Macrobrachium Australiense Shrimp 1-3cm

Description

Long-Armed Freshwater Shrimp (Macrobrachium australiense)

Australia's fascinating native freshwater prawn, featuring impressive long claws, incredible personality, and captivating hunting behaviour.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Macrobrachium australiense
  • Size: ~10–15 cm (adults)
  • Tank size: 75L+ recommended (larger for adults)
  • Difficulty: 🟔 Intermediate
  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive / Predatory
  • Best kept: Singly or carefully planned setups

Is this for you?

āœ”ļø Good if:

  • You want an unusual Australian native species
  • You enjoy observing natural hunting behaviour
  • You're setting up a species or biotope aquarium
  • You appreciate intelligent invertebrates with personality

āŒ Avoid if:

  • You keep dwarf shrimp or small snails
  • You have tiny community fish such as Neon Tetras
  • You expect a peaceful algae-eating shrimp
  • You have a heavily stocked nano aquarium

Why this shrimp?

Macrobrachium australiense is one of Australia's most fascinating freshwater prawns. Unlike ornamental dwarf shrimp, this species develops impressive elongated claws and actively explores every part of the aquarium with remarkable confidence and intelligence.

They are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, constantly searching for worms, insects, crustaceans, and leftover food. Watching them stalk prey, investigate decorations, and interact with their environment makes them one of the most engaging freshwater invertebrates available.

Although peaceful toward larger tank mates, they should be regarded as predators and housed accordingly.

Common mistakes

  • Keeping them with Cherry Shrimp or other dwarf shrimp
  • Housing them with very small fish
  • Not providing hiding places for moulting
  • Underfeeding, leading to increased predatory behaviour
  • Using an aquarium without a secure lid

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–28°C
  • pH: 7.0–7.8
  • Diet: Carnivore/omnivore pellets, frozen foods, worms, insects, seafood and quality shrimp foods
  • Water: Clean, well-oxygenated freshwater
  • Setup: Sand or gravel substrate with driftwood, rocks, caves and hiding places

Pair with

  • Larger Rainbowfish
  • Larger native Australian fish
  • Driftwood and river stones
  • Caves and PVC shelters
  • High-protein crustacean foods
NTA Insight:
This isn't a "cleanup shrimp" like Cherry Shrimp or Amano Shrimp. Macrobrachium australiense behaves much more like a miniature freshwater lobster. They're incredibly intelligent, interactive, and full of personality, making them one of our favourite Australian native species for experienced hobbyists who appreciate natural predator behaviour.

FAQ

Can I keep them with Cherry Shrimp?

No. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Shrimp and other dwarf shrimp will eventually become food. Macrobrachium australiense is a natural predator.

Are they safe with fish?

They are generally safe with larger, active fish, but very small, slow-moving or sleeping fish may be at risk. Choose tank mates carefully.

How big do they grow?

Adults can reach approximately 10–15 cm, including their impressive long claws, making them much larger than typical ornamental shrimp.

Do they eat algae?

Not primarily. They are opportunistic carnivores and scavengers that prefer meaty foods, worms, insects, crustaceans and leftover protein-rich foods.

Do they moult like other shrimp?

Yes. Like all freshwater shrimp, they periodically moult their exoskeleton. During this time they are vulnerable, so plenty of caves and hiding places are essential.

Macrobrachium Australiense Shrimp 1-3cm

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1 in stock  

$25.00


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    Description

    Long-Armed Freshwater Shrimp (Macrobrachium australiense)

    Australia's fascinating native freshwater prawn, featuring impressive long claws, incredible personality, and captivating hunting behaviour.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Macrobrachium australiense
    • Size: ~10–15 cm (adults)
    • Tank size: 75L+ recommended (larger for adults)
    • Difficulty: 🟔 Intermediate
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive / Predatory
    • Best kept: Singly or carefully planned setups

    Is this for you?

    āœ”ļø Good if:

    • You want an unusual Australian native species
    • You enjoy observing natural hunting behaviour
    • You're setting up a species or biotope aquarium
    • You appreciate intelligent invertebrates with personality

    āŒ Avoid if:

    • You keep dwarf shrimp or small snails
    • You have tiny community fish such as Neon Tetras
    • You expect a peaceful algae-eating shrimp
    • You have a heavily stocked nano aquarium

    Why this shrimp?

    Macrobrachium australiense is one of Australia's most fascinating freshwater prawns. Unlike ornamental dwarf shrimp, this species develops impressive elongated claws and actively explores every part of the aquarium with remarkable confidence and intelligence.

    They are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, constantly searching for worms, insects, crustaceans, and leftover food. Watching them stalk prey, investigate decorations, and interact with their environment makes them one of the most engaging freshwater invertebrates available.

    Although peaceful toward larger tank mates, they should be regarded as predators and housed accordingly.

    Common mistakes

    • Keeping them with Cherry Shrimp or other dwarf shrimp
    • Housing them with very small fish
    • Not providing hiding places for moulting
    • Underfeeding, leading to increased predatory behaviour
    • Using an aquarium without a secure lid

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–28°C
    • pH: 7.0–7.8
    • Diet: Carnivore/omnivore pellets, frozen foods, worms, insects, seafood and quality shrimp foods
    • Water: Clean, well-oxygenated freshwater
    • Setup: Sand or gravel substrate with driftwood, rocks, caves and hiding places

    Pair with

    • Larger Rainbowfish
    • Larger native Australian fish
    • Driftwood and river stones
    • Caves and PVC shelters
    • High-protein crustacean foods
    NTA Insight:
    This isn't a "cleanup shrimp" like Cherry Shrimp or Amano Shrimp. Macrobrachium australiense behaves much more like a miniature freshwater lobster. They're incredibly intelligent, interactive, and full of personality, making them one of our favourite Australian native species for experienced hobbyists who appreciate natural predator behaviour.

    FAQ

    Can I keep them with Cherry Shrimp?

    No. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Shrimp and other dwarf shrimp will eventually become food. Macrobrachium australiense is a natural predator.

    Are they safe with fish?

    They are generally safe with larger, active fish, but very small, slow-moving or sleeping fish may be at risk. Choose tank mates carefully.

    How big do they grow?

    Adults can reach approximately 10–15 cm, including their impressive long claws, making them much larger than typical ornamental shrimp.

    Do they eat algae?

    Not primarily. They are opportunistic carnivores and scavengers that prefer meaty foods, worms, insects, crustaceans and leftover protein-rich foods.

    Do they moult like other shrimp?

    Yes. Like all freshwater shrimp, they periodically moult their exoskeleton. During this time they are vulnerable, so plenty of caves and hiding places are essential.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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