Thai Micro Crab care guide
Thai Micro Crab (Limnopilos naiyanetri) — minimum tank 20 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 6.5-7.5.
Overview
The Thai Micro Crab (Limnopilos naiyanetri) is one of the smallest fully aquatic freshwater crabs in the world, with an adult carapace of about 1 cm. The body is grey to silver-brown and the legs are covered with fine setae used to filter microparticles from the water.
Taxonomy
- Family: Hymenosomatidae
- Genus: Limnopilos
- Scientific name: Limnopilos naiyanetri
- Common synonyms: False Spider Crab, Pill Crab
Habitat
Endemic to the Tha Chin River system in central Thailand, where it lives among the dangling roots of floating plants in slow, shaded water. The species was only formally described in 1991 and is rarely encountered in the wild.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 20 L (5.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 0.8-1.2 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 4-10 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet
A microfiltering omnivore. The crab waves its setose limbs and the fine hairs trap microorganisms, biofilm fragments and detritus suspended in the water. In aquaria it accepts powdered fry foods, very fine shrimp pellets and biofilm from mature surfaces; offer multiple very small feedings.
Compatibility
Extremely peaceful and shy; entirely safe with all small peaceful tank mates. Best housed in mature, densely planted nano tanks with floating plants, mosses and fine-leaved species that provide refuge. Compatible with Cherry Shrimp, Otocinclus, Ember Tetra and Pygmy Corydoras; avoid any larger fish that would prey on the crab.
Breeding
A fully aquatic breeder that retains development in fresh water — there is no marine or brackish larval phase. Females carry small clutches under the abdomen and release miniature juveniles directly into the water; captive reproduction has been documented but remains uncommon.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: not formally assessed at species level, but the highly restricted natural range raises conservation concern. Almost all aquarium specimens are wild-caught from Thailand.