Not furry either, still lovely.
Thai Micro Crab
Limnopilos naiyanetri
Also called False spider crab, Micro spider crab
From Thailand: the Tha Chin River in Nakhon Pathom province, where it lives among the floating roots of water hyacinth.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Shell about 1 cm wide at most; leg span up to about 2.5 cm.
Fishkeeping World gives 1-1.5 years in aquariums, possibly longer with good care.
Looks how to spot one
Exoskeleton with fine hairs
A tiny, see-through crab with a round body and long, spidery legs. Soft hairs on its shell trap fine particles, which help it blend in and may also serve as food. It lives fully underwater.12
Personality what they are like
Shy, gentle and mostly active at night. It spends much of its time tucked among roots and plants, picking at surfaces.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low; it creeps slowly among roots, moss and plants rather than roaming open ground.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep water stable and clean, and watch nutrient levels. Cover filter intakes with sponge so these small crabs cannot be pulled in.12
Home where they are happiest
Fishkeeping World suggests at least about 19 litres (5 US gallons). Temperature about 21-28 °C and pH 6.5-8.0 (Wikipedia gives 21-27 °C and pH 6.5-7.3). Floating plants with dangling roots, moss and plenty of hiding spots.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A detritus and biofilm grazer that combs plants and roots for food; it also takes fine shrimp foods and small sinking pellets, and may eat tiny animals when it finds them.12
Company who they like around
Comfortable in small groups of around 5-6. Pair with small, calm fish, shrimp and snails; avoid cichlids, crayfish and other crabs.2
The story where it all began
Described in 1991 by Chuang and Ng, this crab is known only from one Thai river. It reached the aquarium hobby in 2008 through German importer Aquarium Glaser and is still an uncommon find.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)
- Limnopilos naiyanetri Chuang & Ng, 1991; its placement in Limnopilos was confirmed by Naruse & Ng in 2007.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Thai Micro Crab. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amountsevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeSmall, gentle water changesevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Thai Micro Crab?
Feed your Thai Micro Crab daily with small amounts. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a tiny pinch of fine shrimp food or sinking pellets each day. Watch that it all gets eaten within a few hours to avoid fouling the water.12 Furry Diary plan
What does a Thai Micro Crab eat, and what should it never eat?
It grazes on detritus and biofilm, and also enjoys fine shrimp foods and small sinking pellets. It may nibble tiny animals it finds. As for what to avoid, that varies by individual; ask your vet or a good breeder for specific no-go foods.12
How much space does a Thai Micro Crab need?
A tank of at least 19 litres (5 US gallons) is recommended. They are tiny and shy, so plenty of hiding spots like moss and floating roots make them feel secure.12
What temperature, light or water does a Thai Micro Crab need?
Keep the water between 21-28°C with a pH of 6.5-8.0. They don't need strong light, but floating plants with dangling roots and moss create a lovely shady home. Stable, clean water is key.12
How often should I clean a Thai Micro Crab's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests small, gentle water changes every week and a water test weekly. Rinse the filter in old tank water once a month. Always cover filter intakes with sponge to protect these tiny crabs.12 Furry Diary plan
Can a Thai Micro Crab live with others?
Yes, they are comfortable in small groups of 5-6. Pair them with calm fish, shrimp, and snails. Avoid cichlids, crayfish, and other crabs, which may bully or eat them.2
How long does a Thai Micro Crab live?
Their lifespan is about 1 to 1.5 years. With stable water and a peaceful home, they can enjoy their full, gentle life.2
Can I handle a Thai Micro Crab?
It's best not to handle them. They are shy, delicate, and spend most of their time tucked among roots and plants. Observing them in their tank is the kindest way to enjoy their gentle nature.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Limnopilos naiyanetri - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, taxonomy, size, colour, habitat, diet, water parameters, history
- Thai Micro Crab care guide - Fishkeeping World fishkeepingworld.comused for lifespan, tank size, parameters, diet, social needs, tankmates
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.