A large, completely peaceful freshwater filter-feeding shrimp. They use specialized fan-like appendages to catch microorganisms and fine food particles from the water column. They require an established aquarium with moderate to high water flow and tall resting places (like driftwood) directly in the current.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Find the right tank equipment
Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.
Water Parameters
Shop water care essentials
Keep water parameters stable with the right testing and heating gear.
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard Bamboo Shrimp. It is absolutely vital to ensure they have high flow and suspended particulate food; if they are seen scraping the substrate with their fans, they are starving.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult, Wild Type
Top Tank Mates
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesWhiptail Catfish
Rineloricaria sp.
🟢Ideal Tank MatesVampire Shrimp
Atya gabonensis
🟢Ideal Tank MatesStriped Raphael Catfish
Platydoras armatulus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesGlass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesClown Pleco (L104)
Panaqolus maccus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesBamboo Shrimp Care Guide Summary
The Bamboo Shrimp, scientifically known as Atyopsis moluccensis, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 10 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Bamboo Shrimp requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 6–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
The Bamboo Shrimp is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Bamboo Shrimp is typically available in one standard form.
Bamboo Shrimp Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Bamboo Shrimp, a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Bamboo Shrimp Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Bamboo Shrimp is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Bamboo Shrimp.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 17 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Bamboo Shrimp
How big does Bamboo Shrimp get?
Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 10 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Bamboo Shrimp need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Bamboo Shrimp. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Bamboo Shrimp need?
Bamboo Shrimp thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 6–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Bamboo Shrimp peaceful or aggressive?
Bamboo Shrimp is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Bamboo Shrimp live alone?
Yes, Bamboo Shrimp can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Bamboo Shrimp have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Bamboo Shrimp benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Bamboo Shrimp need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Bamboo Shrimp is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Similar Species
Vampire Shrimp
Atya gabonensis
Despite its intimidating name, the Vampire Shrimp is a gentle giant. It is a strictly peaceful freshwater invertebrate that uses specialized fan-like appendages to filter microscopic food from the water column. They require heavily oxygenated water with strong currents, mature tanks (to ensure suspended particulate matter), and places to hide.
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
One of the most popular and hardy freshwater invertebrates in the hobby. They come in a rainbow of selectively bred colors. They are excellent scavengers and algae eaters, perfect for nano planted tanks. They are completely peaceful and have a negligible bioload, though they are highly vulnerable to predation by almost any fish with a mouth large enough to eat them.
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
A highly popular, industrious freshwater shrimp renowned for its unmatched algae-eating abilities. Popularized by aquascaper Takashi Amano, they are significantly larger and hardier than most dwarf shrimp (like Cherry Shrimp). They are notorious food-thieves during feeding time and excellent escape artists, requiring a tight-fitting lid. Their larvae require saltwater to develop, so they will not overpopulate in a freshwater aquarium.
Ghost Shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
A completely transparent freshwater shrimp native to the southeastern United States. While frequently sold as inexpensive feeder animals, they make fascinating, active scavengers for nano and peaceful community tanks. They tirelessly consume uneaten food and detritus but have a relatively short lifespan of 1 to 2 years.
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE)
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Sold widely as a small, peaceful algae-eating juvenile, the Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) undergoes a drastic behavioral and dietary shift as it matures. Growing up to 25cm (10 inches), adults stop eating algae, become highly territorial, and are notorious for attacking slow-moving, flat-sided fish (like Angelfish, Discus, and Goldfish) to feed on their nutrient-rich slime coat. Best kept in fast-flowing river setups with robust, fast-moving tank mates.
Giant Gourami
Osphronemus goramy
The Giant Gourami is a massive, highly intelligent anabantoid that behaves more like a wet pet than a typical community fish. They grow extremely large and have voracious appetites, often completely consuming any live plants in their tank. Due to their immense adult size and extreme bioload, they require massive aquariums and robust filtration.