Crab- Freshwater Pom Pom
Pom Pom Crabs (Ptychognathus barbatus), also known as Freshwater Pom Pom Crabs or Boxing Crabs, are small, fascinating crustaceans native to freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with hairy pincers resembling pom poms. Here's a guide on caring for Pom Pom Crabs:
Tank Setup:
Pom Pom Crabs are relatively small and can be kept in small aquariums. A tank size of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more is suitable for a small group.
Provide plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, rocks, caves, and live or artificial plants. Ensure that hiding spots are secure and have narrow openings to prevent the crabs from getting stuck.
It's important to have a secure lid on the aquarium as Pom Pom Crabs are excellent climbers and may attempt to escape.
Water Parameters:
Pom Pom Crabs prefer warm, clean water with stable water parameters.
Maintain a water temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C) and a pH between 7.0 and 8.0.
Regular water changes of around 10-20% weekly are essential to maintain water quality.
Substrate:
Provide a substrate with fine sand or smooth gravel to mimic the natural environment of Pom Pom Crabs.
Avoid using sharp or abrasive substrates that may injure the crabs' delicate bodies.
Tank Mates:
Pom Pom Crabs are generally peaceful and can be kept with other small, non-aggressive fish and invertebrates.
Avoid keeping them with aggressive or predatory species that may harass or prey on them.
Suitable tankmates include small tetras, rasboras, danios, shrimp, and peaceful bottom-dwelling fish like Corydoras catfish.
Diet:
Pom Pom Crabs are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods.
Offer them a balanced diet consisting of sinking pellets or granules, algae wafers, blanched vegetables (such as zucchini and cucumber), and occasional protein-rich foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp.
They also graze on algae and biofilm that naturally grows in the aquarium.
Behavior:
Pom Pom Crabs are active and curious creatures that spend much of their time exploring their environment and scavenging for food.
They may use their hairy pincers to catch small prey or defend themselves if threatened.
Pom Pom Crabs are relatively social and can be kept in small groups as long as there is ample space and hiding spots for each crab.
Health:
Pom Pom Crabs are generally hardy, but they can be sensitive to changes in water parameters and water quality.
Monitor water parameters regularly and address any issues promptly to prevent stress-related illnesses.
Provide a varied diet and ensure that the crabs have access to calcium-rich foods to support healthy shell growth.
By providing a suitable environment, proper diet, and good water quality, Pom Pom Crabs can thrive and add interest to a freshwater aquarium. However, it's important to note that they may not be suitable for all aquarium setups, and careful consideration should be given to tankmates and habitat requirements.
Pom Pom Crabs (Ptychognathus barbatus), also known as Freshwater Pom Pom Crabs or Boxing Crabs, are small, fascinating crustaceans native to freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with hairy pincers resembling pom poms. Here's a guide on caring for Pom Pom Crabs:
Tank Setup:
Pom Pom Crabs are relatively small and can be kept in small aquariums. A tank size of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more is suitable for a small group.
Provide plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, rocks, caves, and live or artificial plants. Ensure that hiding spots are secure and have narrow openings to prevent the crabs from getting stuck.
It's important to have a secure lid on the aquarium as Pom Pom Crabs are excellent climbers and may attempt to escape.
Water Parameters:
Pom Pom Crabs prefer warm, clean water with stable water parameters.
Maintain a water temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C) and a pH between 7.0 and 8.0.
Regular water changes of around 10-20% weekly are essential to maintain water quality.
Substrate:
Provide a substrate with fine sand or smooth gravel to mimic the natural environment of Pom Pom Crabs.
Avoid using sharp or abrasive substrates that may injure the crabs' delicate bodies.
Tank Mates:
Pom Pom Crabs are generally peaceful and can be kept with other small, non-aggressive fish and invertebrates.
Avoid keeping them with aggressive or predatory species that may harass or prey on them.
Suitable tankmates include small tetras, rasboras, danios, shrimp, and peaceful bottom-dwelling fish like Corydoras catfish.
Diet:
Pom Pom Crabs are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods.
Offer them a balanced diet consisting of sinking pellets or granules, algae wafers, blanched vegetables (such as zucchini and cucumber), and occasional protein-rich foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp.
They also graze on algae and biofilm that naturally grows in the aquarium.
Behavior:
Pom Pom Crabs are active and curious creatures that spend much of their time exploring their environment and scavenging for food.
They may use their hairy pincers to catch small prey or defend themselves if threatened.
Pom Pom Crabs are relatively social and can be kept in small groups as long as there is ample space and hiding spots for each crab.
Health:
Pom Pom Crabs are generally hardy, but they can be sensitive to changes in water parameters and water quality.
Monitor water parameters regularly and address any issues promptly to prevent stress-related illnesses.
Provide a varied diet and ensure that the crabs have access to calcium-rich foods to support healthy shell growth.
By providing a suitable environment, proper diet, and good water quality, Pom Pom Crabs can thrive and add interest to a freshwater aquarium. However, it's important to note that they may not be suitable for all aquarium setups, and careful consideration should be given to tankmates and habitat requirements.
Pom Pom Crabs (Ptychognathus barbatus), also known as Freshwater Pom Pom Crabs or Boxing Crabs, are small, fascinating crustaceans native to freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with hairy pincers resembling pom poms. Here's a guide on caring for Pom Pom Crabs:
Tank Setup:
Pom Pom Crabs are relatively small and can be kept in small aquariums. A tank size of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more is suitable for a small group.
Provide plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, rocks, caves, and live or artificial plants. Ensure that hiding spots are secure and have narrow openings to prevent the crabs from getting stuck.
It's important to have a secure lid on the aquarium as Pom Pom Crabs are excellent climbers and may attempt to escape.
Water Parameters:
Pom Pom Crabs prefer warm, clean water with stable water parameters.
Maintain a water temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C) and a pH between 7.0 and 8.0.
Regular water changes of around 10-20% weekly are essential to maintain water quality.
Substrate:
Provide a substrate with fine sand or smooth gravel to mimic the natural environment of Pom Pom Crabs.
Avoid using sharp or abrasive substrates that may injure the crabs' delicate bodies.
Tank Mates:
Pom Pom Crabs are generally peaceful and can be kept with other small, non-aggressive fish and invertebrates.
Avoid keeping them with aggressive or predatory species that may harass or prey on them.
Suitable tankmates include small tetras, rasboras, danios, shrimp, and peaceful bottom-dwelling fish like Corydoras catfish.
Diet:
Pom Pom Crabs are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods.
Offer them a balanced diet consisting of sinking pellets or granules, algae wafers, blanched vegetables (such as zucchini and cucumber), and occasional protein-rich foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp.
They also graze on algae and biofilm that naturally grows in the aquarium.
Behavior:
Pom Pom Crabs are active and curious creatures that spend much of their time exploring their environment and scavenging for food.
They may use their hairy pincers to catch small prey or defend themselves if threatened.
Pom Pom Crabs are relatively social and can be kept in small groups as long as there is ample space and hiding spots for each crab.
Health:
Pom Pom Crabs are generally hardy, but they can be sensitive to changes in water parameters and water quality.
Monitor water parameters regularly and address any issues promptly to prevent stress-related illnesses.
Provide a varied diet and ensure that the crabs have access to calcium-rich foods to support healthy shell growth.
By providing a suitable environment, proper diet, and good water quality, Pom Pom Crabs can thrive and add interest to a freshwater aquarium. However, it's important to note that they may not be suitable for all aquarium setups, and careful consideration should be given to tankmates and habitat requirements.
