Not furry either, still lovely.
Bamboo Shrimp
Atyopsis moluccensis
Also called Wood shrimp, Fan shrimp, Singapore flower shrimp, Asian filter feeding shrimp, Moluccan fan shrimp
From South and Southeast Asia, from India and Sri Lanka through Thailand, the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia to New Guinea, with island records north to Okinawa and east to Samoa.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Fishkeeping World gives 2-3 inches; German Wikipedia gives up to 8.6 cm.
Up to about 2 years per Fishkeeping World.
Looks how to spot one
Exoskeleton (filter-feeding freshwater shrimp)
A sturdy shrimp whose front legs end in feathery fans instead of pincers. Colour ranges from light to dark brown or reddish brown, often with a pale line down the back.13
Personality what they are like
A gentle, peaceful shrimp that perches in the current with its fans open, catching drifting food. It ignores tank mates.31
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Mostly stays put in a good feeding spot, moving around the tank to find the best current.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs a steady supply of fine suspended food. If you see it picking at the substrate instead of fanning, it may be looking for more food.12
Home where they are happiest
A tank of at least 10 US gallons (about 38 L), ideally 20 or more, with moderate flow and perches near the outflow; temperature 24-27 C (75-81 F) and pH 7.0-7.5. Hiding places help during moults.32
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Filter feeder that strains algae, plant particles and microorganisms from the water; powdered or fine foods can be added to the current.231
Company who they like around
Can be kept alone or in groups, with peaceful fish such as tetras, danios and gouramis, plus other shrimp and snails.3
The story where it all began
The species was placed in the genus Atyopsis when Chace set it up in 1983. Adults live in fast lowland streams, and their larvae are thought to drift down to brackish water before returning upstream.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its 'hands' are fans of long bristles that it opens into the current and sweeps to its mouth every few seconds.3
- 2
Females can carry up to around 2,000 eggs.3
- 3
Despite one German name meaning 'mountain stream shrimp', it lives only in warm lowland waters.1
- 4
Young bamboo shrimp prefer calmer water than the adults.1
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy
- Family Atyidae; the genus Atyopsis was set up by Fenner A. Chace Jr. in 1983 for species formerly in Atya.2
- Taxonomy
- Species name refers to the Moluccan Islands.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bamboo Shrimp. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amountsevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeSmall, gentle water changesevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Bamboo Shrimp?
Feed small amounts daily. As a filter feeder, it strains food from the water, so you can add powdered or fine foods to the current each day. If you see it picking at the substrate instead of fanning, it may need a bit more food.12 Furry Diary plan
What does a Bamboo Shrimp eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats fine suspended particles like algae, plant particles, and microorganisms from the water. You can add powdered or fine foods to the current. For what to avoid, it varies; ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for guidance.312
How much space does a Bamboo Shrimp need?
A tank of at least 10 US gallons (about 38 L) is needed, but 20 gallons or more is ideal to provide good water flow and perches. This gives your shrimp a comfortable home with stable conditions.32
What temperature, light or water does a Bamboo Shrimp need?
Keep the water temperature between 24-27°C (75-81°F) and pH around 7.0-7.5. Provide moderate flow with perches near the outflow, and include hiding places to help during moults. Light needs are not specific, but a natural day-night cycle works well.32
How often should I clean a Bamboo Shrimp's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests small, gentle water changes every week, along with weekly water tests. Rinse the filter in old tank water (never tap water) once a month to keep the environment healthy. Furry Diary plan
Can a Bamboo Shrimp live with others?
Yes, it can be kept alone or in groups. It gets along well with peaceful fish like tetras, danios, and gouramis, as well as other shrimp and snails. It ignores tank mates and is very gentle.3
How long does a Bamboo Shrimp live?
Bamboo shrimp typically live for 1 to 2 years. With good care and stable water conditions, they can enjoy their full lifespan.3
Can I handle a Bamboo Shrimp?
Handling is not recommended as they are delicate and can be stressed easily. If you need to move your shrimp, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for the safest method.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Atyopsis moluccensis - Wikipedia (de) de.wikipedia.orgused for range, habitat, size, colour, fans, larval biology, care
- Atyopsis - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for taxonomy, range, filter feeding, diet, care
- Bamboo Shrimp - Fishkeeping World fishkeepingworld.comused for other names, size, lifespan, colours, tank size, water parameters, tank mates, breeding facts
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.