Bamboo Shrimp
Atyopsis moluccensis
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.
Bamboo Shrimp At a Glance
Bamboo Shrimp Tank Requirements
Will Bamboo Shrimp fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Bamboo Shrimp needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Bamboo Shrimp against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Bamboo Shrimp Water Parameters
Bamboo Shrimp Temperament & Compatibility
Bamboo Shrimp 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
Bamboo 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.
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.
Who Bamboo Shrimp Is Actually For
Bamboo Shrimp is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially driftwood.
The most common mistake is buying Bamboo Shrimp for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Bamboo Shrimp 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.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- April 28, 2026
- Last updated
- April 28, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Bamboo Shrimp
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Bamboo Shrimp based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Spotted Hillstream Loach
Gastromyzon punctulatus
Ideal Tank MatesParallel Cory
Corydoras parallelus
Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Whiptail
Loricaria simillima
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria spinulifera
Loricaria spinulifera
Ideal Tank MatesCrying Whiptail
Loricaria sp. "Rio Atabapo"
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria pumila (Dwarf Whiptail Catfish)
Loricaria pumila
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Bamboo Shrimp
These plants pair well with Bamboo Shrimp based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
Madagascar Lace Plant
Aponogeton madagascariensis
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Fish Similar to Bamboo Shrimp
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.
Riffle Shrimp
Australatya striolata
A fascinating freshwater filter-feeding shrimp native to the fast-flowing creeks (riffles) of Eastern Australia. They possess specialized fan-like appendages used to catch suspended microscopic food from the water column. They require highly oxygenated water with strong flow and are sensitive to poor water quality. They are completely peaceful but known to be excellent climbers and jumpers.
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.
Bee Shrimp
Caridina logemanni
A highly prized dwarf freshwater shrimp known for its striking opaque color bands. Native to streams in Southern China, they require specific parameters to thrive: cool, highly oxygenated, acidic, and very soft water. This is usually achieved using RO (Reverse Osmosis) water remineralized with specific shrimp salts and active buffering soil. They are highly sensitive to nitrogen spikes and copper, and are extremely vulnerable to fish predation.
Tiger Shrimp
Caridina mariae
A highly popular dwarf shrimp species known for the distinct dark striping across its back. Originally from Southern China, they have been selectively bred into several striking color morphs. They are peaceful algae-eaters and detritivores, but like most Caridina species, they require stable water parameters, mature tanks, and no predatory fish.