Bamboo / Rock / Fan Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis)

Bamboo / Rock / Fan Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis), a fascinating filter-feeding species:

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Atyopsis moluccensis
• Common Names: Bamboo Shrimp, Rock Shrimp, Fan Shrimp, Wood Shrimp, Singapore Flower Shrimp
• Origin: Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka)
• Size: 7–10 cm (3–4 in)
• Lifespan: 1–2 years (occasionally up to 6 years in ideal conditions)
• Temperament: Peaceful, non-aggressive
• Care Level: Intermediate (due to feeding requirements) 

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (larger is better for stable food supply)
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
  • pH: 6.5–7.5 (tolerates 6.0–8.0)
  • GH: 6–8 dGH
  • KH: 2–6
  • TDS: 150–200 ppm
• Flow: Moderate to strong current (essential for feeding)
• Décor:
  • Rocks, driftwood, and plants for perching
  • Smooth surfaces near filter outflow for feeding
• Lighting: Moderate
• Cover: Tight lid—shrimp may climb out during molting 

Diet & Feeding

• Feeding Method: Filter-feeder using fan-like appendages
• Natural Diet: Micro-particles, detritus, plankton
• In Captivity:
  • Powdered foods (e.g., spirulina powder, Bacter AE)
  • Crushed flakes, micro pellets
  • Occasional live/frozen micro foods (baby brine shrimp)
• Feeding Tips:
  • Ensure strong water flow so food stays suspended
  • Target-feed near their perch if tank lacks natural micro-foods
  • Avoid bottom-only feeding—they do not scavenge like other shrimp 

Behavior & Compatibility

• Peaceful: Ideal for community tanks with small, non-aggressive fish
• Good Tankmates:
  • Tetras, Rasboras, Otocinclus, Corydoras, Kuhli Loaches
  • Other peaceful shrimp (Amano, Neocaridina)
• Avoid:
  • Aggressive fish (Cichlids, large Barbs, Puffers)
  • Predatory species that may nip at shrimp 

Breeding

• Difficulty: Very high in freshwater tanks
• Reason: Larvae require brackish/marine conditions to develop
• Notes:
  • Females carry eggs under abdomen
  • Eggs hatch into planktonic larvae that drift downstream in nature
  • Successful captive breeding is extremely rare 

Special Considerations

• Sensitive to sudden water changes—acclimate slowly
• Needs mature, established tanks with biofilm and micro-particles
• Molting: Provide hiding spots during molt (they are vulnerable)
• Lifespan depends heavily on food availability and water quality