Green Lace Shrimp

Atyoida pilipes

Also known as Bamboo Fan Shrimp, Green Lace Fan Shrimp

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

Green Lace Shrimp are medium-sized freshwater shrimp featuring a distinctive lace-like pattern of green coloration overlaid on a translucent body, creating a delicate, intricate appearance. Their name derives from the fine, lacey markings that resemble intricate fabric, making them visually striking in planted aquariums. These shrimp are excellent algae grazers and detritivores, contributing significantly to tank maintenance.

At a glance

Size: 1.5 in; 4 cm
Min tank: 10 gal; 38 L
Group: 10+
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

Green Lace Shrimp are primarily detritivores that graze on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter throughout the day. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets (Shirakura, Mosura), blanched vegetables such as spinach and zucchini, and occasional protein sources like dried seaweed. Feed small amounts 2-3 times weekly, removing uneaten food after 24 hours.

Behavior

These shrimp are active grazers that spend most of their time foraging on substrate and plant surfaces, particularly during dawn and dusk. They are social and do well in groups, exhibiting minimal aggression toward conspecifics. Molting occurs every 4-6 weeks; provide adequate calcium and minerals to support healthy exoskeleton development.

Breeding

Green Lace Shrimp breed readily in established tanks with stable water parameters and adequate food sources. Females produce small clutches of 20-30 shrimplets that develop within the egg sac for 3-4 weeks before release. Provide dense vegetation and biofilm-rich surfaces to maximize fry survival; no special breeding setup is required.

Tank mates

See all 5

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae-eater that shares similar grazing habits and water parameter preferences

excellent

Ember Tetra

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that will not predate on adult shrimp or shrimplets

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Micro-sized peaceful fish that coexist peacefully with shrimp colonies

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that may compete for food but rarely show aggression

good

Java Moss

Provides grazing surface, shelter, and breeding habitat for shrimp

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Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date.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.