Bamboo Shrimp

Atyopsis moluccensis

FreshwaterShrimp

Care at a glance

Temperature: 72–84°F (22–29°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
Adult size: 3.9 in (10 cm)
Minimum tank: 13 gal (50 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Swim level: Bottom
Difficulty: Easy
Breeding: Hard
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Southeast Asia
Family: Atyidae

Overview

Bamboo shrimp are gentle filter feeders that perch in the current and open their fan-shaped front limbs to sieve tiny food particles from the water. They do best in a small group in a mature tank with steady flow from a filter or powerhead, since still water leaves them hungry. They are peaceful and safe with small, calm fish that will not pester them. Keep the water stable and free of copper, which is toxic to all shrimp. If the tank is too clean, feed powdered or crushed foods into the current so the fans have something to catch. A tank of 50 liters or more gives them room and the flow they need.

In the wild

In the wild these shrimp cling to rocks and wood in fast, well-oxygenated streams and rivers across Southeast Asia, facing into the current where food drifts past. A home tank suits them best when it copies that flow, with smooth stones, driftwood, and plants to grip and a filter that keeps the water moving. Aim for warm water between 22 and 29 c and a near-neutral pH from about 6.5 to 7.5. Good oxygen and stable, clean conditions matter more to them than any decoration.

Good to know

Atyopsis moluccensis belongs to the Atyidae, the family of fan or filter feeding shrimp. Adults reach around 8 to 10 cm, with males a little larger and heavier limbed than females. Like all shrimp they grow by molting, shedding the old shell and hiding while the new one hardens. Breeding is very hard in the home, because the tiny larvae drift down to brackish water in nature and cannot develop in freshwater, so captive-bred stock is rare.

Did you know

A bamboo shrimp does not have claws for grabbing food. Instead it unfolds four feathery fans and holds them into the flow like little nets, then draws each one to its mouth to comb off the catch.