BAMBOO SHRIMP

Natural habitat

The bamboo shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) is naturally found in Indonesia, of which the Moluccas archipelago forms part. It has also been reported from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and likely the Philippines.

In its natural habitat, this species prefers fast-flowing streams and rivers where it can catch plenty of passing edible particles with its fans. They've been described as clinging to the underside of smooth boulders right in the harshest currents of torrential streams and rivers. These streams are usually shallow and have a rocky substrate.

Water quality

The water quality should always be high in order for these sensitive creatures to thrive. This can be difficult, as you will likely have to supply powdered food which can blow all over the tank and end up fouling the water. This is why we mentioned the tank should be mature: it'll have a solid nitrogen cycle that is more likely to be able to handle the high bioload.

Ammonia and nitrites should always be 0, while nitrates should be kept low (<10) by means of weekly water changes.

pH: 6.5-7.5

Temperature: 71-82 °F

GH: 6-10

KH: 3-6

Total Dissolved Solids: 150-300

Tankmates

If you'd like to keep your bamboo shrimp with fish, it's important to choose their tankmates very carefully. Although they're large, these shrimp are slow and their fans are fragile. They are 100% docile and will not bother any of their tankmates; the reverse is more likely.

You'll want to avoid any species that may bother the shrimp, so go for only the most peaceful options. Small, bottom-feeding catfish like Corydoras or tiny schooling fish like Rasbora would work well.

In terms of invertebrates, you've got some good options. Both Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp should work well as tankmates for bamboo shrimp, as will aquarium snails