Bamboo Shrimp
Atyopsis moluccensis · family Atyidae
Also: Wood Shrimp, Fan Shrimp
Parameters
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness
- 5–15 °dGH
- Tank volume
- from 100 L
- Maximum size
- up to 10 cm
- Group size
- min 1, ideal 3
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years
Pros and cons
- Unique filter-feeding behavior — mesmerizing to watch
- Non-predatory — safe with any peaceful species
- Large size (up to 10 cm) — not easily preyed on
- Doesn't feed from the bottom — starves without planktonic food in the current
- Needs strong flow through filter (placed near filter outlet)
- Doesn't breed in freshwater (larvae need brackish water)
- Very rare and expensive
Description
A large filter-feeding shrimp. Its front limbs end in fan-shaped 'brushes' that catch micro-particles from the current. It doesn't eat from the bottom — it needs strong flow and suspended food.
FAQ
- What do I feed a bamboo shrimp?
- Not bottom food! It catches micro-particles from the current. Disperse crushed dry food near the filter outlet and add live dust (Artemia nauplii, infusoria). If it actively grazes the floor — it's starving.
AuthorGoldie Editorial
Goldie editorial team
Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication
Reviewed byGoldie Science Board
Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians
Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown
Sources
- Wikipedia: Atyopsis moluccensis · Wikipedia · 2026-05-22