Phricotelphusa limula Thai Micro Freshwater Crab

Phricotelphusa limula is one of the most vividly coloured freshwater crabs available to hobbyists, displaying an intense orange to scarlet-red carapace and legs that make it immediately eye-catching. Native to the Malay Peninsula and southern Thailand, it is found in fast-flowing rocky streams and waterfall splash zones, clinging to wet boulders in highly oxygenated environments.

Unlike many paludarium crabs, P. limula is primarily aquatic in captivity and spends most of its time in or very close to flowing water. Its natural habitat is characterised by high oxygen levels, moderate temperatures, and clean, moderately soft water. A waterfall-style paludarium or strong-flow aquarium with emersed rocky areas closely replicates these conditions.

This species is peaceful in small groups when space and shelter are adequate. It is a direct developer: females carry eggs until fully formed juveniles are released. In captivity it accepts a varied diet of dried insects, frozen bloodworm, sinking pellets, and blanched vegetables. Avoiding copper in any form is critical, as all freshwater crabs are acutely sensitive to copper-based medications.

Water: 22–26°C, pH 6.8–7.5, GH 4–12, KH 1–8; high oxygenation and flow; waterfall setup ideal; no copper. Tank: minimum 40 L paludarium; rocky waterfall zone, emersed boulders, strong current section; moist splash area. Feeding: omnivore — dried insects, frozen bloodworm, sinking pellets, blanched greens; feed every 1–2 days. Breeding: direct developer; female broods eggs; miniature juveniles fully formed on release; waterfall conditions aid breeding. Compatibility: peaceful in small groups; do not mix with fish that can eat small crabs; no shrimp.