Wood Shrimp ( Atyopsis Moluccensis )

Peaceful, prehistoric-looking, and endlessly fascinating — the Wood Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis), also known as the Singapore Flower Shrimp or Fan Shrimp, is one of the most captivating invertebrates in the freshwater hobby. Like its close relative the Bamboo Shrimp, the Wood Shrimp is a filter feeder — using its specialized fan-like front appendages to catch fine food particles drifting in the current. A living piece of natural art for any well-established aquarium.

Overview

Appearance

The Wood Shrimp displays a warm reddish-brown to tan body with a pale cream stripe running along the back. Their most distinctive feature is their four fan-shaped front appendages, which they spread wide to catch food particles drifting in the current. They can change colour depending on their mood and environment — a healthy, well-fed Wood Shrimp often displays a rich, deep reddish-brown colouration. Larger and more robust than many other freshwater shrimp, they have a commanding, almost prehistoric presence.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 72 – 82°F (22 – 28°C)
• pH: 6.5 – 7.5
• General Hardness (GH): 6 – 15 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons
• Flow: Moderate to strong water flow is essential — they position themselves in the current to filter feed
• Decor: Driftwood, rocks, and elevated perches where they can sit in the flow; a mature, well-established tank with good water quality is key

Diet & Feeding

Wood Shrimp are filter feeders and require fine particles suspended in the water:

• Natural feeding: Microorganisms, fine algae particles, and organic matter in a mature tank
• Supplemental feeding: Powdered spirulina, powdered shrimp food, or liquid invertebrate food added near the current
• Important: If a Wood Shrimp is seen scavenging the substrate instead of filter feeding, it is a sign the tank lacks sufficient suspended food — increase supplemental feeding

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Completely peaceful and safe with virtually all tank inhabitants:

• Small to medium peaceful fish (tetras, rasboras, danios, gouramis)
• Dwarf shrimp (Neocaridina, Caridina)
• Snails and other peaceful invertebrates
• Corydoras catfish

Avoid housing with aggressive fish or large cichlids that may harass or eat them.

Moulting

Like all shrimp, Wood Shrimp moult periodically as they grow. After moulting, they are temporarily soft and vulnerable — provide hiding spots and do not remove the shed exoskeleton, as the shrimp will consume it for calcium.

The Wood Shrimp is a truly special invertebrate — peaceful, unique, and endlessly fascinating to watch as it fans the current for food. A wonderful and eye-catching addition to any mature, well-established community aquarium.