Species name of Thailand Crabs

[asiletto]

Hello,
I often travel to Thailand. I would like to know the scientific names of the freshwater crabs found in rice paddies, and used in somtam salad. They are very common, but I have some difficulties in identifying them.

I don't even know if there is a single species or if different species on different areas. I saw them everywhere.



Is there some Thailand and Arthropods lovers out there that can help me?

thanks!

 

[Chris LXXIX]

I don't have a clue but they looks tasty maybe @The Snark knows better

 

[The Snark]

Rice field crab. Ricefield crab. Genus: Somanniathelphusa bangkokensis. May be three different genera. Several species. Recently described.. Possible crossovers or undescribeds.
You do NOT want to know the local way they usually prepare them.

Have some confusion: https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nus/pdf/P...ology/Past Volumes/RBZ 42(3)/42rbz695-700.pdf

 

[asiletto]

Sadly I know how they are prepared

I travel sometimes to Isaan and it's very difficult to eat a somtam whithout these fermented crabs and rotting fish sauce. It's unbelievable how I like somtam thai and hate somtam lao. Maybe I'll get use to it someday.

I have a 100l spare aquarium and instead of putting fishes in it, I would like some arthropods, so I am thinking to setup a small terraquarium and to catch some juveniles of these crabs next time I'll be in Thailand. They seem quite hardy, living in rice paddies with pesticides and fertilizers. I will try to determine the species with your pdf when I'll catch them.

Kop Khun Kap!