Micro Spider Crab – Limnopilos naiyanetrii

The Micro Spider Crab is a very unusual and fascinating small freshwater crab from Asia. It lives completely aquatic and thus does not need a land part in the aquarium. The species has so far been mainly associated with water hyacinths in Thailand, but in aquariums it also adapts well to moss, roots and dense plant environments.

It will only be approx0.5–1.5 cmand is therefore best suited in calm nano aquariums without large or aggressive fish. The body is round and light gray with discreet patterns in brown to beige tones. Legs and claws are covered in small bristles that are used to capture small food particles and microorganisms in the water.

The species is peaceful and thrives best in well-run aquariums with plenty of biofilm, moss, roots and fine-leafed plants. It is omnivorous but mainly feeds on algae, biofilm, microorganisms and small organic particles. Feel free to supplement with fine powder feed, spirulina, shrimp food scraps and very small feed that is spread in the water.

Care

• Origin: Asia

• Temperature: 24–28°C

• Size: 0.5-1.5 cm

• Aquarium: well established nano aquarium

• Feed: biofilm, algae, microorganisms, powdered feed and small shrimp feed

• Behaviour: peaceful, fully aquatic

Breeding

The females carry relatively large eggs under their bodies. The eggs are first orange, then turn yellow and finally gray before hatching. The larvae are believed to be able to develop completely in fresh water, which makes the species extra interesting for aquarists who want to try to grow it.

The newly hatched larvae look for light, therefore stable and weak lighting is important during cultivation trials. A separate culture tank with clean, stable water, lots of microorganisms and very fine feed increases the chances of success.

Micro Spider Crab is a unique choice for those who want something really special in a calm, plant-dense nano aquarium.