Sri Lanka Fan Shrimp

Atya scabra

📍 Sri Lanka (wild-caught)

Sri Lanka Fan Shrimp are large, robust freshwater shrimp known for their distinctive fan-like feeding appendages and mottled brown-gray coloration with subtle banding patterns. These impressive filter-feeders use their specialized antennae to capture food particles from the water column, making them visually unique and behaviorally fascinating. Their size and peaceful demeanor make them excellent centerpiece shrimp for established aquariums.

Size2"

Min Tank20g

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Sri Lanka Fan Shrimp are primarily filter-feeders that consume biofilm, suspended algae, and organic detritus. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets (Shirakura, Mosura), blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini), and occasional protein sources like dried spirulina. Ensure adequate water flow to support their natural feeding behavior.

Behavior

These shrimp are mostly sedentary, positioning themselves in areas of moderate water flow where they fan their antennae to capture food particles. They are nocturnal grazers and spend daylight hours hidden among plants and décor. They are generally solitary or found in small loose groups and do not exhibit aggressive territorial behavior.

Breeding

Sri Lanka Fan Shrimp are difficult to breed in captivity and require specific conditions including stable water parameters and excellent water quality. Females produce small batches of larvae that require specialized rearing conditions with proper food availability. Most specimens in the hobby are wild-caught, making successful captive breeding rare.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Small peaceful algae-eater that shares similar water requirements and does not compete for food

excellent

Ember Tetra

Tiny, peaceful fish that occupy mid-water column and do not prey on shrimp

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Nano fish that are too small to threaten shrimp and prefer similar gentle conditions

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Compatible with Fan Shrimp; may compete for food but generally coexist peacefully

good

Ghost Shrimp

Similar size and peaceful nature; may occasionally compete for food resources

good

Common Diseases

Molting failure / Incomplete molt

Symptoms

Shrimp unable to shed exoskeleton completely; stuck in old shell; lethargy; death if untreated

Treatment

Ensure adequate mineral supplementation (calcium, magnesium); maintain stable pH and hardness; provide proper nutrition with varied diet; increase water change frequency

Bacterial infection / Septicemia

Symptoms

Discoloration, lesions on body, cloudy appearance, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Perform large water changes; improve water quality and reduce bioload; add Indian almond leaves or tannins; avoid copper-based treatments; consider antibacterial food if available

Copper toxicity

Symptoms

Lethargy, loss of appetite, discoloration, death; particularly sensitive species

Treatment

Perform immediate large water changes; use copper-free medications; avoid plant treatments containing copper; use RO water if tap water is copper-contaminated

Vorticella / Protozoan infection

Symptoms

Fuzzy white coating on body and appendages; difficulty feeding; lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent changes; increase aeration; add salt (1-2 tsp per gallon) temporarily; maintain stable parameters; ensure adequate nutrition