Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis)

Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis)

Size: 1-2cm small size

Peaceful Fan-Feeding Shrimp for Established Aquariums

The Bamboo Shrimp, also known as the Wood Shrimp or Fan Shrimp, is a fascinating freshwater shrimp admired for its unique fan-shaped feeding appendages. Unlike typical scavenger shrimp, Bamboo Shrimp filter microscopic food particles directly from the water column, often perching in areas of steady flow and actively “fanning” for food. Their calm nature and unusual behavior make them an excellent display species for mature aquariums.

🦐 Key Features

• Large freshwater shrimp (up to ~7–9 cm / 3–3.5 in)

• Distinctive fan-feeding behavior

• Peaceful, non-aggressive temperament

• Color ranges from tan to reddish-brown (may change with environment)

• Excellent centerpiece in community and planted tanks

⚙️ Optimal Aquarium Parameters

Care Level: Medium
Temperament: Peaceful
Tank Size: 20+ gallons recommended (well-established)

🌡️ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)

• pH: 6.5–7.8

• GH: 4–12 dGH

• KH: 2–8 dKH

• TDS: ~120–250 ppm

🌊 Flow & Environment

• Moderate water flow is essential for proper feeding

• Provide driftwood, rocks, or elevated surfaces near flow

• Mature aquarium with stable parameters and biofilm

🍽️ Feeding (Very Important)

Bamboo Shrimp are not scavengers and will not survive on leftovers alone.

• Feed powdered or liquid foods (baby shrimp food, spirulina powder, finely crushed flakes)

• Target-feed upstream so food drifts past the shrimp

• Regular feeding is critical to prevent starvation

🧬 Molting & Behavior

• Regular molting is normal; shrimp may hide temporarily afterward

• Color may shift based on diet, lighting, and substrate

• Active fanning behavior indicates proper feeding conditions

🐟 Compatibility

• Ideal for peaceful community fish

• Safe with shrimp and snails

• Avoid aggressive or predatory fish

• Not suitable for newly set-up or sterile tanks