Macrobrachium assamense Assam River Prawn

Macrobrachium assamense is a medium-sized freshwater prawn native to the hill streams and rivers of Northeast India, including Assam and surrounding states. Smaller and considerably less aggressive than M. rosenbergii, the Assam River Prawn is better suited to the hobbyist aquarium, though it still requires ample space and cannot be trusted with very small fish or delicate invertebrates. It inhabits fast-flowing, well-oxygenated, clear hill streams in the wild, preferring cooler to moderate temperatures and good water quality. An interesting and lesser-known Macrobrachium species for enthusiasts of South Asian biotopes and large invertebrate keeping.

Water: pH 6.5–7.5, TDS 100–250 ppm, temperature 20–26°C; good oxygenation essential; clear, clean water. Tank: 80+ litres; strong filtration; cover and territory zones; no small invertebrate tankmates. Feeding: Shrimp pellets, frozen foods, blanched vegetables; omnivorous scavenger. Breeding: Requires brackish water for larval development; not commonly bred in captivity. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; can be kept with larger, robust fish; not safe with dwarf shrimp.