Brown land crab (Cardisoma carnifex)

Common Name: Brown Land Crab / Thai Devil Crab
Scientific Name: Cardisoma carnifex

Adult Size: Up to 12 cm carapace width 
Native Range: Indo-West Pacific

Enclosure: Terrestrial-leaning paludarium/terrarium; floor space; land area 90%+ with deep diggable substrate
Heating: No basking; 22–24 °C commonly used
Humidity: 60%+ commonly used; provide humid burrow zones but keep airflow good

Diet: Leaf litter/veg/fruit plus animal proteins (insects, fish/shrimp) in rotation
Water: Freshwater bowl deep enough to submerge; some keepers also offer a saltwater bowl

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

Cardisoma carnifex is a robust, burrowing land crab from coastal and near-mangrove habitats across the Indo-West Pacific. It’s built for life on the landward fringe: adults spend much of their time in self-made burrows and emerge to forage, often along paths and edges of vegetation.

In a captive set-up, that translates to a strong digging drive and a preference for tight, shaded cover leaf litter and stable hides make them far more confident. They’re opportunistic feeders, taking a broad mix of plant matter and animal foods, and they rely on ready access to water for dipping and rehydration even though they’re not an “aquatic crab”.

Give them a secure lid and sturdy décor; they’re surprisingly strong and will rearrange anything lightweight.