About the species

The Asian brown shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) is a filter-feeding shrimp from Southeast Asia, also known as bamboo shrimp or fan shrimp. The body is brown to red-brown with a light dorsal line, and instead of claws it has fan-shaped feeding limbs used to sieve food from the water. It reaches up to 10 cm.

Facts

• Latin name: Atyopsis moluccensis
• Common name: Asian brown shrimp
• Size: 6–10 cm
• Lifespan: 2–4 years

Behavior

Asian brown shrimp is entirely peaceful and likes to sit still on a raised spot in the current with its feeding limbs spread like fans. It needs good water movement and solid perches such as driftwood or rocks.

Reproduction

• The larvae require brackish water in order to develop
• The species therefore does not reproduce in a normal freshwater aquarium
• Individuals in the trade are wild-caught or specially farmed

Feeding

Asian brown shrimp is a filter feeder and catches its food straight from the water:

• Fine particulate organic matter
• Micro-organisms and plankton
• Suspended biofilm

Feed into the current with:

• Powdered shrimp food
• Finely ground spirulina
• Fry food or micro powder

Aquarium

• Minimum aquarium size: 80 litres with good flow
• Substrate: Gravel or sand with driftwood and rocks

Difficulty level

🟡 Moderate

Recommendation

The Asian brown shrimp is entirely peaceful and a fascinating addition to larger community aquariums. The key to success is good flow and a regular supply of fine particulate food — without food in the water it slowly starves. Give it a raised perch in the current, such as driftwood or a rock.