Whisker Shrimp

Macrobrachium spp.

Also sold as Red claw shrimp · Long-arm Shrimp

Whisker Shrimp (Macrobrachium spp.) is an aggressive freshwater shrimp that reaches about 8 cm (3.1 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 72–81°F (22–27°C) and pH 6.5–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 60 L (16 gal).

At a glance

Type	Shrimp
Adult size	8 cm (3.1 in)
Minimum tank	60 L (16 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH	6.5–7.5
Temperament	Aggressive
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Whisker Shrimp needs at least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.
It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 3.5 cm (1.4 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp.
It is the wrong size to share a tank with Betta, Goldfish and Angelfish: it ends up as food.
It holds at 72–81°F (22–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
It is aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.

What tank size does it need?

At least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

72–81°F (22–27°C), pH 6.5–7.5.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Otocinclus, Ramshorn Snail and Rummy Nose Tetra.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Whisker Shrimp	Bamboo Shrimp	Amano Shrimp
Adult size	8 cm	9 cm	5 cm
Min tank	60 L	60 L	20 L
Group	1+	1+	3+
Temperature	72–81°F (22–27°C)	72–82°F (22–28°C)	64–81°F (18–27°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	No	No

More livestock

Plan a tank with Whisker Shrimp →

Sources (3) · checked Sep 2026