Lanchester's Glass Shrimp
Macrobrachium lanchesteri
The Glass Shrimp is a transparent, peaceful freshwater scavenger from Southeast Asia. It thrives in planted aquariums with ample hiding spots, feeding opportunistically on detritus.
Température de l’eau
20 - 28 °C
Valeur du pH
7 - 8
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Type d'invertébré
Freshwater shrimp
Taille adulte
8 cm
Groupe minimal
>= 1
GH
8 - 15 dGH
KH
4 - 8 dKH
TDS
160 - 305 ppm
Rôle écologique
Scavenger
Sensibilité au cuivre
High
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Macrobrachium lanchesteri is native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It inhabits slow-moving rivers, swamps, ponds, and rice paddies with dense aquatic weeds.
Taxonomy: Belongs to the Malacostraca class, Decapoda order, and Palaemonidae family. Described by De Man in 1911. It belongs to the genus Macrobrachium, which is defined by long, clawed second walking legs.
Social Behavior: Unlike many ornamental dwarf shrimp, this species can be territorial and mildly aggressive, especially among mature males. They will establish territories and defend hiding spots from conspecifics.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body is mostly glass-like and transparent, decorated with faint dark brown longitudinal lines on the carapace. Males have longer, more prominent claws (chelipeds) than females of similar size.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Tank Setup: A freshwater tank of at least 50-60 liters is recommended. The layout must incorporate plenty of hiding spaces using driftwood, rock piles, caves, and thick plant cover to prevent territorial conflicts.
Diet and Feeding: Opportunistic omnivorous scavenger. Readily eats sinking wafers, fish food, organic waste, and microalgae. They may hunt tiny fish or dwarf shrimp (like Neocaridina) if food resources are scarce.
Water Quality: Thrives in neutral to slightly alkaline water: pH 6.5-7.8, medium hardness (GH 6-12), and temperature between 22°C and 28°C. Perform routine water changes to maintain low nitrate levels.
Compatibility and Tankmates: Avoid housing with very small, slow, long-finned fish that sleep on the bottom, as the shrimp may pinch their fins. Do not house with large fish like cichlids that will eat them.
Aquarium Breeding: Can breed entirely in freshwater. Females carry eggs under their pleopods. The larvae hatch directly into miniature benthic shrimp, bypassing the complex marine planktonic phase of other Macrobrachium.
Risks and Diseases: Highly vulnerable to copper-based treatments. Post-molt cannibalism is a significant risk if the enclosure lacks adequate hideouts for newly shed, soft-shelled individuals.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Macrobrachium lanchesteri is native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It inhabits slow-moving rivers, swamps, ponds, and rice paddies with dense aquatic weeds.
Origine
Cosmopolite ou introduitAsie du Sud et du Sud-EstAsie de l'Est
Profil d'invertébré
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- Macrobrachium lanchesteri is primarily an opportunistic omnivore that constantly scavenges the substrate. Its diet consists of detritus, uneaten fish food, and naturally occurring biofilm in the aquarium. Supplemental feedings of sinking pellets or blanched vegetables can help maintain optimal health.
- Rôle écologique
- Scavenger
- In its natural habitat, Macrobrachium lanchesteri acts as a crucial part of the cleanup crew. It helps to process waste materials and keeps the environment free from decaying organic matter. In captivity, it provides the exact same valuable sanitation services.
- Taille adulte
- 8 cm
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- While not notorious jumpers, Macrobrachium lanchesteri can easily escape if startled by predators or abrupt light changes. A tight-fitting lid is always recommended to ensure they stay safely within the aquarium. Escaped shrimp will quickly desiccate and perish if they breach the water surface.
- Sensibilité aux chocs
- Medium
- Macrobrachium lanchesteri is remarkably sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters such as temperature and salinity. A slow drip acclimation is highly recommended when introducing this invertebrate to a new system. Rapid fluctuations can lead to shock, failed molts, or sudden death.
- Calcium et minéraux
- Medium
- Maintaining adequate calcium levels is essential for Macrobrachium lanchesteri to develop a strong exoskeleton. Calcium deficiencies can result in molting problems and leave the shrimp vulnerable to predators or disease. Regular water changes and calcium-rich diets can support healthy carapace formation.
- Mue
- Yes
- Molting is a critical and stressful period in the life cycle of Macrobrachium lanchesteri. After shedding its exoskeleton, it will instinctively seek hiding places until its new shell hardens. The discarded molt should be left in the tank, as the shrimp will consume it to reclaim valuable minerals.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Macrobrachium lanchesteri in captivity can be challenging depending on the specific larval stages required. Females often carry fertilized eggs under their pleopods until they are ready to hatch. Depending on the species, the young may hatch as miniature adults or undergo complex planktonic stages.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Community
- Macrobrachium lanchesteri is generally peaceful but vulnerable to being eaten by larger, aggressive fish. It is best housed with other small, peaceful tankmates and plenty of hiding spots. Care should be taken to avoid housing it with natural invertebrate predators.
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