Bamboo Shrimp are large robust shrimp harmless enough to even be kept with livebearer fry such as Guppies, Mollies or Platies.
Bamboo Shrimp, also known as Singapore Shrimp, is one of the largest freshwater shrimp available in the aquarium hobby today, making this species a center of interest for many aquarists. Bamboo shrimp are large, between two and three inches, and overall brown in coloration. Originating from South-Eastern Asia Bamboo Shrimp have been a resource for food. Bamboo Shrimp are hardy but unfortunately difficult to propagate due to having a larval stage that requires saltwater to survive.
Housing and Feeding
Bamboo Shrimp can be housed in a well-established aquarium free of any copper of 55 gallons or more. These shrimp require a larger tank due to their unique feeding behavior. Bamboo Shrimp are filter feeders using their feather-like front legs to collect food directly from the water. In a well-established aquarium, several Bamboo Shrimp can live without additional supplementation. In a smaller aquarium, you will need to feed your Bamboo Shrimp either powdered algae or any other commercially produced food intended for freshwater filter feeders.
Behavior
Bamboo Shrimp are very interesting to watch in a home aquarium. They might sit in the same spot for hours just filter feeding the water. These shrimp will also readily wander the aquarium but this is usually a sign that there is not enough food in the water. The starving shrimp have been seen walking around the aquarium substrate picking up small gravel and checking it for food.
Compatibility
Bamboo Shrimp are compatible with most other freshwater community fish as long as they are not overly aggressive and the shrimp have somewhere to hide when threatened or molting. Since these large shrimp are herbivorous they will not harm your fish no matter how small they are, including livebearer fry.
Water Parameters and Decorations
Bamboo Shrimp do best when kept in a planted tank with slightly alkaline water (around 7.2 pH). The temperature of the tank should be around 75 F. Bamboo Shrimp should be kept in a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spaces. All shrimp molt which means they shed their exoskeletons and will need to harden back up. This makes decorations completely necessary for protection while your vulnerable shrimp is molting and for when threatened by other fish.
Would A Bamboo Shrimp Be An Appropriate Addition To Your Aquarium?
As with any aquatic life you should only keep what you can manage. As long as you have a large enough freshwater community aquarium free of any fertilizers or medications with copper you are ready for Bamboo Shrimp. Furthermore, make sure the aquarium is moderate to heavily planted with plenty of hiding spots and no aggressive fish.
