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Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis)

Bamboo shrimp eat with four feather-like fans, parking in the filter current and combing food particles out of the water — which means they need two things most tanks lack: strong flow and water with something in it. In a spotless, over-filtered tank they slowly starve; the tell is a shrimp picking at the substrate with its fans instead of fanning the current. Target-feed powdered food or crushed flake upstream of their perch a few times a week and they can live for years.

Care specifications

TypeShrimp
DifficultyMedium
Max size3 in
Lifespan1–5 years
Temperature72–82 °F
pH6.8–7.8
General hardness6–14 dGH
Calcium needsMedium
Minimum tank size20 gallons
DietSuspended particles, Powdered foods, Crushed flake, Baby brine shrimp
RolesFilter feeder, Showpiece
Plant safeYes
Betta compatibleYes
Breeds in freshwaterNo
Population growthNone
TemperamentPeaceful

Brackish water note: Like Amano shrimp, bamboo shrimp larvae need brackish-to-marine water to develop, so they never reproduce in a freshwater aquarium.

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Bamboo Shrimp

Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis)

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Frequently asked questions

My bamboo shrimp is picking at the gravel — is that normal?

It is the hunger signal. A well-fed bamboo shrimp sits in the current fanning; one sweeping the substrate has given up on catching enough from the water. Increase flow, and squirt powdered food or baby brine shrimp into the current upstream of it several times a week.

My bamboo shrimp turned white and shed its skin — is it sick?

That is a molt, and it is normal — they often pale beforehand and hide for a few days after while the new shell hardens. Leave the shed skin in the tank; the shrimp eats it to recover minerals. A red bamboo shrimp, by contrast, is severely stressed.

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