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African Fan Shrimp
Desmocaris trispinosa
📍 West Africa (Cameroon, Nigeria)
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.
Care Guide
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
Small, peaceful algae-eater that shares similar water parameters and does not prey on shrimp
Tiny, non-aggressive fish that will not consume shrimp and appreciates similar water conditions
Peaceful nano fish that coexists well with shrimp and requires comparable tank setup
Larger shrimp species that can cohabitate; may compete for food but generally non-aggressive
Provides shelter, biofilm growth surface, and helps establish stable water conditions
Common Diseases
Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt
Shrimp unable to shed exoskeleton completely; stuck in molt; lethargy; death if not resolved
Increase mineral content via GH booster or calcium supplementation (Salty Shrimp, Bee Shrimp Mineral); ensure pH stability; perform gentle 25% water changes; provide soft plants for grip during molt
Copper Toxicity
Lethargy, loss of appetite, discoloration, sudden death
Perform immediate large water changes (50%); use copper-free medications only; check all fertilizers and supplements for copper content; use activated carbon in filter
Bacterial Infection / Muscular Necrosis
White spots or patches on body, discolored appendages, loss of limbs, lethargy
Increase water changes (25% every 2-3 days); add Indian almond leaves or alder cones for tannins; maintain pristine water quality; isolate severely affected individuals if possible
Vorticella / Protozoan Infection
Cloudy white coating on body, reduced feeding, lethargy, difficulty molting
Perform daily 25% water changes; add tannins via Indian almond leaves; increase aeration; maintain stable temperature; avoid sudden parameter swings
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Quick Facts
- diet
- detritivore/omnivore - primarily filter-feeder on biofilm, microorganisms, and suspended particles
- lifespan
- 2-3 years
- max size
- 4 cm (1.6 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 6-10 dGH
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)