African Fan Shrimp

Desmocaris trispinosa

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Desmocarididae

African Fan Shrimp are striking freshwater shrimp characterized by their large, fan-like appendages (maxillipeds) that they use to filter-feed from the water column. They display a mottled brown to tan coloration with darker banding patterns, making them visually distinctive in planted tanks. These shrimp are primarily filter-feeders, spending much of their time stationary in moderate water flow.

Where it's from

Recorded as introduced in Norway

At a glance

Size: 1.5 in; 4 cm
Min tank: 20 gal; 76 L
Group: 3+
Temp: 72–79°F; 22–26°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
GH: 107–179 ppm; 6–10 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 2-3 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

African Fan Shrimp are obligate filter-feeders that require moderate water flow to capture suspended food particles. Supplement their diet with powdered shrimp foods, spirulina powder, and occasional blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach). Ensure adequate biofilm development through established substrate and wood; avoid over-cleaning the tank.

Behavior

These shrimp are sedentary filter-feeders that position themselves in areas of moderate current, using their large fan-like appendages to strain food from the water. They are nocturnal grazers and spend daylight hours hidden among plants or décor. They are generally solitary or found in small loose groups and do not exhibit aggressive colony dynamics.

Breeding

African Fan Shrimp are difficult to breed in captivity and require stable, mature tanks with excellent water quality. Females produce small batches of larvae that are planktonic and extremely difficult to rear without specialized culturing techniques. Breeding success is rare in home aquaria; most specimens are wild-caught or farm-raised.

Tank mates

See all 5

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae-eater that shares similar water parameters and does not prey on shrimp

excellent

Ember Tetra

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that will not consume shrimp and appreciates similar water conditions

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Peaceful nano fish that coexists well with shrimp and requires comparable tank setup

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that can cohabitate; may compete for food but generally non-aggressive

good

Java Moss

Provides shelter, biofilm growth surface, and helps establish stable water conditions

excellent

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Global Register of Invasive and Introduced Species (CC BY 4.0).