Bamboo Shrimp

Bamboo Shrimp Care Guide (Atyopsis moluccensis)

Also known as Wood Shrimp or Asian Filter Shrimp, the Bamboo Shrimp is a peaceful, filter-feeding shrimp that adds both beauty and function to a freshwater tank. They use their fan-like front limbs to catch microscopic food particles from the water current.

Quick Overview

• Common Names: Bamboo Shrimp, Wood Shrimp, Flower Shrimp, Fan Shrimp

• Scientific Name: Atyopsis moluccensis

• Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka)

• Size: 5–8 cm (up to 10 cm for large adults)

• Lifespan: 1.5–2 years (sometimes longer in ideal conditions)

• Temperament: Peaceful, social with their own species

• Care Level: Intermediate (due to feeding and oxygen needs)

Tank Setup

Water Parameters

Use a dechlorinator and ensure water parameters are stable — Bamboo Shrimp are sensitive to rapid changes, especially during molting.

️ Diet

Bamboo Shrimp are filter feeders and do not scavenge food off the substrate like most shrimp.

• Main Feeding: Microparticles in the water column (biofilm, infusoria, tiny floating food)

• Supplements:

  • Crushed algae wafers

  • Powdered shrimp food or spirulina

  • Baby fish food or liquid fry food (dripped into the current)

• Feeding Tip: Use a turkey baster or pipette to direct food into their fans if current is too weak

Without sufficient food in the water column, they can starve even in a stocked tank.

Behavior & Tank Mates

• Very peaceful and non-territorial

• Best kept singly or in groups (no aggression toward each other)

• They choose high-flow areas to perch and feed

• Will hide during molting (may not eat for a few days)

Good tank mates:

• Peaceful fish: Tetras, rasboras, guppies, Corydoras

• Other shrimp: Amano, Neocaridina (avoid overstocking)

• Snails (Nerite, Mystery)

Avoid:

• Aggressive or nippy fish (e.g., bettas, barbs, cichlids)

• Bottom feeders that might disturb them (e.g., large loaches)

Breeding

• Larvae require brackish or marine conditions to develop

✅ Summary (Metric)