Bamboo Shrimp

Do you have a planted aquarium and are looking to for an interesting addition? Invertebrates are excellent additions to a planted tank or Aquascape. Many shrimp available in the freshwater hobby are small dwarf shrimp however the Bamboo Shrimp is an excellent choice for a peaceful community/ planted tank! The Bamboo Shrimp is a larger variety of fresh water shrimp with some unique features, growing to 3” they are one of the largest freshwater shrimp available. Also known as Wood Shrimp they are easy to care for and very rewarding.

Bamboo Shrimp are filter feeders. They have unique “fans” where most inverts typically have claws. They use these fan shaped extensions to sift for food within the surrounding areas. Using these fan extensions by moving them around the flowing water collecting particles and putting them in their mouths. This action looks like a dance and is very fascinating to observe. The body is made up of 6 segments which allows these shrimp to move very effectively. The males and females differ a bit, the females in general have a larger, rounder abdomen. Apart from the body the males also have distinct claws underneath their fanned limbs which they use for mating. Once comfortable Bamboo Shrimp color up to a deep reddish brown color with a cream line in the middle. This color looks beautiful against a planted tank!

An important aspect of invertebrates growth is a process called “molting”. Molting is when it’s time for the shrimp to shed it’s exoskeleton as it has outgrown it’s current skin. During this time the shrimp is extremely fragile and complications may occur if there is an imbalance in the tanks parameters . It’s important to have hiding places to allow the shrimp to escape from an other fish while molting. After the shrimp sheds it’s skin it takes a few days for it to harden again. Given their large size and unique behavior the Bamboo Shrimp is an all time favorite!