Species profile
Thai Micro Crab
Limnopilos naiyanetri
Peaceful
Hard care
20 L minimum aquarium
0.8–1 cm adult size
Bottom all
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Tiny, delicate and easily outcompeted. Species-only or shrimp-scale communities are safest.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6.5–7
GH
2–12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Bottom all
Territory level
None
Predation risk
Tiny shrimplets
Bioload factor
0.05
Gregarious and non-territorial; keep five or more. May take extremely tiny shrimplets/snail hatchlings opportunistically.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
20 L
Minimum footprint
30 × 20 cm
Accepted scientific name
Limnopilos naiyanetri
Alternative names
Thai Micro Spider Crab
Native range
Thailand; known naturally from the Tha Chin River system.
Natural habitat
Fully aquatic freshwater crab associated with dense root/plant structure. Use a very mature nano aquarium with fine cover, wood and plentiful microorganisms.
Diet & feeding
Captures fine food particles and microorganisms with setose appendages; supplement with tiny sinking foods and finely powdered/frozen foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females have a broader oval pleon; males have a narrower tapering pleon.
Breeding
Females carry relatively large eggs and release zoeal larvae. Captive rearing beyond early larval stages remains difficult; available evidence suggests freshwater development.