Bamboo Shrimp
Atyopsis moluccensis
Minimum Tank
20 Gallons
Adult Size
3 inches
Temperature
75-82°F (24-28°C)
pH Range
6.5-7.5
Lifespan
3 years
About Bamboo Shrimp
The bamboo shrimp is a fascinating filter-feeding shrimp from the streams and rivers of Southeast Asia. Unlike most aquarium shrimp that pick at surfaces, bamboo shrimp deploy fan-like appendages from their front legs that they hold open in the current to catch microscopic food particles drifting in the water. They resemble tiny, living satellite dishes when feeding. Bamboo shrimp can reach about 3 inches, making them one of the larger freshwater shrimp available. Their coloring ranges from reddish-brown to tan, and they can change color somewhat depending on their environment and diet. Watching a bamboo shrimp methodically fanning in the current is one of the most unique and calming sights in the freshwater hobby.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 20-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- • pH: 6.5 - 7.5
- • Category: Shrimp
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Bamboo shrimp need moderate to strong current in their tank to carry food particles to their filtering fans. Position them near filter outputs or powerheads where they can establish a feeding station. A tank of at least 20 gallons with good flow at 68-77°F suits them well. If a bamboo shrimp is picking at the substrate instead of fanning, it is not getting enough suspended food and needs supplemental feeding. Add powdered shrimp food, spirulina powder, or crushed flake food upstream of their position. They are peaceful and harmless to all tankmates. Like all shrimp, they are sensitive to copper and sudden parameter changes. Provide hiding spots for molting periods when they are vulnerable.
Quick Facts
76L
Min Tank (20gal)
8cm
Adult Size (3")
3yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Bamboo Shrimp
Related Species You Might Like
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Ghost Shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
Crystal Red Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Blue Velvet Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var.
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
Tank Mates for Bamboo Shrimp
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus sp.
moderate · 10+ gal
Assassin Snail
Clea helena
easy · 10+ gal
Malaysian Trumpet Snail
Melanoides tuberculata
easy · 5+ gal
Dwarf Chain Loach
Ambastaia sidthimunki
moderate · 20+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Bamboo Shrimp need?
A Bamboo Shrimp needs a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (76 litres).
What water parameters does a Bamboo Shrimp need?
Bamboo Shrimp thrive in water between 75-82°F (24-28°C) with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Are Bamboo Shrimp easy to care for?
Bamboo Shrimp are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 3 years.
How big do Bamboo Shrimp get and what do they eat?
Bamboo Shrimp reach about 3 inches and are omnivores. Bamboo shrimp need moderate to strong current in their tank to carry food particles to their filtering fans. Position them near filter outputs or powerheads where they can establish a feeding station. A tank of at least 20 gallons with good flow at 68-77°F suits them well. If a bamboo shrimp is picking at the substrate instead of fanning, it is not getting enough suspended food and needs supplemental feeding. Add powdered shrimp food, spirulina powder, or crushed flake food upstream of their position. They are peaceful and harmless to all tankmates. Like all shrimp, they are sensitive to copper and sudden parameter changes. Provide hiding spots for molting periods when they are vulnerable.