About Bamboo Shrimp
Bamboo Shrimp are FILTER FEEDERS - they don't graze on surfaces like most shrimp. Instead, they use specialized fan-like appendages to catch microscopic food particles floating in the water. Watching a Bamboo Shrimp position itself in current and rhythmically wave its fans to filter feed is one of the most fascinating behaviors in the freshwater invertebrate hobby. These large shrimp (up to 3.5 inches) from Southeast Asia require a different approach than typical shrimp keeping. They need water flow carrying suspended particles - the fine particulate matter that their fans can catch. In still water or tanks lacking fine suspended food, Bamboo Shrimp will starve despite appearing to feed. Many keepers fail with these shrimp because they don't understand the filter-feeding requirement. A red-colored Bamboo Shrimp is often a sign of stress or starvation. While color naturally varies, a persistently red shrimp that refuses to filter feed, or one that picks at the substrate instead of fanning, is likely struggling. Healthy Bamboo Shrimp will find a spot in good current and happily filter feed for hours. Providing proper conditions and watching this behavior is the reward of Bamboo Shrimp keeping.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Bamboo Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Bamboo Shrimp.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 100-350 ppm | 150-280 ppm |
| GH | 4-14 dGH | 6-10 dGH |
| KH | 2-10 dKH | 3-6 dKH |
| pH | 6.5-7.8 | 7-7.5 |
| Temperature | 68-82°F (20-28°C) | 73-79°F |
Tank Setup for Bamboo Shrimp
- WATER FLOW IS ESSENTIAL - create current with filter output
- 20+ gallons minimum due to size and feeding needs
- Position decorations to create good current areas for feeding
- Stable perches (rocks, wood) in current for them to cling to while feeding
- Good filtration helps circulate food particles
- Planted tanks work if there's adequate flow
Care Tips for Bamboo Shrimp
- FILTER FEEDER - does NOT graze on algae or surfaces like other shrimp
- REQUIRES water flow with suspended food particles
- Will starve in still water or clean tanks without fine particulate food
- Red coloration often indicates stress or hunger - NOT a good sign
- Larger size requires larger tank (20+ gallons)
- Peaceful and will not harm other tank inhabitants
- Position filter output to create current for feeding stations
Feeding Bamboo Shrimp
- FILTER FEEDER - catches microscopic particles from water column
- Requires suspended particulate food - crushed flakes, powdered foods
- Baby shrimp food, finely ground fish food, or phytoplankton work well
- If picking at substrate instead of fanning, it's STARVING
- Target feed directly upstream so particles flow past their fans
- Cannot survive on biofilm or algae alone - needs suspended food
Breeding Bamboo Shrimp
- Breeding is extremely difficult - requires brackish water for larvae
- Similar challenges to Amano shrimp reproduction
- Nearly all Bamboo Shrimp are wild-caught
- Home breeding success is very rare
- Larvae are tiny and need specific conditions
Common Problems with Bamboo Shrimp
- STARVATION - most common issue, from not providing suspended food
- Picking at substrate = starving shrimp (should be filter feeding in current)
- Red coloration = stress or hunger, NOT normal coloring
- Insufficient water flow - need current to deliver food
- Mistaken for algae eaters - they're filter feeders, not grazers
- Deaths from wild-caught shipping stress - acclimate carefully
Troubleshooting Bamboo Shrimp
Pay attention to any behavioral changes that may indicate problems. Here are common problems to watch for:
Failed Molt: Shrimp Stuck in Shell
Understanding failed molts where shrimp cannot escape their old exoskeleton. Learn why it happens, why affected shrimp cannot be saved, and how to prevent future molt failures.
Why Are My Shrimp Dying?
Comprehensive triage guide for unexplained shrimp deaths. Learn to identify the cause and take immediate action to save your remaining colony.
White Ring of Death in Shrimp
Understanding the dreaded white ring or white line that appears around a shrimp's body, signaling a fatal molting problem that cannot be reversed once visible.
Baby Shrimp (Shrimplets) Dying
Why newborn shrimp disappear or die when adult shrimp seem healthy. Covers filter intake, predation, starvation, and sensitivity issues specific to shrimplets.
Bacterial Infection in Shrimp
Identifying and treating bacterial infections in aquarium shrimp. Learn to recognize symptoms and understand why prevention through water quality is more effective than treatment.
Planaria in Shrimp Tank
Identifying and eliminating planaria flatworms that prey on shrimp, especially shrimplets. Learn safe treatment methods that won't harm your colony.
Bamboo Shrimp FAQ
This is a STARVATION BEHAVIOR. Healthy Bamboo Shrimp should position themselves in current and filter feed with their fans. If yours is picking at the substrate, it's not getting enough suspended food and is desperately scavenging. Increase water flow and add fine powdered food upstream.
Red coloration in Bamboo Shrimp usually indicates STRESS or HUNGER - it's NOT a normal healthy color. Healthy specimens are typically brown/tan. A persistently red shrimp that isn't filter feeding is likely starving. Improve flow, add suspended food, and check water parameters.
Bamboo Shrimp are FILTER FEEDERS - they catch microscopic particles floating in the water with their fan-like appendages. They need finely powdered foods, crushed flakes, or baby shrimp food added to the current. They DON'T eat algae or biofilm like typical shrimp.
YES - water flow is essential. They need current to deliver food particles to their fans. Position your filter output to create flow areas and place perches (rocks, wood) in the current where they can cling while filter feeding.
Home breeding is extremely difficult, like Amano Shrimp. Larvae require brackish water, specific food, and conditions that are very hard to replicate. Nearly all Bamboo Shrimp in stores are wild-caught. Success stories are rare.
Bamboo Shrimp reach 2.5-3.5 inches (6-9cm), making them one of the larger freshwater shrimp. This size requires a minimum 20-gallon tank and makes them safer with community fish that might eat smaller shrimp.
Yes, Bamboo Shrimp are completely peaceful filter feeders. They won't harm other inhabitants and pose no threat to fish, other shrimp, or snails. Their fans are for feeding, not fighting.
Track Your Bamboo Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Bamboo Shrimp colony.