Bamboo Shrimp

The Bamboo Shrimp, or Wood Shrimp, is a striking filter-feeding freshwater shrimp from Southeast Asia that uses specialised fan-like forelegs to capture fine food particles, bacteria, and microorganisms from the water current. Unlike most aquarium shrimp that graze from surfaces, the Bamboo Shrimp actively positions itself in areas of water flow and fans particles from the current — a behaviour that is endlessly mesmerising to observe.

Bamboo Shrimp are one of the larger freshwater dwarf shrimp, reaching up to 8 cm, and display a beautiful reddish-brown to orange body with a pale lateral stripe. They are completely peaceful and spend their days perched in current, fanning for food. They require established, mature tanks with good water flow and fine suspended particulate matter in the water column to thrive.

Bamboo Shrimp do not breed in fresh water, as larvae require estuarine conditions. They are long-lived in good conditions, sometimes reaching 2–3 years. When they switch from fanning to picking at the substrate, it is a sign that suspended food is insufficient.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 6–15; mature, established tank with stable parameters. Tank: minimum 60 L; moderate to strong current areas essential for filter feeding; plant-dense tank. Feeding: filter feeder; supplement with spirulina powder, fine powdered shrimp food added to the current. Breeding: larvae require estuarine conditions; not feasible in home aquaria. Compatibility: completely peaceful; safe with all community fish; avoid aggressive species.