Bamboo Shrimp care guide
Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 23-28 °C, pH 6.8-7.8.
Overview
The Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) is a large freshwater filter-feeder native to fast-flowing streams of Southeast Asia and Indonesia. Modified front limbs end in feathery fans that the shrimp opens into the current to strain microscopic food particles.
Taxonomy
- Family: Atyidae
- Genus: Atyopsis
- Scientific name: Atyopsis moluccensis
- Common synonyms: Wood Shrimp, Singapore Flower Shrimp, Fan Shrimp
Habitat
Wild populations inhabit clear, well-oxygenated streams and rivers across the Indonesian archipelago, Malaysia, the Philippines and the Solomon Islands. Adults perch on rocks or wood in moderate to strong current and constantly fan-feed.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (21.1 US gal)
- Adult size: 8-10 cm
- Temperature: 23-28 °C (73-82 °F)
- pH: 6.8-7.8
- GH: 6-14 °dGH
- KH: 3-8 °dKH
- Lifespan: 2-3 years
Diet
An obligate filter-feeder. In aquaria a Bamboo Shrimp must have enough suspended food — finely powdered shrimp food, baby brine shrimp, phytoplankton or rotifers — supplied by drifting in the current. Sterile, ultra-clean tanks will starve them; visible fan-feeding behaviour confirms adequate food density.
Compatibility
A peaceful giant of the shrimp world. Suitable tankmates are calm community species such as tetras, rasboras, Corydoras and Otocinclus. Avoid cichlids, crayfish and large boisterous fish that may injure the moulting shrimp or knock it from its perch.
Breeding
Adults breed readily, but larvae require a brackish-to-marine stage to develop, mirroring the natural amphidromous life cycle. Captive breeding is therefore considered expert-level, and almost all aquarium stock is wild-caught.