Can Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) and Thai Micro Crab Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 2, 2026
Not Recommended

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) and Thai Micro Crab are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)

Datnioides polota

Thai Micro Crab

Limnopilos naiyanetri

🐠Family Group
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Oddballs
Thai Micro Crab
Invertebrates
Temperament
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Thai Micro Crab
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
24–28°C
Thai Micro Crab
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
7–8.5
Thai Micro Crab
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
10–25
Thai Micro Crab
6–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Brackish Tolerant
Thai Micro Crab
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Moderate
Thai Micro Crab
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 450 L
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
450 L
Thai Micro Crab
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
MiddleBottom
Thai Micro Crab
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Thai Micro Crab
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Nocturnal
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) and Thai Micro Crab?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Thai Micro Crab
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Thai Micro Crab is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) may occasionally assert dominance over Thai Micro Crab.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) and Thai Micro Crab increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) and Thai Micro Crab both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Thai Micro Crab is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) and Thai Micro Crab together, plan for an aquarium of at least 450 litres with a minimum length of 150 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Sand (Sifters), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) and Thai Micro Crab are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) and Thai Micro Crab.

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Thai Micro Crab.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) and Thai Micro Crab live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) and Thai Micro Crab need?

A minimum of 450 litres (tank length at least 150 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) and Thai Micro Crab together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) or Thai Micro Crab aggressive?

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is moderately assertive (6/10) and Thai Micro Crab is peaceful (0/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) and Thai Micro Crab need?

Both species overlap in the 7–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Thai Micro Crab being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Thai Micro Crab is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Thai Micro Crab during evening hours.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 2, 2026
Last updated
May 2, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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