Flower Shrimp

The Flower Shrimp (Atyopsis spinipes) is closely related to the popular Bamboo Shrimp and shares its remarkable filter-feeding behavior, using modified fan-like appendages to sieve fine food particles — suspended detritus, phytoplankton, and microorganisms — directly from the water current. Its attractive mottled brown, cream, and orange patterning makes it one of the more ornamental freshwater shrimp in the hobby, and its large adult size of up to 9 cm gives it a commanding presence in the aquarium. Found in fast-flowing streams and rivers of Southeast Asia, it thrives in mature, well-filtered aquariums with moderate to strong water flow that carries suspended particles within reach of its fans. An excellent peaceful addition to larger community planted tanks.

Provide good water flow in at least part of the tank so the shrimp can adopt a feeding position with fans extended in the current. Maintain a mature, well-established aquarium with stable water parameters — high ammonia or nitrite levels are quickly lethal. Supplement diet with powdered shrimp food, spirulina powder, or micronized foods added near the shrimp during feeding. Avoid keeping with large predatory fish. Temperature 22–28°C, moderate KH/GH, and stable, well-oxygenated water ensure long-term health.