The first time I saw a Pom Pom Crab (Lybia spp.), I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. This tiny, scuttling crustacean was waving its fluffy claws like a miniature cheerleader hyping up my tank!
Turns out, those “pom poms” aren’t for show, they’re specialized filter-feeding appendages that help them trap microscopic food from the water.
These quirky little freshwater scavengers aren’t just fascinating to watch; they’re an essential part of a balanced tank ecosystem.
But here’s the thing, understanding their diet is the key to keeping them healthy. So, what do Pom Pom Crabs eat? Let’s explore in detail!
Natural diet of pom pom crabs in the wild
If you ever found yourself wading through a shallow, slow-moving stream in Southeast Asia, you might spot Pom Pom Crabs expertly navigating the moss-covered rocks and driftwood beneath the surface.
These little crustaceans are the definition of opportunistic omnivores, eating whatever fits into their tiny, fuzzy pincers.
Their diet is a mix of algae, detritus, tiny insects, and decaying organic matter, making them nature’s built-in clean-up crew. But what really sets them apart? Their pom pom-like setae-covered claws, which they wave through the water like microscopic nets, capturing floating food particles and plankton.
In an aquarium setting, this natural filter-feeding behavior continues as they comb through the substrate, decor, and even the water column, picking up leftovers and controlling algae.
A well-fed Pom Pom Crab is not just fun to watch, it’s also an active part of a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem.
What do pom pom crabs eat in an aquarium?
Below, is a quick reference table, for you to plan your feeding schedule to provide optimal nutrition for your pom pom crabs in aquarium.
| Food Type | Examples | Benefits | Frequency |
| Algae & Biofilm | Natural algae, biofilm, algae wafers | Primary food source, supports natural behavior | Daily (naturally occurring) |
| Protein-Rich Foods | Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia | Aids growth, supports molting, boosts energy | 2–3 times per week |
| Vegetables & Plants | Blanched spinach, zucchini, seaweed | Provides fiber, additional nutrients | 2-3 times per week |
| Calcium Sources | Crushed coral, cuttlebone, shrimp pellets | Essential for strong exoskeleton & molting | Always available in tank |
| Foods to avoid | Processed flakes, high-fat foods, garlic, onion, pesticide-treated veggies | Can cause molting issues, toxicity, or poor digestion | Avoid completely |
If you’ve got Pom Pom Crabs in your tank, congratulations, you’ve got yourself a hardworking little scavenger. These guys are nature’s janitors, always on the hunt for algae, biofilm, and detritus coating your aquarium surfaces. They’ll spend their days combing through rocks, driftwood, and even plant leaves, scraping off the tasty microfilm that builds up naturally.
But while they’re excellent for tank maintenance, they’ll need supplemental feeding to thrive. Their diet should include protein-rich foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and other tiny invertebrates, either live or frozen. They also appreciate plant-based foods, such as blanched spinach, zucchini, and high-quality algae wafers.
One crucial factor? Calcium. Like all crustaceans, Pom Pom Crabs rely on a steady calcium intake to maintain a strong exoskeleton and molt successfully. You can boost their calcium levels by adding crushed coral, cuttlebone, or calcium-enriched shrimp pellets to their diet.
A varied diet is key, keeping them well-fed not only ensures their health but also prevents them from getting too curious about tank mates. A happy Pom Pom Crab is one that’s busy, well-fed, and thriving in its underwater world.
Feeding frequency and best practices
Pom Pom Crabs are efficient foragers, meaning they don’t need to be fed every day like fish. In a well-established tank with plenty of biofilm and algae, they’ll happily scavenge between feedings. However, to keep them at their best, supplemental feeding every 2–3 days is ideal.
The key is balance, too little food, and they may struggle to molt properly. Too much, and you risk uneaten food decaying, affecting water quality. A small portion of protein-rich foods (like brine shrimp or bloodworms) or plant-based snacks (blanched spinach or algae wafers) will keep them healthy.
Since they’re peaceful scavengers, they rarely compete aggressively for food. Instead, you’ll often see them waving their pom poms, filtering particles while their tank mates nibble nearby.
In community tanks, target feeding with sinking pellets ensures they get their fair share without being outcompeted by faster fish. A varied diet mimics their wild feeding habits, keeping them active, molting successfully, and thriving.
Foods to avoid for pom pom crabs
Pom Pom Crabs may be scavengers, but that doesn’t mean they can eat just anything. Processed foods like standard fish flakes or pellets packed with artificial preservatives offer little nutrition and should be avoided. High-fat, excessive protein-rich foods can interfere with their molting process, leading to shell deformities or failed molts.
If feeding vegetables, ensure they’re pesticide-free, chemicals lingering on produce like spinach or zucchini can be lethal to invertebrates.
Lastly, garlic, onion, and heavily seasoned foods are outright toxic to crabs. Stick to natural, high-quality foods to keep your Pom Pom Crab healthy, active, and thriving.
How pom pom crabs help maintain a healthy aquarium
Pom Pom Crabs are tiny custodians, constantly scavenging detritus and grazing on algae, keeping your tank naturally clean. Their filter-feeding claws trap floating particles, reducing waste and improving water clarity.
As part of a balanced ecosystem, they help maintain stable water parameters, making them invaluable for a healthy, thriving aquarium.
Keep those pom poms waving
Pom Pom Crabs thrive on a balanced diet of algae, detritus, protein-rich foods, and calcium sources. Feed wisely, avoid processed or toxic foods, and maintain variety to keep them healthy. These quirky little scavengers aren’t just entertaining, they’re essential for a clean tank. Care for them well, and they’ll flourish!
Happy fishkeeping!
