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[ARRIVED 8-SEP-2025] Long Armed Freshwater Shrimp (Macrobrachium Australiense) 4-6cm

Description

Long Armed Freshwater Shrimp (Macrobrachium australiense)

Large predatory freshwater shrimp with impressive long claws, active hunting behaviour, and strong display appeal

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Macrobrachium australiense
  • Common Name: Long-Armed Freshwater Shrimp
  • Adult Size: Up to 12–15 cm
  • Tank Size: 75L+ minimum
  • Difficulty: 🟠 Intermediate to Advanced
  • Temperament: Predatory / Territorial

Is this for you?

āœ”ļø Good if:

  • You want a unique display shrimp
  • You enjoy predatory aquatic species
  • You keep species-only or specialist tanks
  • You appreciate unusual Australian natives

āŒ Avoid if:

  • You keep nano fish or dwarf shrimp
  • You want a peaceful community shrimp
  • You expect algae-cleaning behaviour only
  • You keep heavily stocked small aquariums

Why this shrimp?

Macrobrachium australiense is a fascinating Australian freshwater prawn known for its elongated claws, active hunting behaviour, and strong territorial personality.

Unlike dwarf shrimp species, this shrimp behaves more like a miniature aquatic predator — constantly exploring, scavenging, and interacting with its environment.

Its size, movement, and unusual appearance make it a standout feature animal for experienced aquarists.

Key Features

  • Long distinctive claws
  • Large freshwater shrimp species
  • Native Australian invertebrate
  • Highly active and interactive behaviour
  • Excellent species-tank display animal

Common mistakes

  • Keeping with small fish or shrimp
  • Underestimating territorial behaviour
  • Providing insufficient hiding spaces
  • Feeding only algae or plant-based foods
  • Using unsecured lids

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–28°C
  • pH: 7.0–7.8
  • Water Type: Clean, oxygen-rich freshwater
  • Diet: Carnivorous / Omnivorous
  • Setup: Caves, driftwood, hiding zones

Feeding

  • Sinking carnivore pellets
  • Frozen bloodworms
  • Mysis shrimp or brine shrimp
  • Pieces of seafood or mussel
  • Occasional scavenged leftovers

Pair with

  • Species-only aquarium
  • Large fast-moving fish
  • Australian river biotope setups
  • Driftwood and rock caves
  • Sandy substrate

Important Notes

  • Predatory species — not shrimp-safe
  • May prey on small fish and snails
  • Colour varies naturally between individuals
  • Requires secure lid to prevent climbing escapes
  • Wild-caught appearance may vary
NTA Insight:
These shrimp are best treated more like a predatory fish than a traditional shrimp. Success comes from respecting their territorial behaviour rather than forcing them into peaceful community setups.

FAQ

Can this shrimp live with small fish?

No. Small fish are at risk of predation.

Is this shrimp aggressive?

Yes. It is territorial and opportunistically predatory.

Can it live with dwarf shrimp?

No. Dwarf shrimp will likely become food.

Do they hide often?

Yes. Hiding is common, especially after moulting or during acclimation.

What tank setup works best?

River-style setups with caves, driftwood, sand, and strong oxygenation.

[ARRIVED 8-SEP-2025] Long Armed Freshwater Shrimp (Macrobrachium Australiense) 4-6cm

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1 in stock

$25.00


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    Description

    Long Armed Freshwater Shrimp (Macrobrachium australiense)

    Large predatory freshwater shrimp with impressive long claws, active hunting behaviour, and strong display appeal

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific Name: Macrobrachium australiense
    • Common Name: Long-Armed Freshwater Shrimp
    • Adult Size: Up to 12–15 cm
    • Tank Size: 75L+ minimum
    • Difficulty: 🟠 Intermediate to Advanced
    • Temperament: Predatory / Territorial

    Is this for you?

    āœ”ļø Good if:

    • You want a unique display shrimp
    • You enjoy predatory aquatic species
    • You keep species-only or specialist tanks
    • You appreciate unusual Australian natives

    āŒ Avoid if:

    • You keep nano fish or dwarf shrimp
    • You want a peaceful community shrimp
    • You expect algae-cleaning behaviour only
    • You keep heavily stocked small aquariums

    Why this shrimp?

    Macrobrachium australiense is a fascinating Australian freshwater prawn known for its elongated claws, active hunting behaviour, and strong territorial personality.

    Unlike dwarf shrimp species, this shrimp behaves more like a miniature aquatic predator — constantly exploring, scavenging, and interacting with its environment.

    Its size, movement, and unusual appearance make it a standout feature animal for experienced aquarists.

    Key Features

    • Long distinctive claws
    • Large freshwater shrimp species
    • Native Australian invertebrate
    • Highly active and interactive behaviour
    • Excellent species-tank display animal

    Common mistakes

    • Keeping with small fish or shrimp
    • Underestimating territorial behaviour
    • Providing insufficient hiding spaces
    • Feeding only algae or plant-based foods
    • Using unsecured lids

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–28°C
    • pH: 7.0–7.8
    • Water Type: Clean, oxygen-rich freshwater
    • Diet: Carnivorous / Omnivorous
    • Setup: Caves, driftwood, hiding zones

    Feeding

    • Sinking carnivore pellets
    • Frozen bloodworms
    • Mysis shrimp or brine shrimp
    • Pieces of seafood or mussel
    • Occasional scavenged leftovers

    Pair with

    • Species-only aquarium
    • Large fast-moving fish
    • Australian river biotope setups
    • Driftwood and rock caves
    • Sandy substrate

    Important Notes

    • Predatory species — not shrimp-safe
    • May prey on small fish and snails
    • Colour varies naturally between individuals
    • Requires secure lid to prevent climbing escapes
    • Wild-caught appearance may vary
    NTA Insight:
    These shrimp are best treated more like a predatory fish than a traditional shrimp. Success comes from respecting their territorial behaviour rather than forcing them into peaceful community setups.

    FAQ

    Can this shrimp live with small fish?

    No. Small fish are at risk of predation.

    Is this shrimp aggressive?

    Yes. It is territorial and opportunistically predatory.

    Can it live with dwarf shrimp?

    No. Dwarf shrimp will likely become food.

    Do they hide often?

    Yes. Hiding is common, especially after moulting or during acclimation.

    What tank setup works best?

    River-style setups with caves, driftwood, sand, and strong oxygenation.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    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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