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Blue Leg Poso Prawn
Macrobrachium latidactylus
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Palaemonidae
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.
At a glance
- Size
- 2.5 in
- 6 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal
- 76 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 7.0-8.0
- GH
- 143–214 ppm
- 8–12 dGH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 3-4 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
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
See all 5Small, peaceful algae-eaters that occupy different ecological niches and avoid conflict
Small enough to coexist but may be viewed as prey; monitor closely
Tiny size makes them vulnerable; only suitable in larger tanks with dense vegetation
Nocturnal bottom-dweller with different feeding habits; minimal direct competition
May compete for food and territory; risk of predation on smaller individuals
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Common diseases 4Molting Failure / Incomplete Ecdysis, Bacterial Infection / Shell Rot, Copper Toxicity, Vorticella / Protozoan Infection
Molting Failure / Incomplete Ecdysis
Prawn unable to fully shed exoskeleton, appearing stuck or deformed; lethargy and loss of appetite
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
Discolored patches on exoskeleton, soft spots, visible lesions, or cloudy appearance on body
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
Lethargy, loss of appetite, erratic swimming, color fading, sudden death
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
White or grayish fuzzy coating on body and appendages, difficulty moving, reduced feeding
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
Legality
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.
At a glance
- Size
- 2.5 in6 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal76 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 7.0-8.0
- GH
- 143–214 ppm8–12 dGH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 3-4 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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