Bamboo shrimp

Atyopsis spinipes

Family : Atyidae

InvertebrateFreshwatershrimp

Freshwater filter-feeding shrimp with an elongated striped body, very popular in aquariums. Positions itself in the current to filter particles.

Bamboo shrimp — photo 1 sur 2 — Wikimedia Commons (Atyopsis moluccensis) · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 2

Popularity

Freshwater shrimp

group keeping

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Description

Atyopsis spinipes reaches up to 4 cm. Its body is yellow-brown with lighter longitudinal bands. The front legs are transformed into filtering fans. It often perches on rocks or roots facing the current. It is a gregarious and peaceful species. Reproduction is difficult in aquariums as larvae require brackish water. It molts regularly. Its filtering behavior is fascinating to observe.

Habitat

Region :

Moderate to fast-flowing rivers, rocky substrate

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature22–28 °C

pH6.5–7.5

GH4–8 °dGH

KH2–5 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 20 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

2/5

Diet

Filter feeder

Min. tank

30 L

Min. group

Adult size

4 cm

Lifespan

2 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

Egg-layer

Care notes

Aquarium of at least 30 liters with good current. Parameters: temperature 22-28 °C, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-8, KH 2-5. Nitrates < 20 mg/L, phosphates < 0.5 mg/L. Diet: suspended food, phytoplankton, fine powder. Keep in groups of 3 or more. Compatible with peaceful small fish. Avoid fish that may stress them. Regular water changes. Gentle filtration but strong current.

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