Red Claw Macro

Macrobrachium assamense

📍 Southeast Asia (Assam, India and surrounding regions)

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.

Size5.9"

Min Tank30g

aggressive

Zonebottom

Care Guide

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

Bristlenose Pleco

Large enough to avoid predation but may compete for territory; monitor closely

caution

Otocinclus

Small size makes predation likely; only suitable in very large tanks with ample hiding

caution

Glass Catfish

May be hunted; requires careful observation and adequate tank size

caution

Farlowella Catfish

Nocturnal behavior reduces conflict but predation risk remains

caution

Twig Catfish

Peaceful but vulnerable; best in heavily planted 50+ gallon tanks

caution

Porthole Catfish

Armored body provides some protection but still at risk in smaller setups

caution

Common Diseases

Copper Toxicity

Symptoms

Lethargy, loss of appetite, discoloration, molting problems, death

Treatment

Use only copper-free medications and supplements; perform water changes; avoid copper-based algaecides and plant treatments

Molting Complications

Symptoms

Inability to shed exoskeleton, stuck molt, death shortly after molting

Treatment

Maintain stable water parameters, provide calcium-rich foods, ensure adequate hiding places, avoid sudden pH/temperature changes

Parasitic Infections (Flukes, Copepods)

Symptoms

Excessive grooming, visible parasites on body, lethargy, respiratory distress

Treatment

Quarantine affected individuals; use freshwater dips; treat with appropriate anti-parasitic medications; maintain pristine water quality

Bacterial Shell Infection

Symptoms

Discoloration, soft spots on exoskeleton, lesions, secondary fungal growth

Treatment

Improve water quality immediately; perform frequent partial water changes; use antibacterial treatments if severe; ensure proper nutrition with calcium supplementation