Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Bamboo Shrimp, also referred to as the Six Leg, Flower or Wood Shrimp, are an unusual shrimp for the mature freshwater aquarium. One character that stands out about Bamboo shrimp are their first set of legs that have fan-like structures, called chelae, that are used for filtering fine food particles out of the water column. Because of this feeding strategy, Bamboo shrimp require well filtered water and above average water circulation that can be acheived with the use of small powerheads. Bamboo shrimp come in a variety of colors from beige, brown, and dark red but all have a light colored stripe along their back. Their color can change depending on their environment. Bamboo shrimp prefer to be kept in groups because they are social. They can also be mixed successfully with smaller shrimp species such as those from the Caridina or Neocaridina genera. An adult Bamboo shrimp can grow to approximately 3-1/2″. Juvenile Bamboo shrimp will molt often until they reach full size. It is not uncommon for your Bamboo shrimp to hide for a few days after it molts.

Diet Requirements: Bamboo shrimp are omnivores. Feed a mix of crushed up flake foods, frozen foods (baby brine shrimp, cyclops, rotifers) and regular doses of zooplankton and/or phytoplankton. There are also shrimp-specific foods on the market, and these are important to incorporate into their diets because they provide necessary minerals for exoskeletal molt, growth and overall health of your shrimp. Variety is the spice of life, even for these small invertebrates.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a single Bamboo shrimp. Size up accordingly to accomodate multiple individuals; more shrimp equates to more natural resources and space needed to sustain them. You may observe your Bamboo shrimp tussling with each other for the best flow spot! A tight fitting lid is also recommended as these shrimp can sometimes propulse themselves out of the aquarium by accident if startled. Weekly or biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard as certain aspects of water chemistry can be detrimental including ammonia, nitrite or high nitrate levels (> 20 ppm). Avoid the use of copper based medications as this will cause harm to, or even kill, your shrimp. Bamboo shrimo prefer an environment with live plants and several flat stones to sit on while they filter feed. Bamboo shrimp are best kept along with nano-type fish species, such as certain tetra, rasboras, and catfish. Bamboo shrimp should not be kept with overly competitive or aggressive tank mates, which can include Siamese Fighting Fish, or bettas, (Betta splendens) in some circumstances. Recommended water conditions, 72-76° F, KH 3-6, pH 6.5-7.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2” to 2”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.