Trichodactylus kensleyi commonly called hairy finger due to the hairs on lower segments of the legs. Crabs are very entertaining animals in the aquarium. They seem to be quite intelligent and display a great number of interesting behaviors. However, one must keep in mind that crabs are also great destructors. They use to try any inhabitant of their tank, plants as well as animals, if they are edible. And against conspecifics these crabs are very pugnacious.

 

For the first time ever we were able to import a species of large freshwater crab from Paraguay now. The animals have a shell width of about 5-8 cm. Together with the legs these crabs are larger than a man´s hand. They belong most probably to the species Trichodactylus kensleyi. The generic name means "hairy finger". The hairs on lower segments of the legs are clearly visible on the pictures.

 

For our customers: the animals have code 488554 on our stock list. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Only very few specimens available!

 

Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. The major and future threats to this species include human-induced habitat loss/degradation and water pollution. No conservation measures are known to be in place for this species and it is not found in a protected area.

 

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

 

 

 

 

 

Feeding spectra and activity of the freshwater crab Trichodactylus kensleyi