Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis)

Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) Care Guide

Also known as the Wood Shrimp or Fan Shrimp

Meet the Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) — the slow-moving, fan-armed filter feeders of the shrimp world. These gentle giants don’t graze on algae like their tiny cousins; instead, they wave their feathery arms like little underwater chefs, catching passing particles for a tasty meal. Watching them feed is practically hypnotic — like a shrimp yoga session! ‍♂️

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 60 litres

• Temperature: 22–28°C

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• GH: 5–12

• KH: 3–8

• TDS: 120–250 ppm

They thrive in well-oxygenated aquariums with gentle to moderate flow, as they rely on water movement to bring food to their filter fans.

Habitat Setup

Provide a natural environment with:

• Rocks, driftwood, and plants for perching and hiding

• Moderate current areas where they can feed

• Fine substrate and shaded spots to reduce stress

They love sitting near filter outlets or powerheads, where food particles flow past.

️ Feeding

Bamboo Shrimp are filter feeders, meaning they don’t graze like other shrimp. They use their fan-like arms to catch micro particles suspended in the water.

Feed them by gently releasing:

• Crushed flakes or pellets

• Baby shrimp or fry food

• Spirulina powder or micro plankton

If the tank lacks suspended food, target feed them using a turkey baster near their feeding spot.

Tank Mates

Extremely peaceful, Bamboo Shrimp do best with calm fish and other shrimp species.

Ideal companions:
Otocinclus, Corydoras, small Rasboras, peaceful Tetras, and Neocaridina shrimp.

Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species that could disturb them while feeding.

Breeding

Bamboo Shrimp are tricky to breed because their larvae need brackish water to survive. Most hobbyists enjoy them for their unique appearance and feeding behavior rather than expecting babies.

Fun Fact

Bamboo Shrimp can change color slightly depending on their mood and diet, and their giant fan arms can extend wider than their bodies — making them look like miniature underwater traffic controllers, directing floating meals straight into their mouths! ✨

Reference: Bubbly Fish – Creating underwater wonders