Giant River Prawn

Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Also known as Giant Freshwater Prawn, Blue Claw Prawn, Malaysian Giant Prawn

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Palaemonidae

The Giant River Prawn is a large, robust freshwater shrimp prized for its impressive size and hardy nature. Adults display a translucent to brownish coloration with distinctive long claws and antennae, making them visually striking in larger aquariums. These prawns are significantly larger than ornamental shrimp varieties and require substantial space and specialized care.

Where it's from

Recorded as introduced in Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica and 28 more places

At a glance

Size: 8 in; 20 cm
Min tank: 55 gal; 208 L
Temp: 75–82°F; 24–28°C
pH: 6.5-8.0
GH: 143–268 ppm; 8–15 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 3-4 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Giant River Prawns are omnivorous detritivores that graze on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter. Supplement with high-quality sinking pellets (Hikari, Fluval Bug Bites), blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, carrot), and occasional protein sources like bloodworms or small crustaceans. Feed sparingly 2-3 times weekly, removing uneaten food within 24 hours.

Behavior

These prawns are primarily nocturnal and spend daylight hours hiding in caves, driftwood, or dense vegetation. They are solitary or territorial and will fight with other adult prawns; housing multiple individuals requires very large tanks with abundant shelter. Molting occurs every 4-8 weeks and leaves them vulnerable; provide hiding spots during this period.

Breeding

Giant River Prawns require brackish or saltwater conditions for larval development, making successful breeding in freshwater aquariums extremely difficult or impossible. Females produce large clutches of eggs (500-10,000) but larvae are planktonic and require marine rearing. Most aquarium specimens are wild-caught or farm-raised juveniles.

Tank mates

See all 5

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae-eater; avoid large cichlids that may prey on prawns

good

Ember Tetra

Tiny, fast-moving fish; too small for prawn to threaten

good

Chili Rasbora

Peaceful nano fish; occupy different water zones

good

Amano Shrimp

May compete for food and territory; separate if aggression occurs

caution

Ghost Shrimp

Smaller shrimp may be predated upon; provide ample hiding spots

caution

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 Introduced and Invasive Species (CC BY 4.0); World Register of Introduced Marine Species (WRiMS) (CC BY 4.0); GRIIS Checklist of Introduced and Invasive Species (CC BY 4.0); Global Register of Invasive and Introduced Species (CC BY 4.0).