Keeping Bamboo Shrimp: The Fascinating Filter Feeder
A guide to bamboo shrimp - large, peaceful filter-feeding shrimp that fan the current with feathery arms to catch food, thriving in a mature planted tank with gentle flow.
Bamboo shrimp are among the most fascinating invertebrates in the hobby, large peaceful shrimp that perch in the current and unfurl feathery, fan-like arms to strain food particles from the water. Unlike scavenging shrimp, they filter-feed, so they need a mature tank with gentle flow and fine food in the water to thrive.
Is it right for you?
Bamboo shrimp suit an aquarist with a mature, planted tank who wants a peaceful, unusual filter feeder. They are a little more demanding than scavenging shrimp because of their feeding style.
System & Space
A mature planted aquarium with gentle current and a perch such as driftwood in the flow suits them; established tanks have the fine food they need.
Water & Temperature
They want warm, clean, stable water around 24-28C with steady parameters; they are sensitive to swings and to copper.
Stocking & Feeding
They filter fine particles from the current, so target-feed powdered foods into the flow if the tank is too clean. Provide a spot in the current to fan.
Health & Care
Keep parameters stable and avoid copper-based medications, which are deadly to shrimp. A mature tank supplies much of their food.
Harvest & Enjoying Them
Kept purely for the mesmerizing sight of them fanning the current, they are a peaceful, long-lived display invertebrate.
Getting Started
Add them to a mature, gently flowing tank, provide a perch in the current, and supplement with powdered food as needed.
Common Mistakes
A too-clean or too-new tank (no food), no current to fan in, and copper exposure are the main killers.
FAQ
Do they scavenge? No - they filter-feed from the current.
New tank ok? Better in a mature tank with fine food in the water.