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Wood Shrimp
Atyopsis spinipes
Also known as Singapore Wood Shrimp
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae
Wood Shrimp (Atyopsis spinipes) are large, peaceful freshwater shrimp native to Southeast Asia, known for their distinctive fan-like feeding appendages and filter-feeding behavior. They are excellent algae and biofilm consumers that add visual interest to planted tanks with their active foraging. These shrimp require mature, well-established aquariums with stable water parameters and plenty of hiding spots.
At a glance
- Size
- 2 in
- 5 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal
- 76 L
- Temp
- 72–79°F
- 22–26°C
- pH
- 6.5-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm
- 4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Wood Shrimp are primarily filter-feeders that consume biofilm, algae, and suspended organic matter. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini) 2-3 times weekly. They require a mature tank with established biofilm to thrive; new tanks often lack sufficient natural food sources.
Behavior
Wood Shrimp are active foragers that spend most of their time on rocks and driftwood using their fan-like appendages to filter-feed from the water column. They are generally solitary or found in loose aggregations and are most active during low-light periods. They molt regularly and require adequate calcium for shell hardening; provide cuttlebone or mineral supplements.
Breeding
Wood Shrimp are difficult to breed in freshwater aquariums as their larvae require brackish water to develop successfully. Females produce eggs but they rarely hatch in purely freshwater conditions. Breeding is not practical for most hobbyists and is rarely achieved outside specialized breeding facilities.
Tank mates
See all 5Similar peaceful nature and biofilm-feeding behavior; may compete for food but generally coexist well
Peaceful algae-eater that occupies different feeding niche; no predatory threat
Small, peaceful fish that do not prey on adult shrimp; occupy different water zones
Peaceful temperament and small size; generally ignore shrimp but monitor for aggression
Provides shelter and grazing surfaces for biofilm growth; essential for shrimp habitat
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Common diseases 4Copper Toxicity, Molting Stress / Failed Molt, Bacterial Infection / Shell Erosion, Starvation / Biofilm Deficiency
Copper Toxicity
Lethargy, loss of appetite, discoloration, sudden death; shrimp are extremely sensitive to copper
Use only copper-free medications and fertilizers; perform large water changes; use activated carbon to remove copper; avoid treating tank with copper-based remedies
Molting Stress / Failed Molt
Shrimp stuck in old exoskeleton, inability to move, death shortly after molt attempt
Ensure adequate calcium and minerals (cuttlebone, mineral supplements); maintain stable water parameters; provide soft plants and hiding spots to reduce stress during vulnerable molting periods
Bacterial Infection / Shell Erosion
Visible spots or lesions on body, shell pitting, discoloration, lethargy
Perform frequent water changes to improve water quality; maintain pH 6.5-7.5 and adequate hardness; remove affected individuals to quarantine; ensure biofilm-rich environment for natural immune support
Starvation / Biofilm Deficiency
Weight loss, lethargy, reduced activity, death in new tanks lacking established biofilm
Establish tank for 4-6 weeks before adding shrimp; supplement with algae wafers and quality shrimp food; ensure mature substrate with abundant microorganisms; avoid over-cleaning substrate
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
- 2 in5 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal76 L
- Temp
- 72–79°F22–26°C
- pH
- 6.5-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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