This species is in the subfamily Potamiscinae.

The Red List assessment in 2008 listed this species as Least Concern (LC) based on an absence of threats, and assumptions of an island-wide distribution, a tolerance to habitat modification, and a large population. Socotrapotamon socotrense, or the Socotra Freshwater Crab, is assessed here as Endangered based on new data (through intensive field surveys) on its distribution, habitat, population trends, and threats. It's extent of occurrence (EOO) is only 799 km² (less than one-quarter of the area of Socotra Island, which has an area of c. 3,670 km²). Its area of occupancy is estimated to be only 144 km². Given that both the EOO and AOO fall within the thresholds for the Endangered (EN) category, and that both the extent of occurrence and habitat quality are declining, this species is assessed here as Endangered (EN B1ab(i,iii)+2ab(i,iii)).

Despite being locally common in the highlands of eastern Socotra Island, the fluctuations in population size have not been studied sufficiently. Preliminary molecular data (Van Damme et al., unpubl.) indicate that small subpopulations of this species with an extremely small distribution (such as populations restricted to a single wadi system) harbour divergent genotypes. This could indicate genetically isolated subpopulations and population fragmentation (and potentially even cryptic speciation resulting in distinct genotypes). Realistic threats to this species include habitat decline and negative ecological interactions (competition/predation) with introduced invasive species such as the Arabian Toothcarp (Aphanius dispar). The aquatic habitats where S. socotrense lives are also threatened by development, soil erosion and by climate extremes (droughts and floods) which alter the conditions in the streams where it lives (see also Van Damme et al. 2020). The species is present in protected areas (Socotra National Park and several important terrestrial Nature Sanctuaries, such as Skant and Homhil) which harbour a high degree of endemism in other animal and plant groups.

Socotrapotamon socotrense is restricted to the eastern half of Socotra Island, where it is widespread in the major wadis running down from the Haggeher mountains. Recent field surveys by K. Van Damme et al. (unpubl.) indicate that this species also occurs in separate wetlands further to the east (Momi limestone plateau). The species occurs from c. 1,100 m to about sea level (40 m), but it does not occur on the coastal plain itself. The AOO is c. 144 km² and the EOO 799 km². Each wadi system where this species occurs, as well as sites in the high granite mountains (Skand), could be considered as a potential threat-defined location; however, many of these localities (mainly wadis and marshes) are close to each other and they have been treated here as four major threat-defined locations. Preliminary molecular data (Van Damme et al., unpubl.) indicate that some catchment areas harbour divergent genotypes, which could indicate genetically isolated subpopulations. The distribution of this species changes depending on the time of year. For example, during the rainy season in Socotra, the number and size of aquatic habitats expands due to higher water availability in the wadis. Socotrapotamon socotrensis is present year-round in areas with permanent running water (such as the high granite mountains and some springs on the limestone plateaus). There is an observed decline in the population levels of this species, because it was present in lowland localities in the northern coastal areas at the end of the 19th century (Taschenberg 1883), but it is currently absent there. Extended periods of drought in recent years, in particular affecting the eastern plateaus, are thought to impact local aquatic ecosystems where the species resides (K. Van Damme pers. obs.).

This species is endemic to the eastern half of Socotra Island where it is locally common in freshwater streams and swamps; it is more common in areas with permanent water (e.g., the Haggeher mountains). There is potential cryptic speciation and divergence, because some of the wadis where this species occurs, harbour their own genetically divergent subpopulation (Van Damme et al., unpubl.), indicating an unknown degree of (natural) fragmentation. A total population level of this species is unknown due to a lack of intensive population surveys. This is complicated by the fact that there is a strong seasonal difference in population size (which shrinks during the dry season and expands during the rainy season), and because of its cryptic lifestyle (living under rocks in streams). Despite this, the population can be considered large, and it is periodically shrinking and expanding.

Socotrapotamon socotrense prefers small freshwater streams, highland springs (including karstic springs), swamp systems and larger wadis; the species is mainly present in clean permanent water, yet also found in temporary wadi pools and marshes as isolated populations towards the end of the rainy season. During the wet season populations living in the high mountain areas (e.g., Skand) may also forage on land. Adult crabs have commonly been observed to consume plant matter as well as to hunt actively for prey, and cannibalism has been noted (K. Van Damme pers. obs.). During the day (or in exposed areas) these crabs hide in the stream under rocks, in shaded areas or among macrophytes and leaf litter (if present). Population structure, reproductive biology, and longevity of the species are unknown. There is a clear decline in the habitat of S. socotrense due to overgrazing and erosion of the slopes and fragmentation of streams, as well as prolonged droughts in recent years. The main impacts of this on the Socotran ecosystems have been described for other aquatic species (such as the endemic damselfly Azuragrion granti) that occur in the same permanent aquatic habitats in eastern Socotra Island (Van Damme et al. 2020).

Threats for Socotrapotamon socotrense include competition and/or predation by invasive introduced species (such as the Arabian Toothcarp, Small Indian Civet, and the Brown Rat), changes in habitat due to climate extremes (droughts, floods), dams, water extraction, vegetation loss, and erosion of slopes due to overgrazing. Human development is facilitating the spread and increase in numbers of introduced mammals. Several areas where S. socotrense occurs are also strongly affected by increased traffic on local roads and by increased road construction, that both cause stream fragmentation, more sedimentation, and an increase in pollution from solid and organic waste, particularly in lower areas. Similar threats have been described for other aquatic species living in similar habitats in eastern Socotra Island (Van Damme et al. 2020).

The species is not traded or used (currently).

Conservation actions are only beginning (IUCN SSC FCC internal grant 2022-2024) and include local awareness campaigns and urgently needed research on biology, life history, population size and structure, etc., including basic monitoring/surveys. For now, local awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of the species as an indicator of healthy streams and its function in the ecosystem, are important for its survival and goodwill of the local authorities/communities for future conservation action. A species conservation action plan, including invasive alien species management (Arabian Toothcarp Aphanius dispar) and habitat restoration in some areas, are necessary first steps, and genetically isolated subpopulations of Socotrapotamon socotrense deserve closer attention. However, climatic shifts (e.g., local droughts) would have much more profound effects on the survival of this species in some areas, and local direct conservation measures for such huge impacts are currently not present. The species occurs in a large proportion of nationally protected areas (Socotra National Park and several terrestrial Nature Sanctuaries, such as Homhil, Shihilin and Skand) and within the core area of the Socotra Archipelago UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.