Species profile

Small Bamboo Shrimp

Atyopsis spinipes

Common names: Small Bamboo Shrimp, Mini Bamboo Shrimp, Small Fan 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 smaller Atyopsis fan shrimp adapted to feeding from fine suspended food in flowing freshwater.

Appearance and Identification

Compact fan shrimp with brown, tan, olive, or patterned coloration and fan-like feeding appendages held into the current.

Recognized species Atyopsis spinipes. It can be confused with juvenile Bamboo Shrimp and other fan shrimp, so use adult size, morphology, and provenance rather than trade name 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 current, high oxygen, and suspended fine foods in a mature aquarium. Ensure the shrimp can perch directly in the flow while feeding.

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, Indonesia, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Natural habitat: Fast-Flowing Stream, River
Aquarium contexts: Freshwater Community, High-Flow Aquarium, Shrimp Tank
Audience level: Advanced

Classification

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

Have you kept this species?

You can write a note about what worked for you, or send a photograph. We check everything before it appears here.

Share a note or photo