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Thai Micro Crab
Limnopilos naiyanetri
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Hymenosomatidae
📍 Southeast Asia
Tiny fully aquatic crab under 1 cm (0.4 in) wide. Hides in moss and plants. Peaceful, fascinating micro invertebrate for planted nano tanks.
Care Guide
Diet
Thai micro crabs are detritivores that primarily feed on biofilm, algae, and microorganisms naturally present in planted tanks. Supplement with finely crushed vegetable flakes, spirulina powder, or blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach) 2-3 times weekly. They rarely require dedicated feeding if the tank has established plant matter and organic debris.
Behavior
These tiny crabs are nocturnal and spend most of their time hiding within moss, plants, and substrate crevices, making them difficult to observe. They are completely peaceful and pose no threat to fish or other invertebrates, though they may scavenge dead organisms. Activity increases during low-light periods and after feeding.
Breeding
Breeding Thai micro crabs in captivity is extremely rare and poorly documented. Females may produce eggs, but larval development typically requires brackish water conditions that are impractical in home aquariums. Success rates are very low; most captive populations are wild-caught, making them difficult to breed intentionally.
Tank Mates
Similar size, peaceful, same water parameters, both detritivores that won't compete aggressively
Larger but non-aggressive, excellent biofilm cleaners, compatible temperature and pH ranges
Essential habitat plant; provides hiding spaces, biofilm growth, and natural food sources
Low-light plant that creates shelter; slow-growing and won't overshadow the micro crab's habitat
Small, peaceful algae eaters; compatible water parameters but ensure adequate biofilm for both species
Tiny, peaceful fish that won't predate on crabs; similar water temperature preferences
Common Diseases
Molting Complications
Inability to shed exoskeleton, lethargy, loss of limbs, death shortly after attempted molt
Ensure adequate calcium through cuttlebone or mineral supplements; maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.5-7.5); provide soft substrate for easier molting
Bacterial Infection
Discoloration, soft spots on carapace, lethargy, visible lesions or fuzzy growth
Perform 25% water changes; remove decaying organic matter; maintain pristine water quality; consider antibacterial medication if severe
Parasitic Infestation
Excessive scratching, visible parasites on body, loss of appetite, abnormal behavior
Quarantine affected individuals; perform frequent water changes; treat with appropriate invertebrate-safe parasite medication; avoid copper-based treatments
Poor Water Quality Stress
Reduced activity, loss of color, refusal to eat, increased hiding behavior
Test water parameters immediately; perform 30-50% water change; reduce bioload; ensure adequate filtration without strong current
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- diet
- biofilm/micro-organisms
- maxSize
- 0.4 inches
- minTankSize
- 5 gallons
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C