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Whisker Shrimp
Macrobrachium lanchesteri
Also known as Freshwater Glass Shrimp, Lanchesteri Shrimp
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Palaemonidae
Whisker Shrimp are large, freshwater prawns native to Southeast Asia, known for their impressive size and distinctive long antennae. These semi-aggressive shrimp are excellent scavengers but require spacious tanks and careful tankmate selection due to their predatory nature toward smaller fish and invertebrates. They are moderately challenging to keep and thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of hiding spaces.
Where it's from
Recorded as introduced in Norway and Singapore
At a glance
- Size
- 8 in
- 20 cm
- Min tank
- 30 gal
- 114 L
- Temp
- 72–82°F
- 22–28°C
- pH
- 6.5-7.5
- GH
- 107–268 ppm
- 6–15 dGH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Whisker Shrimp are opportunistic omnivores that consume algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), sinking pellets, and biofilm from established tank surfaces. They will also scavenge dead fish and organic debris. Provide varied foods 3-4 times weekly, supplementing with quality shrimp pellets to ensure balanced nutrition.
Behavior
Whisker Shrimp are primarily nocturnal and spend most of their time foraging along the substrate and exploring hiding spots. They are solitary and territorial, often aggressive toward other shrimp and small fish. Males may display dominance behaviors including antenna-fencing and chasing. They molt regularly and require undisturbed spaces to harden their new exoskeleton.
Breeding
Whisker Shrimp have a complex life cycle requiring brackish water for larval development, making freshwater breeding extremely difficult for hobbyists. Females produce eggs that hatch into planktonic larvae requiring specific salinity and feeding conditions. Most captive-bred specimens are rare; wild-caught individuals are more common in the hobby.
Tank mates
See all 4Small, peaceful algae-eaters that occupy different niches and avoid confrontation with shrimp
Similar size but may compete for territory; only house together in very large tanks with abundant space
Nocturnal bottom-dweller that shares similar habitat preferences without direct competition
May nip at shrimp antennae; only suitable in large tanks with dense vegetation for escape routes
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Common diseases 4Molting Complications, Copper Toxicity, Bacterial Infections, Parasitic Infections (Flukes, Vorticella)
Molting Complications
Shrimp stuck in exoskeleton, inability to shed, lethargy, death shortly after molting attempt
Ensure adequate calcium and minerals through quality diet and water parameters; maintain stable temperature and pH; provide soft substrate for easier molting; do not disturb molting shrimp
Copper Toxicity
Lethargy, loss of appetite, discoloration, erratic swimming, death
Avoid all copper-based medications and fertilizers; use copper-free treatments only; perform large water changes if copper exposure suspected; use activated carbon in filter
Bacterial Infections
Cloudy spots on body, lesions, discolored patches, antenna damage, lethargy
Improve water quality through frequent partial water changes; maintain optimal temperature and pH; remove affected individuals to quarantine; use antibacterial treatments if severe
Parasitic Infections (Flukes, Vorticella)
Excessive grooming, white film on body, lethargy, difficulty molting, antenna loss
Perform daily 25% water changes; increase aeration; quarantine affected shrimp; use salt baths (1-2 teaspoons per gallon for 10-15 minutes) or specialized parasite treatments; avoid copper-based medications
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. Native range: Global Register of Invasive and Introduced Species (CC BY 4.0); Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (CC BY 4.0).
At a glance
- Size
- 8 in20 cm
- Min tank
- 30 gal114 L
- Temp
- 72–82°F22–28°C
- pH
- 6.5-7.5
- GH
- 107–268 ppm6–15 dGH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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