Whisker Shrimp care guide

Whisker Shrimp (Macrobrachium lanchesteri) — minimum tank 40 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 6.8-8.

Overview

Whisker Shrimp (Macrobrachium lanchesteri) is a long-armed freshwater prawn of the family Palaemonidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. Translucent slim Macrobrachium often sold as 'Ghost Shrimp' but more aggressive than true Palaemonetes. Will hunt small fry and shrimp.

Taxonomy

Family: Palaemonidae
Genus: Macrobrachium
Scientific name: Macrobrachium lanchesteri
Common synonyms: Whisker Shrimp, Lanchester's Shrimp

Habitat

Macrobrachium is a large genus of caridean prawns whose adults live in fresh and brackish waters of the tropics, while the larvae of most species require brackish or marine conditions to develop. Members range from small, peaceful species to predatory giants over 25 cm long. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Southeast Asia.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 40 L (10.6 US gal)
Adult size: 3-5 cm
Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
pH: 6.8-8
GH: 6-14 °dGH
KH: 3-8 °dKH
Lifespan: 1-2 years

Diet

The species is an omnivore. It takes a wide range of foods including sinking pellets, frozen and live foods, and detritus; larger individuals will also hunt small fish, fry and dwarf shrimp.

Compatibility

The Aquairi knowledge base lists this species as semi-aggressive. Suitable tank mates include Larger Tetras, Barbs, Danios. It should be kept away from Dwarf shrimp, Small fish, Bettas.

Breeding

Breeding requires a planktonic larval stage, generally in brackish or marine water, which makes captive reproduction very difficult and rarely achieved in home aquaria.