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SnailsBamboo shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) | Care & info
Looking for an unusual invertebrate addition to your aquarium? Something a little more creative than the good old cherry shrimp? No worries, there's plenty of love for oddball shrimp here at The Shrimp Farm! Today, let us introduce you to the bamboo shrimp, a Southeast Asian native with fascinating feeding habits.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about bamboo shrimp care and how to keep this Atyopsis species in your aquarium.
| Scientific name | Atyopsis moluccensis |
| Common names | Bamboo shrimp, wood shrimp, fan shrimp, Singapore flower shrimp, Moluccas shrimp |
| Difficulty level | Intermediate |
| Origin | Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka |
Table of Contents
Bamboo shrimp appearance & natural habitat
Appearance
This species is very different from many of the other freshwater shrimp we've discussed here on the blog so far. First off, it's notably larger than popular dwarf shrimp, with a maximum length of up to 3". Its second striking characteristic are, of course, its fan hands! This is a fan shrimp, which uses modified front legs to filter food from fast-moving waters in its natural habitat.
Bamboo shrimp are orange-brown in color with a light stripe running across the top of their backs.
With some practice, it's possible to tell the difference between a male and female bamboo shrimp even when the female isn't carrying eggs. Unlike most shrimp, males are larger than females. Their forelegs are also much chunkier than those of their female counterparts.
Natural habitat
The bamboo shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) is naturally found in Indonesia, of which the Moluccas archipelago forms part. It has also been reported from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and likely the Philippines.
In its natural habitat, this species prefers fast-flowing streams and rivers where it can catch plenty of passing edible particles with its fans. They've been described as clinging to the underside of smooth boulders right in the harshest currents of torrential streams and rivers. These streams are usually shallow and have a rocky substrate.
The IUCN Red List considers the bamboo shrimp to be a species of Least Concern, but notes a lack of information about the population and whether it's stable. It's unfortunately likely not; as an example, a 2004 publication mentions that this species used to be common in the Gombak river in Malaysia. Now, it's reported to be rare due to the larvae being unable to survive downstream following urban development and the resulting pollution.
Did you know? As a result of shrimp escaping or being released from the aquarium trade, Atyopsis moluccensis is considered an invasive species risk. Even in countries like Hungary, which are normally too chilly in winter for this tropical species, it has been found thriving in a thermal waterbody.
Setting up a bamboo shrimp aquarium
Requirements
If you're interested in keeping bamboo shrimp, it's important to know that this isn't a species that you can just pop into any old tank and be done with. Their specialized feeding habits mean they can starve in the wrong set-up. You'll need an aquarium of at least around 20 gallons to keep a group.
It's important for the aquarium to feature a heavy water flow to help food reach your shrimp's fans. The set-up must be fully cycled and relatively mature, as new tanks are often just too clean for detrivores like these.
Be sure to provide plenty of hiding places, as well as plants and rock formations close to the water flow. The shrimp will appreciate the latter for perching and doing their filter magic, which is really quite fascinating to watch! They can sit in one spot fishing for particles and barely moving for hours.
We also recommend adding some leaf litter.
Water quality
The water quality should always be high in order for these sensitive creatures to thrive. This can be difficult, as you will likely have to supply powdered food which can blow all over the tank and end up fouling the water. This is why we mentioned the tank should be mature: it'll have a solid nitrogen cycle that is more likely to be able to handle the high bioload.
Ammonia and nitrites should always be 0, while nitrates should be kept low (<10) by means of weekly water changes.
pH: 6.5-7.5
Temperature: 71-82 °F
GH: 6-10
KH: 3-6
Total Dissolved Solids: 150-300
Tankmates
If you'd like to keep your bamboo shrimp with fish, it's important to choose their tankmates very carefully. Although they're large, these shrimp are slow and their fans are fragile. They are 100% docile and will not bother any of their tankmates; the reverse is more likely.
You'll want to avoid any species that may bother the shrimp, so go for only the most peaceful options. Small, bottom-feeding catfish like Corydoras or tiny schooling fish like Rasbora would work well.
In terms of invertebrates, you've got some good options. Both Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp should work well as tankmates for bamboo shrimp, as will aquarium snails.
Tip: It sounds a bit harsh, but Amano shrimp make a particularly good tankmate choice: the females regularly release tiny larvae. These aren't able to survive in freshwater, but they make for an excellent bamboo shrimp meal.
Bamboo shrimp diet
Getting their diet right is the most crucial factor in having your bamboo shrimp thrive in the long run. Unfortunately, this can be a bit challenging. As mentioned earlier, the aquarium can't be too "clean", because these shrimp feed on detritus bits floating through the water column.
Additionally, your tank will need strong water flow to recirculate any particles and allow them to be blown into the shrimp's filter hands. You may need to install an extra powerhead, or possibly a canister filter rated for at least double your tank size.
In terms of maintenance, it may be a good idea to refrain from vacuuming the substrate too much. Instead, be sure to give it a good whirl every now and then to stir up any bits of food, decayed plants, and fish waste that may be present. It will cloud the water for a bit, but it's a bamboo shrimp's absolute dream dinner!
Even with proper flow and a good amount of detritus, you will need to provide supplemental feedings. Anything very small works: powdered baby shrimp food, crushed fish flakes, spirulina powder and the like are great. You can release it into the flow or near the shrimp to make sure they catch it. Try turning off the filter so the particles aren't immediately removed.
Tip: If you see your bamboo shrimp using their fans to scrape the aquarium floor, you'll know they're not getting enough food and have gone hungry. Adjust accordingly before they damage their delicate filters, because if this happens, they won't recover until the shrimp molts.
Breeding bamboo shrimp
Bamboo shrimp reproduce in a way similar to Amano shrimp. This means that, unlike the dwarf shrimp species most of us are so used to, they don't produce miniature versions of the adults. Instead, their fry go through a larval phase, and to make things worse, they need to be kept in brackish water temporarily or they won't survive.
Although it likely can be done, we recommend not bothering unless you're a dedicated bamboo shrimp enthusiast!
Buying bamboo shrimp
Most specialized aquarium stores should carry bamboo shrimp, so they will usually not be too hard to find. Be sure to keep an eye out for their larger African cousin as well: the vampire shrimp (Atya gabonensis). Or maybe you prefer the small version, the green lace shrimp (Atyoida pilipes)?
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the two species can coexist fine.
Bamboo shrimp will eat floating green algae, which isn't the most common type in the aquarium. They're unlikely to scrape algae off aquarium walls or décor, so don't count on them keeping your tank clean.
Unfortunately, these shrimp don't have long lifespans. With good care, they can make it to 2-3 years of age.
Chace Jr, F. A. (1983). The Atya-like shrimps of the Indo-Pacific Region (Decapoda: Atyidae).