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Red Claw Macro
Macrobrachium assamense
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Palaemonidae
The Red Claw Macro is a large, aggressive freshwater shrimp native to Southeast Asia, known for its distinctive red claws and predatory behavior. These impressive invertebrates require spacious tanks and cannot be housed with small fish or other shrimp due to their carnivorous nature. They are fascinating but challenging to keep, best suited for experienced aquarists willing to provide specialized care.
At a glance
- Size
- 5.9 in
- 15 cm
- Min tank
- 30 gal
- 114 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.5-7.5
- GH
- 107–214 ppm
- 6–12 dGH
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Red Claw Macros are obligate carnivores requiring live or frozen prey. Offer bloodworms, small fish, other shrimp, and specialized carnivorous shrimp pellets. Feed 2-3 times weekly, adjusting portions based on tank bioload. They will actively hunt anything smaller than themselves.
Behavior
Highly aggressive and territorial, Red Claw Macros spend most time on the substrate hunting and patrolling. They are solitary and will attack conspecifics and smaller tank mates without hesitation. Molting occurs regularly; provide hiding places with PVC pipes or caves to reduce stress during vulnerable periods.
Breeding
Breeding in freshwater is extremely difficult and rarely achieved in home aquaria. Females produce eggs but larvae typically require brackish water to develop successfully. Most captive specimens do not breed reliably, making this species impractical for home breeding programs.
Tank mates
See all 6Large enough to avoid predation but may compete for territory; monitor closely
Small size makes predation likely; only suitable in very large tanks with ample hiding
May be hunted; requires careful observation and adequate tank size
Nocturnal behavior reduces conflict but predation risk remains
Peaceful but vulnerable; best in heavily planted 50+ gallon tanks
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Common diseases 4Copper Toxicity, Molting Complications, Parasitic Infections (Flukes, Copepods), Bacterial Shell Infection
Copper Toxicity
Lethargy, loss of appetite, discoloration, molting problems, death
Use only copper-free medications and supplements; perform water changes; avoid copper-based algaecides and plant treatments
Molting Complications
Inability to shed exoskeleton, stuck molt, death shortly after molting
Maintain stable water parameters, provide calcium-rich foods, ensure adequate hiding places, avoid sudden pH/temperature changes
Parasitic Infections (Flukes, Copepods)
Excessive grooming, visible parasites on body, lethargy, respiratory distress
Quarantine affected individuals; use freshwater dips; treat with appropriate anti-parasitic medications; maintain pristine water quality
Bacterial Shell Infection
Discoloration, soft spots on exoskeleton, lesions, secondary fungal growth
Improve water quality immediately; perform frequent partial water changes; use antibacterial treatments if severe; ensure proper nutrition with calcium supplementation
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
- 5.9 in15 cm
- Min tank
- 30 gal114 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 6.5-7.5
- GH
- 107–214 ppm6–12 dGH
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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