The Macrobrachium shrimp may be responsible for any strange activity you’ve ever seen in your aquarium after dark. These fascinating creatures are a fascinating addition to any aquatic setup, and because of their stealthy nature, they are often called "night robbers." They are renowned for their enormous size and long, spindly arms. They provide a special fusion of mystery and beauty that can turn your tank into a vibrant show after the lights go out.
Macrobrachium shrimp are not your typical inhabitants of an aquarium. They have an almost otherworldly appearance due to their long, delicate pincers, which also enable them to snatch up prey with surprising agility. During the night, when the tank is quiet, these shrimp are especially active, using their sharp claws to search for food and investigate their surroundings. It can be fascinating to watch them move with their extended limbs, which adds a whole new perspective to nighttime tank viewing.
Macrobrachium shrimp require a little extra care when being kept. Since they are known to be more aggressive than other shrimp species, it is important to carefully consider who they keep in their tank. They have a tendency to be possessive and might even go after smaller fish or shrimp. However, given the correct conditions, these shrimp can flourish and bring vibrancy to your aquarium, captivating the interest of anyone who likes to watch aquatic life in action.
Habitat, biotope
All continents are home to the numerous genus Macrobrachium (Genus Macrobrachium) of the Palemonidae family (except Antarctica). The tropics, subtropics, and temperate latitudes are home to macrobrachiums. Certain types of shrimp inhabit freshwater environments found in rivers and streams, while others thrive in brackish waters found in estuaries, lagoons, and bays.
Macrobrachiums typically inhabit areas with a rocky or sandy bottom that are between 5 and 7 meters deep, dense vegetation, and dependable shelters. When they molt and when they exhibit intraspecific aggression, shrimp must hide.
Appearance, dimorphism
"Macrobrachium" translates to "large-armed, long-armed" from Latin. The genus’s name clearly denotes a significantly larger second pair of pereopods, or walking legs. Big-arm shrimp use this pair of elongated-pincer pereiopods as a weapon to seize food and restrain the female during mating.
From 3–4 cm (banjarae / banjara) to 25–30 cm (rosenbergii / Rosenberg shrimp), the sizes of various species vary markedly. Macrobrachiums can be almost entirely absent (ehemals / Indian glass), variegated (kulsiense / Christmas sand), or monochromatic (dayanum / red-rusty). The majority of shrimp are colored black, blue, yellow, or brown. Adult members of some species can alter their color to match the substrate.
Males of all macrobrachium species have a larger second pair of pleopods. Males are typically larger than females in most species. Males frequently suffer limb damage or loss as a result of intraspecific battles for supremacy in the classroom. Others Sexual differences vary depending on the macrobrachium species.
Macrobrachiums are territorial schooling shrimp. A group must consist of a minimum of 3–4 people, with 2–3 females and 1 male. A full school is made up of two males and five to six females, and it has the typical shrimp hierarchy and behavior.
The shrimp’s size (size of one individual — water volume) determines the minimum aquarium size:
- 4-6 cm — 5-10 l,
- 7-10 cm — 10-20 l,
- 11-15 cm — 20-30 l,
- 16-30 cm — 30-50 l.
Macrobrachiums require pure water that is highly oxygenated. The primary prerequisites for adding equipment to an aquarium are:
The following ranges should be maintained for water parameters:
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temperature: 24-28 °C,
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acidity: 7-8 pH,
A weekly 25% of the total volume should be changed out with water. Nitrates and phosphates are intolerant to all shrimp. For them, copper compounds of any kind, including copper sulfate, are poisonous.
You can safely select plants for macrobrachiums to fit any preference. Shrimp are only able to nibble on pistia or riccia when they are extremely hungry. Green spaces are not ruined by fed macrobrachiums; in fact, aquatic plants provide excellent refuge for shrimp.
Macrobrachiums have an enormous appetite. They need to be fed three times a day on average. Plenty of food should be available. The best food for shrimp is special food.
Furthermore, you can offer any live food:
Frozen food will also appeal to shrimp:
Eggs, rice, and boiled veggies will all be helpful additions. Lecithin, which is required for macrobrachiums, is present in them.
Reproduction and breeding
During the breeding season, male macrobrachiums engage in intense combat. In these types of encounters, some people lose limbs and claws. This rarely results in the murder, but it does. The strongest male is still mating with the female as a result. The female deposits her eggs, which range in size from 1 to 3 mm, on the pleopods, or abdominal legs, after a period of 1-2 weeks. After 25–30 days of rushing, the eggs hatch into larvae.
Most macrogram species’ larvae in the wild develop in brackish water after hatching. In order to produce progeny from these species, larvae must be moved to an aquarium that has been specially prepared and has brackish water. For every type, specific water parameter conditions must be established. It is necessary to periodically alter the temperature and salinity of the water, as well as to choose the right feed for the larvae at different phases of their development.
Some macrobrachium species can produce offspring in a freshwater aquarium. These species’ larvae do not require brackish water, but transferring them to a new aquarium is necessary because the adults in the primary aquarium can consume the larvae.
It’s critical to establish an aquarium with the most comparable conditions, be able to capture the larvae, move them carefully, and select the appropriate food.
| Aspect | Description |
| Common Name | Macrobrachium Shrimp |
| Nickname | Night Robbers with Long Arms |
| Size | Can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) |
| Behavior | Active at night, often hunting for food |
| Appearance | Long, slender arms and a large body |
| Habitat | Freshwater rivers and streams |
| Tank Requirements | Requires a spacious tank with hiding spots |
| Diet | Omnivorous, eats small fish, insects, and algae |
| Compatibility | Can be aggressive towards smaller tank mates |
| Care Level | Intermediate, needs a well-maintained tank |
Because of their cunning hunting techniques, macrobrachium shrimp are sometimes referred to as "night robbers." They are fascinating animals that add a special dynamic to any aquarium. They can easily navigate through plants and rocks, look for food, and explore their surroundings thanks to their remarkably long arms. Because they are nocturnal, they are most active after the sun goes down, which makes them an interesting addition to a tank for people who like to watch strange and interesting behavior.
These shrimp’s significance to the aquarium ecology makes them fascinating in addition to their appearance and behavior. By scavenging for food scraps and debris, they keep the tank clean. They could, however, be dangerous to their more delicate or smaller tank mates due to their predatory tendencies. A peaceful aquarium environment requires careful planning and observation.
If you appreciate Macrobrachium shrimp’s nocturnal habits and long-limbed hunting techniques, adding them to your aquarium can be a rewarding experience. Their presence enhances your tank’s beauty and mystique. Understanding their requirements and behavior, as with any aquatic species, will help to guarantee that they prosper and make a positive contribution to your underwater world.
Often referred to as "night robbers," macrobrachium shrimp are amazing animals that hunt and explore their underwater environments with the help of their long, spindly arms. We’ll explore their distinct behaviors, their function in the aquarium, and how their amazing limbs make them one of the most fascinating species to keep in this post. Gaining knowledge about these shrimp will help you appreciate their ultimate function in the aquatic ecosystem as well as how they can improve the appearance of your aquarium.
