Freshwater Pom Pom Crab (Ptychognathus barbatus)

🦀 Pom Pom Crab (Ptychognathus barbatus) – Tiny Dancers of the Freshwater World

SIZE: ½ – 1 Inch (Adult Size)

Bring a burst of personality to your aquarium with the Pom Pom Crab, one of the most unique and entertaining freshwater invertebrates in the hobby. Named for the fuzzy tufts on their claws, Pom Pom Crabs use these adorable “poms” to filter-feed—waving them rhythmically through the water like tiny underwater cheerleaders.

The Pom Pom Crab (Ptychognathus barbatus) has a small, rounded body in warm golden-tan hues that naturally blend with sand and driftwood. But their filter-feeding tufts steal the spotlight—each graceful movement catches microscopic food and biofilm from the water column. Peaceful, shy, and surprisingly social, these tiny crabs bring both curiosity and charm to any community tank or shrimp setup.

Our Pom Pom Crabs are tank-bred and fully acclimated to freshwater aquariums. Despite their exotic look, they are easy to keep when provided stable conditions, clean water, and plenty of hiding spots. Their gentle, scavenging behavior makes them ideal for shrimp tanks or planted aquascapes where movement and life are always on display.

🦀 Why Choose Pom Pom Crabs?

Captivating Natural Behavior:
Watch them wave their fuzzy claws in a rhythmic feeding motion that’s both mesmerizing and relaxing to observe.

Shrimp- and Community-Safe:
Peaceful and non-aggressive, Pom Pom Crabs coexist wonderfully with Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp, as well as small, calm fish species.

Tank Cleaners:
As scavengers, they help control leftover food, biofilm, and algae, supporting a balanced and healthy aquarium ecosystem.

Hardy & Adaptable:
With proper care and stable parameters, these crabs thrive and often become a highlight of any nano or planted tank.

Hand-Selected Quality:
At Shrimp Up Aquatics, we individually select each Pom Pom Crab for health, size, and activity level—ensuring your new additions are vibrant and lively from day one.

Though fully aquatic, Pom Pom Crabs appreciate a secure lid—they are small but capable climbers! Provide caves, driftwood, or dense plants for shelter and safe molting spaces. With stable conditions and gentle tankmates, they will display their charming behavior for years to come.

Add a touch of energy and whimsy to your aquascape—order your Pom Pom Crabs today and enjoy the delightful spectacle of nature’s tiniest performers!

🌿 Recommended Tank Water Parameters:

pH: 6.5–7.8
GH: 4–10
KH: 2–6
TDS: 100–200
Temperature: 72–78°F
Minimum Tank Size: 5+ gallons