Thai Micro Crab

Thai micro crabs (Limnopilos naiyanetri) are tiny, translucent, fully aquatic crabs from a single river system in Thailand. Adults are smaller than a fingernail, pale grey-brown, and covered in fine hairs they use to catch particles from the water. They spend most of their lives clinging to moss and plant roots, and they are one of the few true crabs that never need to leave the water.

Aquarium care

• Very small — the body is under 1 cm across, with legs adding a little more.
• Fully aquatic; no land area is required.
• Shy and slow. They are easily outcompeted at feeding time and are simple to lose track of.
• Needs dense moss, fine-leaved plants or root tangles to cling to.
• Prefers gentle flow and stable, mature water conditions.
• Feeds on fine particles, biofilm and powdered or crushed foods.

They belong in a mature planted nano tank, either on their own or with dwarf shrimp and very small peaceful fish such as chili rasboras. Almost any medium-sized fish will eat them, and boisterous feeders will simply take the food first. This is a species for someone who enjoys watching closely rather than someone who wants an obvious display animal.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is available for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See the shrimp and invertebrate collection.