Bamboo Shrimp

Appearance:

• Size: Bamboo shrimp are relatively large, growing up to 2-3.5 inches (5-9 cm) in length.
• Color: Their body coloration can vary from reddish-brown to light tan, with some individuals displaying a more vibrant orange, yellow, or brown hue. They often have faint white or tan stripes running along their back and sides.
• Distinctive Fans: Their most unique feature is their large fan-like appendages (chelipeds) located on the front legs. These fans are used to capture food particles from the water. They often sit in the current with their fans extended, filtering out small organic matter.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females look quite similar, but females tend to be slightly larger and have a more rounded abdomen when carrying eggs.

Natural Habitat:

• Origin: Bamboo Shrimp are native to Southeast Asia, including countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and parts of the Philippines.
• Environment: They are typically found in fast-flowing streams and rivers where they can filter feed on plankton and other suspended organic matter. These environments are clean, well-oxygenated, and rich in biofilm.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: Bamboo Shrimp prefer a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C). They can tolerate slight fluctuations, but extremes should be avoided.
• pH: Neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline water is ideal (6.5-7.5 pH).
• Water Hardness: Moderate water hardness is best (6-15 dGH). Like most shrimp, they are sensitive to drastic changes in water parameters.
• Filtration & Water Flow: Strong water flow is crucial for their feeding habits. Bamboo Shrimp need water currents to filter-feed, so it's important to ensure there is sufficient water movement in the tank. A hang-on-back filter, canister filter, or powerhead can be used to create the necessary current.
• Oxygenation: Because of their natural habitat in fast-flowing streams, they require well-oxygenated water. You can add an air stone or other means of water movement to improve oxygen levels.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a single Bamboo Shrimp, though a 30-gallon tank or larger is better if keeping a group.
• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel substrate is ideal as Bamboo Shrimp often sit on the substrate or climb to elevated surfaces to filter feed.
• Decorations & Hiding Spots: They appreciate a tank with plenty of rocks, driftwood, and plants to climb on. They will often sit on higher surfaces like rocks or plant leaves where the water flow is strongest.
• Plants: Adding live plants such as Java fern, Anubias, and mosses provides shelter and biofilm for them to graze on in addition to their filter-feeding habits.
• Lighting: Bamboo Shrimp are not particularly sensitive to light, so moderate lighting is sufficient.

Feeding:

• Filter Feeding: Bamboo Shrimp feed by using their fan-like appendages to filter small particles, such as plankton, algae, plant detritus, and other organic matter, from the water. They sit in areas with strong current and extend their fans to catch floating food.
• Supplemental Feeding: In tanks with low natural particle content, supplemental feeding is necessary. You can add powdered fish or shrimp food, finely crushed flakes, algae powder, or liquid fry food to the water near where they filter feed.
• Positioning for Feeding: Bamboo Shrimp tend to position themselves in areas with high water flow, such as near filter outlets, to maximize their feeding efficiency. Ensure that your tank has strong currents in at least one section for them to filter properly.

Behavior:

• Peaceful Nature: Bamboo Shrimp are completely peaceful and will not bother other tank inhabitants. They are slow-moving and spend most of their time either filtering in the current or hiding during molting.
• Social Behavior: While not schooling shrimp, they do well in groups and can often be seen sitting near each other in strong currents. Keeping multiple Bamboo Shrimp can create a more dynamic and interesting tank.
• Hiding During Molting: Like all shrimp, Bamboo Shrimp periodically molt as they grow. During this time, they become vulnerable and will seek out hiding spots, often disappearing for several days until their new exoskeleton hardens.

Breeding:

• Breeding Difficulty: Breeding Bamboo Shrimp in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely happens in home aquariums. Females do carry eggs, but the larvae require brackish water to develop, which is challenging to recreate in typical freshwater setups.
• Egg Carrying: Females carry their eggs under their abdomen for several weeks, but once the larvae hatch, they will not survive in freshwater. A brackish environment is necessary for their development.
• Molting: Bamboo Shrimp undergo regular molting as they grow. After molting, they are soft and vulnerable, and will hide until their new shell hardens.

Lifespan:

• Lifespan: Bamboo Shrimp generally live for 1.5 to 2 years in captivity, though they can live up to 3 years with optimal care.

Tank Mates:

• Compatibility: Bamboo Shrimp are excellent additions to peaceful community tanks. They are non-aggressive and won’t compete with other shrimp species for food, as their feeding method is unique.
• Compatible Tank Mates: Ideal tank mates include small, non-aggressive fish such as tetras, guppies, rasboras, peaceful livebearers, Corydoras catfish, and other shrimp species like Amano Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp, or even snails.
• Avoid Aggressive Fish: Avoid housing them with aggressive fish like cichlids, bettas, or large species that might try to eat or harass the shrimp. Any fish that could outcompete them for food or disturb their calm nature should be avoided.

Care Level:

• Beginner to Intermediate: Bamboo Shrimp are generally easy to care for, but they do have some specific requirements like strong water flow and proper supplemental feeding. Regular tank maintenance, including water changes and filtration, is crucial for their health.
• Water Quality: Like other shrimp species, they are sensitive to poor water quality. Regular water changes and monitoring of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates are essential.
• Copper Sensitivity: Bamboo Shrimp are highly sensitive to copper, which is toxic to invertebrates. Be cautious with any treatments or fertilizers that contain copper.

Special Considerations:

• Acclimation: Bamboo Shrimp are sensitive to changes in water parameters, so it's important to acclimate them slowly when introducing them to a new tank, preferably using a drip acclimation method.
• Supplementing Diet: In newer tanks without a lot of naturally occurring particulate matter, it’s essential to ensure they’re getting enough food. Feed them powdered or liquid foods that mimic the plankton and organic matter they would normally filter from the water in the wild.