Geosesarma pontianak

Small, typically terrestrial crabs. Excellent climbers. Can be kept in paludariums. Do not damage plants. Live in groups, are social animals.

Geosesarma pontianak

Latin Name:

Geosesarma pontianak

Trade Names:

Geosesarma sp. mandarin, nothophorum

Discoverer:

Ng, Peter K. L. (2015)

Scientifically Described:

Yes

Availability in Trade:

Very rare

Distribution:

North Pontianak – West Borneo, Indonesia

Distribution
Source: own elaboration based on Google Maps

Habitat:

Tropical forest floor. Near water streams. Sandy substrate. Mountain forests.

Additional Information:

Climbs on bushes and small trees.

Appearance:

Can vary in colors.
Carapace – Divided into two colors: dark brown/red-brown and creamy/gray
Legs – Red-brown
Claws – Light red/orange
Eyes – Yellow
Underside – Red

Geosesarma pontianak
Source: aquaticarts.com

Geosesarma pontianak 2
Source: vk.com

Notes:

Geosesarma ambawang and Geosesarma pontianak are very similar and differ in biological traits.
The most noticeable external features are the eye color: Geosesarma pontianak has very yellow eyes, while Geosesarma ambawang has lighter, almost white eyes. Additionally, Geosesarma ambawang has a proportionally wider carapace compared to Geosesarma pontianak. Geosesarma pontianak has a more square-shaped carapace and longer, more slender legs.

Due to their similarity, proximity in location, and the occasional misidentification as Geosesarma nothophorum, it is difficult to distinguish this species from closely related ones such as Geosesarma ambawang and Geosesarma nothophorum. It is likely that they are mixed in the trade.