KeepingFishSimple | SKU: LIVE-FISH-FRESHWATER-BROWN-BACK-CRAB

Freshwater Brown Back Crab - 5cm (Holthuisana sp.) (Live Crab)

Name: Freshwater Brown Back Crab - 5cm (Holthuisana sp.) (Live Crab)
Brand: KeepingFishSimple
SKU: LIVE-FISH-FRESHWATER-BROWN-BACK-CRAB
Price: 34.95 AUD
Availability: InStock

$34.95 AUD

Tax included

Size, Colour & Sex

Appearance & Colour

Fish may vary from the images shown. Colour, patterns, markings and fin shapes can differ naturally between individuals and may change with age, sex, stress and environmental conditions.

Size

All sizes are approximate and provided as a guide. Individual fish may be slightly larger or smaller than advertised.

Sex Requests

Want a male or female? Leave a note at checkout and we'll do our best to accommodate your request. However, we cannot guarantee a particular sex due to availability and the difficulty of sexing some species.

For customers wanting to select specific fish, we recommend visiting us in-store.

For more information, please see our Store Policies.

Acclimation Guide

1. Prepare Your Aquarium

Make sure your aquarium is fully cycled, with 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite, and the temperature is suitable for your new fish.

2. Start Drip Acclimation

Place your fish and their transport water into a clean container. Using airline tubing, slowly drip water from your aquarium into the container at approximately 2–4 drops per second.

3. Slowly Add Aquarium Water

Over the next 30–60 minutes, allow the water volume to approximately double. This helps your fish gradually adjust to their new water conditions.

4. Transfer Your Fish

Gently net your fish into their new aquarium. Avoid adding transport water to your tank.

5. Give Them Time to Settle

Keep the aquarium lights off for a few hours and wait until the following day before feeding.

Important: Arrived with an issue?

If any fish arrive dead (DOA), keep the transport bag sealed and contact us within 24 hours with clear photos of the fish inside the unopened bag.

See our DOA Policy for more information.

Delivery & Shipping

Important: Live Fish Delivery

Please provide accurate contact details and ensure someone is available to receive your fish. This is essential for their safe arrival.

Shipping Costs

We offer discounted shipping on larger livestock orders, with FREE shipping on orders over $400!

Live Fish Shipping Rates

Under $150: $39.95

$150–$249.99: $29.95

$250–$349.99: $19.95

$350–$399.99: $9.95

$400+: FREE SHIPPING

Please view our shipping policy for more information.

Freshwater Brown Back Crabs (Holthuisana sp.) are fascinating Australian freshwater crabs admired for their rich brown colouration, sturdy build, and active scavenging behaviour.

Common names: Freshwater Brown Back Crab, Australian Freshwater Crab
Scientific name: Holthuisana sp.
Approximate size: Up to 6 cm (2.4 in) across the carapace
Temperament: Semi-aggressive and opportunistic freshwater crab
Recommended tank size: 60 L (15.8 US gal) or larger, with land access
Diet: Omnivorous scavenger; sinking foods, frozen foods, vegetables, detritus, and other suitable foods. May also catch small fish and invertebrates.
Origin: Northern Australia
Basic care information: Keep around 18–25°C (64–77°F) with clean, well-maintained freshwater and a pH of approximately 6.5–7.5. This crab is amphibious and requires access to a dry land area above the water. Provide caves, rocks, roots, and other hiding places. Use a secure lid because they are excellent climbers and escape artists. They can be predatory toward slow-moving fish, shrimp, snails, and other small tank mates, so a species-focused setup is generally safest. Avoid copper and very acidic water.