Info On Mini Crabs <Micro Crabs> 6/11/09
Greetings,
<Elisa>
While I have learned much of what I know of the aquarium hobby from your website, I am unable to find information on micro crabs (aka Thai micro crabs, mini crabs, hairy mini crabs, scientific name possibly Limnopilos naiyanetri but I'm not sure on that).
From the little info I have been able to find on other sites, I am led to believe that they are freshwater, don't need land, hang out in plants, act like cherry shrimp, and like tropical temperatures - I've read anywhere
between 64 Fahrenheit and 86....that's a pretty big range....
If someone knows about these adorable little guys, I would be ever-so grateful if s/he would share that knowledge, or even direct me to a legitimate informational site or book. Of course I would love to add them
to one or more of my setups, but would never do that without first learning about their water preferences, temperament, compatibility (it seems they are more likely to be eaten by larger creatures than to cause harm
themselves?), nutritional needs, etc.
<Limnopilos naiyanetri, has just been discovered by hobbyists in the early 90's. About all I can tell you is that these crabs are found in pure freshwater in the roots of floating vegetation, such as water hyacinth and fine leaf plants along river banks. They have hairy bodies and appendages which collect mud and dirt and may function to trap food particles. They are not carnivorous, and behave like Caridina shrimps in their scavenging behaviors, where care and feeding are probably the same.
Googling will likely lead you to more information on the micro crabs. I know of no book written on the subject and Bob and/or another crew member may input here with additional info on the micro crab.>
Thanks in advance!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Elisa