{"product_id":"pom-pom-crab-ptychognathus-barbatus-freshwater","title":"Freshwater Pom Pom Crab (Ptychognathus barbatus)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;color:#1a1a1a;max-width:860px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E3F2FD;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eFreshwater Pom Pom Crab\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003ePtychognathus barbatus\u003c\/em\u003e) is the rare freshwater crab that never asks for a beach. Vampire crabs, red claw crabs, and fiddlers all need a dry ledge to climb out onto, but this little Southeast Asian stream dweller is \u003cstrong\u003efully aquatic\u003c\/strong\u003e and spends its entire life underwater in an ordinary planted tank. The name comes from the dense tufts of bristles on its claws, which it fans open like a pair of tiny brushes to comb food particles out of the current. Peaceful, hardy, and safe with plants and adult shrimp, it is one of the most entertaining beginner invertebrates we stock. Browse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/freshwater-invertebrates\"\u003efreshwater invertebrates\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fresh-water\"\u003efreshwater livestock\u003c\/a\u003e to build out the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 gallons is plenty for one crab or a small group. They use the floor and the hardscape rather than open water, so footprint matters more than height.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo land area required.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is the headline feature. \u003cem\u003ePtychognathus barbatus\u003c\/em\u003e is fully aquatic and does not need a beach, a ramp, or a paludarium build. A standard freshwater setup is all it wants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA tight lid is not optional.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully aquatic does not mean it will not try. These crabs are determined climbers and will walk up airline tubing, filter intakes, and silicone seams. Cover the tank and seal the cord gaps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlow and oxygen:\u003c\/strong\u003e they come from fast, cool, well oxygenated streams. Moderate to strong current keeps them happy and gives them something to filter feed from. A \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-bacto-surge-foam-filter-sponge-freshwater-saltwater\"\u003esponge filter\u003c\/a\u003e or a small powerhead aimed across the hardscape works well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e 68 to 78°F, pH 6.8 to 7.8, GH 6 to 15. They tolerate a wide range, but they do want minerals in the water for healthy molts. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-equilibrium-gh-mineral-builder-planted\"\u003eSeachem Equilibrium\u003c\/a\u003e is an easy fix for soft tap water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e omnivore and opportunist. It filter feeds with the claw bristles, grazes biofilm, and scavenges anything that reaches the bottom. Offer sinking pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and frozen foods a few times a week.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMolting:\u003c\/strong\u003e give it caves, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/galapagos-cholla-wood-branches-6-inch-3-pack-shrimp-pleco\"\u003echolla wood\u003c\/a\u003e, and leaf litter to hide in while the new shell hardens. Leave the shed exoskeleton in the tank, the crab will eat it back for the calcium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo copper.\u003c\/strong\u003e Like all invertebrates, it will not survive copper based medications. Treat the display tank with invertebrate safe products only.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:640px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePtychognathus barbatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eFreshwater Pom Pom Crab, Hairy Handed Crab, Bearded Crab\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003ePeaceful and shy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFully aquatic\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eYes, no land area needed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant safe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMax size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAbout 1.5 inches across the shell, roughly 2.5 inches leg span\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e10 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e68 to 78°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e6.8 to 7.8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e6 to 15 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eOmnivore, filter feeder and scavenger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e2 to 3 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eCoastal freshwater streams of Southeast Asia and southern Japan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIn-store pickup at Squeaky's Aquatics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShy and non-confrontational. It spends most of its time picking through the substrate and hardscape, and it has no interest in chasing healthy fish. Good tank mates include small peaceful schoolers like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/neon-tetra-paracheirodon-innesi-freshwater\"\u003eNeon Tetra\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/kubotai-rasbora-microdevario-kubotai-freshwater\"\u003eKubotai Rasbora\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/celestial-pearl-danio-danio-margaritatus-freshwater\"\u003eCelestial Pearl Danio\u003c\/a\u003e, plus bottom dwellers such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/pygmy-cory-corydoras-pygmaeus-freshwater\"\u003ePygmy Cory\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/bumblebee-otocinclus-cocama-zebra-oto-freshwater\"\u003eBumblebee Otocinclus\u003c\/a\u003e. Adult \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/amano-shrimp-caridina-multidentata-freshwater\"\u003eAmano Shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/cherry-red-shrimp\"\u003eCherry Shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/racetrack-nerite-snail-vittina-sp-freshwater\"\u003enerite snails\u003c\/a\u003e are fine company as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo honest cautions. First, this is still a crab, so a freshly molted shrimp, a baby shrimp, or a dying fish that lands within reach may get eaten. That is scavenging, not hunting, and it will not put a dent in an established shrimp colony. Second, keep it away from anything large enough to treat it as a snack, so no large cichlids, big loaches, or pufferfish. Plants are completely safe, including delicate carpets, and it will happily perch on \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/anubias-nana-anubias-barteri-nana-potted-freshwater-plant\"\u003eAnubias Nana\u003c\/a\u003e or a moss covered branch to feed in the current.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Foods \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/xtreme-shrimpee-sinking-sticks-shrimp-food\"\u003eXtreme Shrimpee Sinking Sticks\u003c\/a\u003e invertebrate staple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-algae-wafers\"\u003eHikari Algae Wafers\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fluval-bug-bites-bottom-feeder-formula\"\u003eFluval Bug Bites Bottom Feeder Formula\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/repashy-bottom-scratcher\"\u003eRepashy Bottom Scratcher\u003c\/a\u003e gel food for variety\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-equilibrium-gh-mineral-builder-planted\"\u003eSeachem Equilibrium\u003c\/a\u003e to keep GH in the molting range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/galapagos-cholla-wood-branches-6-inch-3-pack-shrimp-pleco\"\u003eGalapagos Cholla Wood\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fritz-catappa-leaves-10pk\"\u003eFritz Catappa Leaves\u003c\/a\u003e for biofilm and molting cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need a land area like other freshwater crabs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, and that is exactly why people want this one. It is fully aquatic and lives underwater permanently, so it drops straight into a normal community or planted tank with no paludarium build required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMine does not have big pom poms. Did I get the wrong crab?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlmost certainly not. The showy bristle tufts are mostly a male trait. Females have the same claws with much shorter, sparser hair. Both sexes behave identically, the males are just flashier about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it safe with my shrimp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith healthy adult shrimp, yes, and the two are commonly kept together. It is an opportunist though, so newly molted or baby shrimp that wander into a claw can be taken. In a planted tank with good cover, a shrimp colony and a pom pom crab coexist without trouble.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill they breed in my aquarium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. The species is amphidromous, meaning the larvae must drift down to brackish or salt water to develop. A female may carry eggs in freshwater, but the larvae cannot complete their life cycle in a home tank. Every one of these is wild collected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I really need a lid?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. This is the single most common way people lose them. They are strong climbers and will follow any cord, hose, or corner seam up and out. Cover the tank and block the gaps around equipment before you add the crab.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48758786556123,"sku":"FW1-F7690","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/pom-pom-crab-7.webp?v=1778361318","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/pom-pom-crab-ptychognathus-barbatus-freshwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}