Blue Leg Poso Prawn

Macrobrachium latidactylus

📍 Poso Lake, Sulawesi, Indonesia (wild-caught population)

The Blue Leg Poso Prawn is a striking freshwater macrobrachium characterized by vibrant blue coloration on its legs and claws, contrasting with a translucent to tan body. This Indonesian species is prized for its bold coloring and larger size compared to dwarf shrimp varieties, making it a visually impressive addition to established aquariums.

Size2.5"

Min Tank20g

semi-aggressive

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Blue Leg Poso Prawns are opportunistic omnivores that graze on biofilm, algae, and detritus. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets (Shirakura, Mosura), blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini), and occasional protein sources like bloodworms or small fish food. Feed small amounts daily, removing uneaten food within 24 hours.

Behavior

These prawns are more active and aggressive than dwarf shrimp species, often establishing territories and displaying dominance behaviors with their prominent claws. They are primarily nocturnal grazers but will forage throughout the day, and they require adequate hiding spaces and structure to reduce aggression. Molting occurs every 4-6 weeks; provide plenty of plants and hardscape for security during vulnerable periods.

Breeding

Blue Leg Poso Prawns are difficult to breed in captivity and require brackish or marine conditions for larval development, making home breeding impractical for most hobbyists. Females produce small batches of eggs and carry them until they hatch into planktonic larvae that cannot survive in freshwater. Wild-caught specimens are the primary source for the aquarium trade.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae-eaters that occupy different ecological niches and avoid conflict

good

Ember Tetra

Small enough to coexist but may be viewed as prey; monitor closely

caution

Chili Rasbora

Tiny size makes them vulnerable; only suitable in larger tanks with dense vegetation

caution

Bristlenose Pleco

Nocturnal bottom-dweller with different feeding habits; minimal direct competition

good

Amano Shrimp

May compete for food and territory; risk of predation on smaller individuals

caution

Common Diseases

Molting Failure / Incomplete Ecdysis

Symptoms

Prawn unable to fully shed exoskeleton, appearing stuck or deformed; lethargy and loss of appetite

Treatment

Ensure adequate mineral content via GH boosters or mineral supplements; maintain stable water parameters; provide soft plants and moss for assistance during molting; increase water change frequency

Bacterial Infection / Shell Rot

Symptoms

Discolored patches on exoskeleton, soft spots, visible lesions, or cloudy appearance on body

Treatment

Perform 25-30% water changes every 2-3 days; add Indian almond leaves or alder cones for tannins; maintain pristine water quality; isolate severely affected individuals; avoid copper-based treatments (highly toxic to crustaceans)

Copper Toxicity

Symptoms

Lethargy, loss of appetite, erratic swimming, color fading, sudden death

Treatment

Immediately perform large water changes (50%+); check all medications and fertilizers for copper content; use only copper-free treatments; activated carbon may help remove residual copper; prevent by never using copper-based medications in shrimp tanks

Vorticella / Protozoan Infection

Symptoms

White or grayish fuzzy coating on body and appendages, difficulty moving, reduced feeding

Treatment

Increase water change frequency to 30-50% daily; raise temperature slightly to 26-28 C (79-82 F); add Indian almond leaves for tannins; ensure excellent filtration and aeration; salt baths (1-2 tsp per gallon for 10-15 minutes) may help; avoid antibiotics