Photo any DOA in the sealed bag on the day of delivery. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
Quarantined livestock • Professionally packed • Insulated with weather protection
100+ AquariumsQuarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned
Care Level
Beginner–Intermediate
Temperature
72–80°F
pH Range
7.0–8.0
Min. Tank
10 gal
Pom Pom Crab$17.99
Species Profile
Pom Pom Crab
Ptychognathus barbatus
Why We Love This Crab
Fully aquatic dwarf crab
Fascinating “pom pom” fuzzy claws
Unique nano-tank centerpiece
Active explorer, often shy at first
Pom Pom Crabs (Ptychognathus barbatus) are one of the few genuinely fully aquatic freshwater crabs available to home aquariums — and one of the smallest. Adults stay small, usually around 1 inch, and the fuzzy clusters of setae on their claws give them their common name. Unlike most "freshwater" crabs sold in the hobby, Pom Poms don't need a land area; they thrive submerged in a planted nano tank.
They are mostly nocturnal and quite shy, especially when first introduced. Expect to see them rarely for the first few weeks. Once settled into a mature, stable tank with plenty of hiding places, they become more confident and venture out during dimmer hours. Tall hardscape, driftwood, and planted cover give them options without changing their care needs.
Pom Pom Crabs are skilled climbers and will escape any gap in the lid. A tight-fitting top with no openings around filters, heaters, or cords is essential. Acclimate slowly via drip method over 1–2 hours. They're best kept in a mature, established tank rather than a fresh setup — water stability matters more than absolute parameters. We don't recommend them as a shrimp-tank addition; shrimplets and molting shrimp are at risk.
No land area needed. One of the few freshwater crabs that can thrive fully submerged in a planted aquarium — a genuinely rare offering.
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Those Famous Claws
The fuzzy 'pom pom' setae on each claw aren't just decorative — they're feeding tools the crab uses to filter biofilm and detritus. Endlessly watchable.
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Built for Planted Nanos
Small, mostly peaceful, and usually gentle on established plants when kept fed. Pairs beautifully with mosses, driftwood, and a quiet planted setup.
Community Tank
Compatible Tank Mates
Pom Pom Crabs are small, mostly nocturnal, and best in a quiet planted tank. Avoid shrimp colonies, fry, tiny tankmates, and aggressive fish.
Shrimp colonies — shrimplets and molting shrimp will be eaten
Tiny or slow tankmates — at risk of being pinched
Larger crabs — territorial conflicts likely
Aggressive or fin-nipping fish — will harass the crab
Expert Advice
Razz Aquatics Recommendation
"Set up a mature, planted tank before adding a Pom Pom Crab. Stability matters more than perfect parameters. The single best thing you can do for them is a tight lid with no gaps — they will absolutely escape any opening, and they don't survive long outside water."
Livestock ships Monday through Thursday, delivering Tuesday through Friday. Choose your preferred delivery date at checkout.
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Choose Delivery Date
Select your preferred delivery date at checkout. Livestock delivers Tuesday through Friday.
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Quarantined & Health Checked
Every animal is imported, quarantined on-site, and health-checked before it ships.
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Packed for the Weather
Insulated box with heat or cold pack matched to your local weather forecast.
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Live Arrival Guaranteed
100% Live Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photo any DOA in the sealed bag on the day of delivery and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion.See policy →
Free 2-Day Shipping at $120+. Free Overnight at $200+. Free shipping on plants & dry goods at $75+.
Why Order From Razz Aquatics
Quarantined Before Every Shipment
Every animal we sell is imported from trusted suppliers, quarantined in our dedicated facility, and health-checked before it ships. We run over 100 aquariums on-site — each focused on a specific species or color morph.
This is a family-owned operation. We pack every order ourselves and stand behind it with a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. No drop-shipping. No middlemen.
100+
Dedicated quarantine & holding aquariums on-site
48+
States served with live livestock delivery
4.9★
Average customer rating across all verified reviews
100%
Live Arrival Guarantee — backed without fine print
Quarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned & Operated
Common Questions
Pom Pom Crab FAQ
Are Pom Pom Crabs safe with shrimp?+
Adult shrimp may sometimes coexist in a heavily planted, well-fed tank, but shrimplets and molting shrimp are at risk. We do not recommend pairing Pom Pom Crabs with a shrimp colony you care about.
Are they fully aquatic?+
Yes. Ptychognathus barbatus is a true freshwater crab that lives its entire life submerged. No land area, ramp, or above-water shelf is required. They appreciate hardscape that breaks the surface, but it's not necessary for survival.
How do I acclimate one?+
Drip acclimate slowly over 1–2 hours to match water chemistry gradually. They're best added to a mature, established tank — at least 2–3 months old with stable parameters. Dim the lights for the first day after introduction.
Can I keep multiple Pom Pom Crabs together?+
In larger planted tanks, sometimes. Provide plenty of hiding spots, broken sightlines, and stable water. For small tanks, one Pom Pom Crab is the safer choice.
Live arrival guarantee?+
100% Live Arrival Guarantee. Photograph any loss in the original sealed bag on the day of delivery and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
Do I need a secure lid?+
Absolutely yes. Pom Pom Crabs are skilled climbers and will escape through any gap — around filters, heaters, lid edges, or cord holes. A tight-fitting lid with every opening sealed is essential. They don't survive long outside water.
What size tank do they need?+
10 gallons minimum for one crab. 20+ gallons recommended for a small group, with clear territorial boundaries created by hardscape.
Why don't I see my crab?+
Pom Pom Crabs are mostly nocturnal and very shy when first introduced. Expect to see them rarely for the first few weeks. As they settle, they'll explore during dimmer hours. Caves, mosses, and driftwood help them feel secure enough to come out.
How are they shipped?+
Professionally packed in an insulated box with a weather-matched heat or cold pack. Livestock ships Mon–Thu, delivers Tue–Fri. Full info →
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
