Species profile

Green Lace Shrimp

Atyoida pilipes

Common names: Green Lace Shrimp, Green Lace Filter Shrimp, Green Filter Shrimp

Recognized speciesFan Shrimp

Adult size

Up to 5 cm

Typical adult length 3–5 cm.

Up to 5 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

Mature planted aquarium setups
Advanced shrimp keepers
Peaceful nano aquariums

Think carefully if

The aquarium contains shrimp-eating fish
The tank is newly cycled
Water conditions change frequently

A small peaceful fan shrimp that feeds from suspended particles in steady, oxygenated current.

Appearance and Identification

Slender fan shrimp with variable green, olive, tan, brown, or mottled coloration and delicate filtering appendages.

Recognized species Atyoida pilipes. Distinguish it from juvenile Atyopsis and other fan shrimp using adult size, body form, rostrum, appendages, and provenance rather than colour alone.

Sexual differences are subtle and should not be identified from colour alone.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 200–250 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 50–75 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 50 litres
Minimum tank length: 60 cm
Minimum group size: 1
Recommended group size: 2
Activity level: Moderate
Flow preference: High
Planting preference: Moderately planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: Moderate

Provide strong oxygenation, stable current, elevated feeding perches, shelter, and unobstructed access to suspended food.

Behaviour and Tankmates

Peaceful filter feeder that positions itself in current and extends fan-like feeding appendages to capture suspended particles.

Can be kept singly or in a small peaceful group when adequate feeding stations and food are available.

Not normally territorial, although individuals may compete for the best feeding position.

Avoid aggressive or predatory tankmates and species that prevent the shrimp from feeding safely in open current.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 22–27 °C
pH: 6.5–7.8
GH: 6–12
KH: 2–8
TDS: 140–260
Stability importance: Very important

Provide a mature aquarium with moderate current, high oxygen, and suspended microscopic foods. Protect filter intakes and avoid copper.

Parameter caveat

A strong current is only useful when the shrimp can reach secure feeding perches and receive appropriately sized suspended food.

Feeding

Diet types: Filter Feeder, Omnivore
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Fine suspended invertebrate foodDeliver upstream of the shrimp's feeding perch in small amounts.
Microalgae and fine organic particlesNatural suspended particles supplement prepared foods.

Specialized filter feeder requiring fine suspended foods delivered into flowing water. A visually clean aquarium can still leave the shrimp underfed.

Do not rely on food settling on the substrate. Observe fan use and body condition to confirm successful feeding.

Breeding

Breeding type: Larval Development
Breeding difficulty: Very difficult
Breeding temperature: 25 °C
Breeding pH: 7.2
Brood or egg count: Numerous small eggs
Incubation: 28 days
Parental care: Maternal care
Baby foods: Microscopic suspended larval foodLarval feeding and salinity requirements need a dedicated rearing system.

Produces free-swimming larvae rather than miniature benthic juveniles. Captive rearing is difficult and may require salinity management.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Asia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Indonesia, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Southeast Asia, Taiwan
Natural habitat: Fast-Flowing Stream, River
Aquarium contexts: Freshwater Community, High-Flow Aquarium, Shrimp Tank
Audience level: Advanced

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Atyoida
Family: Atyidae
Species group: Fan Shrimp

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