
- Adult size
- 4.3 in
- 11 cm
- Minimum tank
- 22 gal
- 85 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Own kind
- One male per tank
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Egg carrier · Hard
- Rarity
- Very rare
- Family
- Gecarcinucidae
- Origin
- Sulawesi
Overview
The Matano crab is a dark purple, mostly aquatic crab from Sulawesi for a warm, hard-water tank. It is best with a little experience.
Did you know
Sulawesi crabs like the Matano crab are unusual in living their whole lives in fresh water. Their eggs hatch straight into miniature crabs, instead of the ocean-going larvae that most crabs, even freshwater ones, still depend on.
Caring for the Matano crab
The Matano crab does not need a land section. It does like rocks or wood that break the surface, where it can climb out and rest. Set the water level a little below the rim. Allow 22 gal (85 L) or more for a pair, and fit a tight lid, because crabs are escape artists.
Keep the water hard, warm and alkaline, with plenty of minerals. Aim for 75 to 86°F (24 to 30°C) and a pH of 7.3 to 8.5. Keep copper out of the tank.
Feed sinking pellets, algae wafers and occasional meaty foods. Like all crabs, it molts to grow, splitting and backing out of the old shell. It stays hidden until the new shell sets, so give it many caves and hiding spots. Smooth stones and driftwood give it the cover and territory it needs.
Keep a Matano crab on its own or as a single pair, since it is territorial with its own kind. It is mostly peaceful but will hunt snails, shrimp and small or slow fish, so choose tank mates with caution. It breeds by direct development, with the female carrying the eggs until they hatch. Captive breeding is rarely achieved and rated hard.
Good to know
Syntripsa matannensis is a freshwater crab in the family Gecarcinucidae, one of the Sulawesi crabs found nowhere else. Its adult span of about 11 cm includes the legs. It has heavy claws that it uses to crush snails and to scavenge.
In the wild
The Matano crab is found only in and around Lake Matano, part of the ancient Malili lake system on Sulawesi. The lake is warm, hard and strongly alkaline.
Common questions
What size tank does a Matano crab need?
A Matano crab needs at least 22 gal (85 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a Matano crab need?
A Matano crab is comfortable at 75–86°F (24–30°C) with a pH of 7.3–8.5.
What does a Matano crab eat?
A Matano crab eats sinking pellets and algae wafers, with occasional meaty foods. It will also hunt snails, shrimp and small or slow fish.
How big does a Matano crab get?
An adult Matano crab reaches about 4.3 in (11 cm).
How does a Matano crab breed?
A Matano crab breeds by direct development, and the female carries the eggs until they hatch. Captive breeding is rarely achieved and is rated hard.
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