Adult Thai Micro Crabs reach only about 0.4 inches (1 cm) in body size. They have translucent bodies with delicate, spidery legs covered in fine bristles that help them catch microorganisms from the water column. Their tiny size, gentle movements, and near-transparent appearance give them an almost floating, ghostlike presence. They are shy by nature and spend much of their time hidden among plants, mosses, and fine structures.
A tank of at least 5 gallons is suitable for a small group. Thai Micro Crabs do best in heavily planted aquariums with plenty of hiding spots created by mosses, root tangles, and leaf litter. Low flow is preferred, as they inhabit calm waters in the wild. Stable, mature tanks with established biofilm are ideal for their feeding habits.
Water parameters should include a temperature of 72 to 80°F (22 to 27°C), a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and soft to moderately hard water. They are sensitive to large swings in water chemistry, so stable conditions and regular, gentle maintenance are important.
Feeding Limnopilos naiyanetri is straightforward. They feed primarily on biofilm, microorganisms, and very fine particulate foods. Supplement with powdered shrimp foods, crushed pellets, baby brine shrimp, or micro foods designed for small shrimp and fry. They cannot compete well with fish for food, so feeding must be targeted.
Thai Micro Crabs are fully peaceful and completely safe with shrimp and small snails. They should not be housed with fish, as even small fish will outcompete them for food and may harass or eat them due to their tiny size. A species-only or shrimp-focused nano tank is best.
Breeding Thai Micro Crabs in captivity is extremely rare and not well understood. They carry eggs, but larvae appear to require specialized conditions that are difficult to reproduce in home aquariums.
Limnopilos naiyanetri (Thai Micro Crab) is a delicate, unusual, and captivating nano invertebrate that thrives in quiet, heavily planted aquariums where its tiny size and gentle behavior can be fully appreciated.
