Wood Shrimp / Bamboo Shrimp
Species name : Atyopsis moluccensis
Common name : Singapore Wood Shrimp, Flower Shrimp, Wood Shrimp, Asian Fan
Shrimp, Bamboo Shrimp
Maximum size : 4-5 inches
Coloration : Most species are a brown base color with a tan strip running from head
to tail. They vary greatly in color however. Some a greenish yellow or
even red as the base color.
Environment : Freshwater
Origin : Southern Asia
Temperament : Peaceful
Company : The shrimp is clawless and therefore harmless to fish. Should not be
kept with large cichlids or aggressive fish however as it will be viewed
as a meal. Same size shrimp are easily kept with the species also. Tetra
and mid sized non aggressive fish are common tankmates.
Water parameters : pH 6.5 – 7.4 , temperature 23-28 °C
Highly suggest that you place a piece of wood, rock, or similar "platform" for the Bamboo Shrimp to sit in the current. If it is difficult for this species to be in the current it will tend to climb the filter tubes or even out of the aquarium. It will search out the source of the current if it is unable to feed. Please make sure that you are allowing this creature to feed properly. Since it does not feed on fish food you must accommodate its specific needs. If you see the shrimp sifting the bottom of the tank then that is an indicator that it is not properly feeding and action on your part is required.
Feeding : The "fans" of the Bamboo Shrimp are actually appendages that filter the
current of outgoing filter water for microorganisms and/or particles of
food. Since it filters the current you will most likely find this species
sitting peacefully in the current with its fans spread out. If you observe
the feeding behavior closely you will notice that it closes the fan, puts the
closed fan next to the mouth and swipes it across the mouth as to sort of
"lick" it.
Male and Female : With fully grown animals the males have a much larger first
pair of walking legs,females are plumper and their carapace
extends further down at the pleopods to accommodate eggs.
Breeding : There is one downside to the Bamboo Shrimp: it does not fully reproduce
in freshwater. Like the Amano Shrimp, this species requires brackish
water during the larval stage in order to successfully develop from
hatching.