Thai Micro Crab
Limnopilos naiyanetri
Also sold as Thai micro spider crab
Thai Micro Crab (Limnopilos naiyanetri) is a peaceful freshwater invertebrate that reaches about 1 cm (0.4 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 72–81°F (22–27°C) and pH 6.5–7.5, is kept in groups of 5 or more, and needs a tank of at least 19 L (5 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Invertebrate |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 1 cm (0.4 in) |
| Minimum tank | 19 L (5 gal) |
| Group size | 5 or more |
| Temperature | 72–81°F (22–27°C) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Lifespan | 1–1.5 years |
| Eats shrimp | No |
Before it goes in
- Thai Micro Crab needs at least 19 L (5 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the Fluval Spec V.
- Keep 5 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
- It holds at 72–81°F (22–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
What tank size does it need?
At least 19 L (5 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the Fluval Spec V.
How many should I keep?
5 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.
What water does it want?
72–81°F (22–27°C), pH 6.5–7.5.
How long does it live?
1–1.5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Thai Micro Crab | Red Claw Crab | Dwarf Mexican Crayfish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 1 cm | 4.5 cm | 4 cm |
| Min tank | 19 L | 38 L | 50 L |
| Group | 5+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 72–81°F (22–27°C) | 72–81°F (22–27°C) | 64–75°F (18–24°C) |
| Eats shrimp | No | Yes | Shrimplets only |
More livestock
Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eats, Group sizeaquariumbreeder.com
- Mature tanksuperiorshrimpaquatics.com
- aquariumsource.com
- fishlaboratory.com