
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Atyopsis moluccensis
A large freshwater shrimp whose first two pairs of legs end in fan-like bristles, spread into the current to filter plankton. The feeding posture is distinctive, and strong flow is the key to keeping it.
Atyopsis moluccensis is a large atyid freshwater shrimp ranging from India and Sri Lanka through Thailand, the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia to New Guinea. The genus Atyopsis was erected by Chace in 1983 for two species split from Atya, this one and A. spinipes, separated by the number of teeth beneath the rostrum: seven to sixteen here against two to six in A. spinipes. The German Wikipedia gives a maximum of 8.6cm and describes wide colour variation from light to dark brown, some individuals showing dark lateral stripes, broken patterning or a pale dorsal line. The first two pairs of legs end in fans of bristles that are spread into the current and closed at intervals to carry filtered plankton to the mouth. Adults favour strong flow while juveniles keep to calmer water, and a hungry shrimp will forage the substrate. It is vulnerable just after moulting, so caves and dense planting are needed as refuges.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Bamboo Shrimp grows to Up to 8.6cm.
Origin
South and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia and New Guinea)
Size
Up to 8.6cm
Temperature
22〜28℃
Suspended plankton, fine organic particles and powdered foods
Sources: Wikipedia (Atyopsis) / Wikipedia (de: Molukken-Faechergarnele) / WoRMS
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Atyopsis moluccensis (De Haan, 1849)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Adults favour strong flow, so create a firm current with a powerhead or filter outlet and place driftwood or stone where the shrimp can perch in it. Add caves and dense planting as refuges for the period just after moulting.
No verifiable pH, hardness or temperature figures exist for this species, so none are given. It lives in flowing lowland tropical water, so the basic requirement is well-oxygenated water with current.
A peaceful filter feeder that attacks nothing, though it is large and defenceless just after moulting, so avoid large fish. Several can be kept together without trouble.
It filters fine organic particles and plankton from the water with its bristled fans. Very clean water can leave it short of food, so introduce powdered food into the current, and treat foraging on the substrate as a sign it is going hungry.
Reproduction is not well understood. The larvae are thought to drift downstream and develop in sea or brackish water before returning to fresh water, so generations cannot be raised in a purely freshwater tank.
The bristled fans are delicate and are groomed constantly; damage to them stops the shrimp feeding, so avoid rough handling with fine nets. Never use copper-based fish medications, which are toxic to shrimp.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
Bamboo Shrimp typically reaches Up to 8.6cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Bamboo Shrimp feeds on: Suspended plankton, fine organic particles and powdered foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Bamboo Shrimp varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026