Atyopsis moluccensis/spinipes sp

aka the Asian Filter/Wood/Fan/Bamboo Shrimp


There are two species of Atyopsis Asian species; Atyopsis moluccensis and Atyopsis spinipes.
It is hard to see the difference between these two.
This shrimp grows to approx. 8-10 cm and needs acidic conditions (lower pH levels)
Since it is a filter feeding shrimp it needs a stronger water current to be able to catch microorganinsms/zoo-spores with its chelae, fan like filters. And therefore power-heads should be used to create a good water flow.
Fan shrimp should never be added into newly established set-ups. It prefers aged aquariums with well developed microorganisms this shrimp feed on. If there is enough food (good water current) this shrimp will develop strong red coloration and the back line will develop a gold-yellow color.
Weekly water changes are very important for all shrimps, and one should try to do 30-50% WC, using dechlorinators. Replaced water should have the same temperature as the one in the tank.
It is very good using Active Carbon in shrimp tanks to remove the organic build-up which can harm shrimps.

Sex difference;
Males have a very strong pair of front legs. Females carapace extends down over the pleopods to accommodate the eggs.

Photos (a female) by Dusko Bojic.

Caridina cf. cantonensis 'Crystal Red'

Caridina cf. cantonensis 'Crystal Red'





This is one of the most beautiful dwarf shrimps one can keep in a fresh water aquarium. It needs very acidic, soft water. Alkaline water will harm this shrimp causing it to die premature. Temperature should not exceed 26'Celsius, and should not be lower than 20'Celsius. It is a great algae eating shrimp, that feeds on microorganisms and algae. It is good to introduce whithered oak leaves, since microorganisms/bacteria grows readily on them which this shrimp will eat.
To successfully breed this shrimp water has to be acidic with a low pH. Crystal Red Shrimp grows to about 2.5-3.5 cm. Keep them with small fish since the bigger one will very likely devour them. Water conditioner is a must use, because chloramine/heavy metals are very harmful.

On this photo one can see the shrimps front, picking, legs/hands, harvesting microorganisms/algae/bacteria from the tank glass.

Shrimps head is packed with all sorts of antennae/feelers.
Observations;
Crystal Red Shrimps live shorter in alkaline waters and not many shrimplets survive. If intending to keep and breed CRS, acidic water conditions are needed for this shrimp to thrive (low pH and KH).
Photos by Dusko Bojic.