In aquariums and tanks with different and colorful fish species, shrimps also add beauty to the tank. Some shrimps are algae eater and some have filter feeding quality. To keep the water quality maintain bamboo shrimp is a best option for you. So lets get in this article to get the complete guide of bamboo shrimp.
About Bamboo Shrimp
Bamboo shrimp know by its scientific name Atyopsis moluccensis. This shrimp was first discover by Fenner A. Chace Jr. In 1983, and used this shrimp to filter the tank. The other common names of this shrimp are fan shrimp, and wood shrimp. This is a freshwater shrimp originate in Southeast Asia. Moreover, this fish also belongs to the family of Atyidae like amano shrimp.
The interesting fact of this fish is that aquarist keep it for filter feeding and to improve water quality. Many keep this shrimp for the moderate water flow, their fan like appendages to helps to capture the tiny food particles.
| Scientific name | Atyopsis moluccensis |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Tank parameters | 20 gallon |
| Temperature | 72-76 F |
| Compatibility | Community fish |
Appearance Of Bamboo Shrimp
Bamboo shrimp are generally peaceful and not consider beginner friendly. Because of its specific water and feeding requirements. It has distinct appearance, have slender body and fan like appendages use for filter food.
Moreover, shrimp have reddish brown and brown color, with strips and patterns that helps them to blend in the environment.
This Atyopsis moluccensis is also from the family of Atyidae. It is generally not consider an ideal choice for beginners as well as for experienced aquarist, because of its specific requirements. However, when it comes to its size wood shrimp the adult shrimp is 3-4 inches (7.6-10 cm) in length. Moreover, male shrimps have stream line abdomen whereas, females have rounded abdomen.
Characteristics of Bamboo Shrimp
Bamboo shrimp is known for its three main characteristics:
- Color: bamboo shrimp has reddish brown and brown color, with strips and patterns.
- Behaviour: this shrimp is peaceful, can survive in high flow fresh water .
- Antennae: have long antennae to sense environment.
- Shape: have long slender body and fan like appendages.
- Social: they prefer to live in group.
- Filter feeding: bamboo shrimps are filter feeders, filter tiny food particles from water.
- Fan like appendages: they have modified front leg to filter food from water.
Tank Parameters of Bamboo Shrimp
Bamboo shrimp generally not consider a good beginner fish, because of their specific requirements. Moreover, they are active, peaceful and can live in fast flowing water tank . As they native of Southeast Asia, found in volcanic island of Sri Lanka and survive in fresh water.
Moreover, the ideal tank size is 20 gallon is more preferable, some consider 10 gallon is limited for them. Keep the water temperature stable according the requirement of bamboo shrimp.
Temperature or pH level
Bamboo shrimp are originate from Southeast Asia, they prefer to live in moderate to hard water. The best consider pH level for water is 6.5-7.5, the live in soft to moderately hard water, with the parameters of 75-82 degree fahrenhiets. Moreover, for freshwater shrimp, they need minerals for molting to grow. They also prefer live in planted tank with lot of hiding spots, so that they can graze, hide when they are molting. However, to keep your fish and shrimp healthy,the tank must be clean, well planted, and stable water conditions.
Feeding
Bamboo shrimp are filter feeders, eat tiny food particles from water with their fan like appendages. They survive on variety of foods such as micro organism, detritus and small food particles from water. Moreover, also feed them with the fine flake food, spirulina powder, and tiny live frozen food such as baby brine shrimp so that they get required nutrients. Moreover, don’t over feed them as they sensitive to water conditions, over feeding lead them to bad water parameters. They need calcium for molting their diet should include calcium rich food.
At Last…
Bamboo shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis), native of Southeast Asia. It is an freshwater shrimp from the family of Atyidae. This is an reddish brown and brown color with strips.The males have stream line abdomen and females have rounded abdomen. Its peaceful nature and social can live in group. They are active, they live in fast flowing fresh water conditions, well planted and lot of hiding spaces, they can survive in home aquarium. It is a peaceful, active and social nature shrimp brings beauty and activity in home tanks. Moreover, with good care, required water conditions,and proper diet, they stay happy and healthy.