Geosesarma rouxi

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

Geosesarma rouxi

Latin Name:

Geosesarma rouxi

Trade Names:

Geosesarma sp. golden top, rainbow

Discoverer:

Serène, 1968

Scientifically Described:

Yes

Appearance Status:

UNCERTAIN

Availability in Trade:

Currently unavailable. Likely present from 2006-2015.

Distribution:

Batu – Malang - East Java, Indonesia

Distribution
Source: own elaboration based on Google Maps

Habitat:

Tropical forest floor. Near watercourses. Highland species.

Additional Information:

Prefers a terrestrial lifestyle, likes to dig burrows.

Appearance:

Can have various colors.

  • Carapace – Divided into two colors: golden/yellow and light grayish-blue
  • Legs – Burgundy-violet
  • Claws – Orange
  • Eyes – Yellow
  • Underside – Black/dark brown

Geosesarma rouxi
Source: inaturalist.org

Geosesarma rouxi
Source: panzerwelten.de

Geosesarma rouxi
Source: hespidershop.co.uk

Geosesarma rouxi
Source: garnelio.de

Geosesarma rouxi
Source: geosesarma.com Padilla, P. (2022)

Notes:

It is difficult to confirm 100% whether this species looks this way. After the description of the two species Geosesarma riani and Geosesarma nigripes, it is possible that the crabs in trade attributed to this appearance were actually new species from 2024. The documents describing the species do not provide information about the external appearance. Comparing biological structure and confirming the species based on photos is challenging. We know that Geosesarma rouxi occurs in the eastern part of Java Island, where imports are now rare. However, they were likely present between 2006-2015. Specimens from older listings and photos labeled as Geosesarma rouxi seem closest to Geosesarma nigripes, although some have more violet legs, which would match the image that could be most authentic for the appearance of Geosesarma rouxi. Crabs of Geosesarma riani and Geosesarma nigripes are still labeled as Geosesarma rouxi and kept together, even though they are three different species. The document describing Geosesarma riani and Geosesarma nigripes did not rule out Geosesarma rouxi and did not split it into two species as some claim. These are confirmed as three separate species.