Ptychognathus barbartus - "Pompom" Underwater Crab

🦀 Ptychognathus barbatus – "Pompom" Underwater Crab

The "Pompom" Underwater Crab (Ptychognathus barbatus) is a rare and particularly interesting freshwater crab that lives entirely underwater. It gets its name from its striking, hairy claws, which resemble small pom-poms and give it a unique appearance.

🏡 Characteristics
Characteristic "pompom" claws
Compact, small to medium-sized crab
Very active and curious
Interesting, sometimes hidden behavior

🌿 Care
Temperature: approx. 20–26 °C
Well-structured aquarium with many hiding places
Rocks, roots, and caves recommended
Stable water conditions are important

🧬 Special Features
Fully aquatic (no land section required)
Rare and sought-after species
Territorial behavior possible depending on stock
Sensitive to strong fluctuations

🐠 Suitable for
Species-only tanks or well-matched aquariums
Co-habitation only possible to a limited extent

🍽 Feeding
Omnivore – plant-based food, food scraps, frozen food, and special crab food