Filter shrimp – sloths with fans on their legs

Filter shrimp are an interesting addition to any aquarium because of their peculiar feeding habits and quirky appearance. Underwater ecosystems are enhanced by the presence of these peculiar shrimp, which are sometimes compared to "sloths with fans on their legs." Filter shrimp are distinguished by their slow, deliberate movements and their characteristic fan-like appendages, which set them apart from many of their more active relatives.

These shrimp catch food particles drifting through the water by using their fans, which are actually specialized feeding structures. They generate a current by slowly waving their fans, which attracts plankton, algae, and other microscopic food. Not only is this feeding technique efficient, but it’s also fascinating to observe.

Apart from their intriguing mode of feeding, filter shrimp are essential for keeping an aquarium clear and well-balanced. They become an organic part of the ecosystem in your tank through their filter-feeding, which aids in the control of algae and organic debris. Also, their distinct look gives your aquatic setup a hint of mystery and beauty.

Filter shrimp are a great option if you want to give your tank a little personality while still taking advantage of natural filtration. Anyone who enjoys watching the calmer, more subdued parts of aquarium life will be enthralled by their slow movements and delicate feeding fans.

Habitat, biotope

Typically, two distinct species of shrimp belonging to the Atia family are referred to by aquarists as filter feeders:

While Atia gabonensis is found in Southeast Asia, Atiopsis moluccanica is common in West Africa. Both species inhabit rocky-bottomed mountain rivers and streams that are home to large-leaved aquatic vegetation.

The genus Atya contains a number of additional species of filter-feeding shrimp (such as Atya scabra, also known as American fan shrimp, and Atya pilipes, also known as Philippine fan shrimp). Other families of shrimp, such as Manipontonia psamathe or transparent fan shrimp, are also known to filter-feed. These species are either extremely uncommon or nonexistent in the market. For the majority of them, reliable information regarding successful aquarium survival cases and precise maintenance conditions are lacking.

Filter shrimp are fascinating creatures with fan-like appendages on their legs that help them capture tiny food particles from the water. Because of their slow movements and unusual feeding habits, they are sometimes compared to the sloths of the aquatic world. In this post, we’ll look at how these shrimp maintain a healthy aquarium ecosystem, how they filter feed using their delicate fans, and why they’re interesting and low-maintenance additions to your tank.

Appearance, dimorphism

The primary characteristic of filter-feeding shrimp is their mode of feeding. Shrimps have evolved walking legs that have multiple outgrowths called setae, which have hooked villi.

The setae have the appearance of garden rakes or fans. Small algae, microorganisms, and organic residues become lodged between the fluffy bristles of the fan as water passes through it. The shrimp periodically uses its mouth to gather prey that has become lodged in the fan.

Adult Moluccan and Gabon shrimp have different sizes. Male Asian shrimp in an aquarium measure 7-8 cm in length, while female shrimp measure 8-9 cm. Male African shrimp measure 11–12 cm, while females measure 12–13 cm.

The location of the catch, the surroundings, and the water’s characteristics all affect the color of Moluccan shrimp. Always variegated, the color can be sandy, greenish-brown, or brown. Although pink and beige are also found, gabon shrimp are typically blue in color. Asian and African filter feeders can have minor color changes throughout their lives.

Male filter feeders are frequently hard to tell apart from females based solely on size. They might be the same size if the female is younger than the male. It’s possible that the female is smaller than the male. The primary sexual distinction between molluk and gaboon shrimp is the lengthening and thickening of the male’s abdomen’s first two pairs of swimming legs, or pleopods.

Group species: Moluccan and Gabonese filter feeders. A group of shrimps must consist of at least five individuals. An aquarium that holds at least 100 liters is necessary for this kind of group.

Shrimp require steady, directed flow and adequate aeration.

The primary prerequisites for adding equipment to an aquarium are:

The following ranges should be maintained for water parameters:

temperature: 25-27 °C,

acidity: 6.5-7.5 pH,

Filtrators cannot withstand copper and nitrogen compound contamination of water. Up to one-third of the total volume should be changed with water each week.

In addition to being rocky (pebbles and gravel), the soil can also contain medium and large fractions of sand.

Large-leaved plants are preferred by filter shrimp:

Filter feeders sift the water while sitting in the current, finding some food on their own. Plankton and other small organic matter are insufficient in an aquarium. Feeding the shrimp with spirulina-soaked flakes or fish fry food is required every day. Bloodworms, cyclops, and frozen daphnia are also excellent food sources.

Reproduction and breeding

Filter shrimp larvae naturally emerge in freshwater and are carried into salty seawater by the current. The larva in freshwater perishes in five to six days. The tiny shrimp eventually makes its way back to fresh river water after going through multiple stages of formation in seawater.

It is challenging to successfully breed filter shrimp in artificial environments. Filter feeders are rarely, if ever, used by professional shrimp farms. The majority of Moluccan and Gabonese shrimp sold are harvested from the wild.

Fascinating animals, filter shrimp offer a distinctive element to any aquarium. They are distinguished by their graceful fan-like legs and slow, almost lazy gait. Even though they move slowly, they are essential to keeping the aquatic environment healthy and balanced. These shrimp are experts at removing microscopic particles from the water, keeping it clear and creating a healthier environment for other aquatic life.

It’s like watching nature’s tiny cleaning crew at work when you watch filter shrimp in action. Their specially designed legs swoop through the water, gathering tiny food scraps and trash. This helps maintain the aquarium’s ecosystem in good condition overall and keeps the tank looking beautiful. Their presence can be calming and helpful, infusing your setup with a little bit of nature’s efficiency.

Adding filter shrimp to your aquarium can be a great way to improve its appearance as well as its functionality. They are an invaluable addition for any aquatic enthusiast because of their distinctive behavior and their function in water filtration. In addition to diversifying your aquatic community, adding these fascinating shrimp to your aquarium will make sure that everyone who lives there is in a healthier environment.

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