Bamboo Shrimp

Environment

Aquarium of at least 80 liters with moderate to strong current. Install stones, driftwood, and elevated areas (flat rocks, branches) where the shrimp can position itself facing the current to filter. Medium lighting, dense planting appreciated. Clean and well-oxygenated water essential. Avoid sudden changes in parameters. Provide several hiding places.

Feeding

Strict filter feeder: feeds exclusively on suspended particles (micro-organisms, detritus, phytoplankton). Requires a mature aquarium with developed microfauna. Supplement with finely ground foods distributed upstream of the current: spirulina powder, infusoria, fry food, liquid coral food. Feed 2-3 times per week. A lack of food is indicated by substrate scraping behavior (sign of underfeeding).

Health & common diseases

The bamboo shrimp is hardy but sensitive to sudden changes in parameters (pH, temperature) and to the presence of copper (medications, fertilizers). Molting problems can occur due to mineral deficiencies (calcium, magnesium): symptoms include incomplete molting or soft shell. Insufficient feeding (lack of suspended micro-organisms) weakens the animal and promotes bacterial or fungal infections. Prevention: maintain stable and well-filtered water, avoid any copper treatment, and ensure regular supply of minerals through water changes and appropriate feeding.

Tips & tankmates

Gregarious shrimp: keep in groups of at least 3. Totally peaceful, compatible with calm fish and other invertebrates. Avoid predators (large cichlids, catfish). Sensitive to copper (medications, fertilizers) and sudden changes. Molts regularly: do not worry if it hides for 1-2 days. Needs constant current to feed: prolonged filtration stoppage can cause it to decline. Hardy species once acclimated, but demanding regarding water quality and feeding.

Sources

• Seriously Fish - Atyopsis moluccensis
• Crustahome - Fiches crevettes d'eau douce
• Aquarium Glaser - Species profile