Freshwater Pom Pom Crab (Ptychognathus barbatus)

A unique dwarf freshwater crab found throughout parts of the Indo-Pacific, the Freshwater Pom Pom Crab is named for the small tufts of hair-like bristles that grow on the top of the claws of males. Little is known about their habitat in the wild but they are known to inhabit shallow freshwater coastal streams in rocky areas rich in aquatic vegetation. A peaceful species ideal for nearly any nano aquarium, they are fish and aquatic plant safe and will thrive in a wide variety of conditions. An omnivore, these crabs will readily accept most sinking prepared foods and may graze on filamentous algae in the aquarium.