#POM POM CRAB FRESHWATER CARE FULL SIZE#

All these vivid colors give these crustaceans a unique, exotic edge, while the contrasting red color on their claws and heads makes them stand out from other crabs. They usually have a bright purple body, but they also come in shades of glowing oranges and reds. The pH balance should also be a bit alkaline, measuring somewhere between 8.0 and 8.3.Ĭontrary to their name, Thai Devil crabs are sweet little creatures. Make sure the water in your tank has a salinity between 1.001 and 1.008, and a temperature between 75- and 86-degrees Fahrenheit. These crustaceans also have primitive lungs and gills to support their adventurous lifestyle.įiddler crabs need brackish water to stay happy and healthy. Interestingly, fiddler crabs are not completely aquatic, and spend their time both underwater and on land. They also use the claw for mating purposes. Male fiddler crabs usually have one large claw, which they use to fight off and intimidate predators. Their most distinguishing feature is their large claw. They only have a leg span of around 2 to 3 inches, and don’t grow very large at all. Fiddler CrabĪlthough fiddler crabs are cute creatures, they still pack a lot of personality in their tiny bodies. Keep reading to find out more about freshwater crabs and how you can add them to your tank! 1. They also help keep aquariums clean, so you don’t have to worry as much about a dirty tank. These scavengers add a completely different dynamic to your tank, and are very entertaining to watch as they scurry around and grab whatever they can get their claws on.įreshwater crabs are usually very small, making them perfect for almost all tank sizes. However, this world also houses some beautiful freshwater crabs for aquarium that can make the perfect addition to your aquarium. If you are considering adding this crab to your tank, it will be a safe and easy to care for tank mate.We often picture crabs as saltwater creatures that scuttle along the seashore. These crabs have a comical personality and give a unique characteristic to your tank. The Pom Pom crab has extraordinary mosaic-like coloration. It is probably just hiding until its exoskeleton hardens. Like all Arthropods, they molt so do not be alarmed if you see what appears to be the dead body of the crab. They are a hardy crustacean and are a great beginner invertebrate. These crabs thrive in a tank with ample hiding, food, and a steady temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit. A reasonable sized aquarium would be five gallons or more to live comfortably, but do not let that deter you from housing them in a tank upwards of a hundred gallons. Their small size makes them difficult to see in large tanks but also can be the center of attention in nano sized tanks. The blue zoanthids give a reference for the size of the crab. They are compatible with any fish that do not eat crustaceans. They will scavenge around the tank picking at the live rock and any zooplankton that floats by.Īlthough, the anemones could accidentally sting a coral, the crabs don’t pose any real threat to their tankmates.

They are easy to care for and do not need any extra feedings. The Hawaiian name, kumimi pua, translates to an inedible crab and has been used in ancient Hawaiian sorcery. (multiple species) and is found in the Pacific Ocean ranging from Indonesia to Hawaii where it lives amongst the corals. Two Pom Pom crabs on a sponge in Indonesia. Even though it does have a defense mechanism, it still does not want to risk being eaten and spends most of its time hiding and will come out when it doesn’t feel threatened. The Pom Pom crab also uses its anemones to collect food off of the live rock and substrate. Pom-pom crabs wave their anemones back and forth to let predators know it is not a defenseless little crab. Their Pom Poms, in addition to their cheerleader- like motions suggests how these decorative crabs got their name. Close up of the anemones that the crab holds.

#POM POM CRAB FRESHWATER CARE FULL SIZE#

If one of the anemones is lost, the crab will propagate the other anemone in half and it will grow into another full size anemone. It is actually holding two anemones, Triactis producta, that it uses for defense against predators. If you’ve ever seen this curious critter, you may wonder what it is dancing for, and what it is holding. The Pom Pom crab is a cute and mysterious reef safe crustacean.

Pom pom crab freshwater care