Pom Pom Crab (Ptychognathus barbatus) a true gem and consummate nano aquarium specimen!
We are overjoyed and proud to be the sole North American supplier of the freshwater Pom Pom Crab (Ptychognathus barbatus). It may be one of the most uncommon freshwater crabs, but research shows that it makes a wonderful addition to any freshwater zoo or aquarium. Because there is so little information available, we have conducted extensive research into the best ways to care for this crab in our own facility.
This species of crab has no particular dietary needs and will eat anything it can get its claws on. This species consumes not only food items that stick to its claws but also filamentous algae and tank debris. Similarly, high-quality dry diets rich in plant matter are required. These crabs are only given tiny amounts of protein-rich frozen meals, such as bloodworms.
Some isolated populations of the Freshwater Pom Pom Crab can be found in the subtropical and tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia, such as Madagascar, Taiwan, New Caledonia, and the Solomon Islands. You can find this species in freshwater as an adult, but in brackish water in its larval form. This crab is similar to others that live in freshwater but reproduce in saltwater. There is currently no evidence of aquarium spawning. Unlike other "freshwater" crabs, this one spends its entire time underwater. We recommend keeping the water level low or keeping the tank covered to protect your crabs.
This crab seems unconcerned with the company it keeps in its tank, as it is very chill. Despite being larger, livelier, and more gregarious than the placid Thai Micro Crab (Limnopilos naiyanetri), we have never observed any aggression from it toward other members of its own species or any other inhabitants of the aquarium. The Freshwater Pom Pom Crabs never showed any signs of predation, regardless of the number of dwarf shrimp in the tank. This crab is an excellent option for anyone looking to upgrade their aquarium inhabitants.
References
Panther Crab (Parathelphusa pantherina) are fully aquatic crabs that originates from IndonesiaPom Pom Crab (Ptychognathus barbatus) a true gem and consummate nano aquarium specimen!
Thai Micro Crabs (Limnopilos naiyanetri) tiny, fully aquatic crabs that so far have only been found in one specific river in Thailand