Macrobrachium Rosenbergii 5-8cm

Description

Giant Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

Powerful, intelligent and truly impressive, the Giant Freshwater Prawn is one of the largest freshwater crustaceans available to aquarists. Famous for its enormous blue claws and fascinating territorial behaviour, this species is best suited to experienced keepers looking for a unique centrepiece in a large species-focused aquarium.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Macrobrachium rosenbergii
  • Common names: Giant Freshwater Prawn, Giant River Prawn
  • Current size: Please refer to the selected size option
  • Adult size: Up to 30–35 cm (including claws)
  • Tank size: 300L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟠 Advanced
  • Temperament: Territorial and opportunistic predator
  • Social needs: Best kept singly unless housed in a very large, purpose-designed aquarium

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want a truly unique freshwater centrepiece.
  • You have a large aquarium with excellent filtration.
  • You enjoy observing intelligent invertebrate behaviour.
  • You have experience keeping large crustaceans or predatory species.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep community fish or ornamental shrimp.
  • You have a nano or planted aquarium.
  • You want a peaceful clean-up crew.
  • You cannot provide plenty of hiding places during moulting.

Why choose the Giant Freshwater Prawn?

The Giant Freshwater Prawn is one of the most impressive freshwater invertebrates in the world. Mature males develop spectacular elongated blue claws that can exceed the length of their body, creating an unforgettable display.

Highly intelligent and constantly active, they spend their time exploring the aquarium, manipulating objects with their claws and investigating every corner of their environment. Their behaviour is often compared to that of a freshwater lobster, although they belong to a completely different group of crustaceans.

As they mature, Giant Freshwater Prawns become increasingly territorial and opportunistic. Their size and strength mean they should be viewed as predatory invertebrates rather than ornamental shrimp.

Benefits

  • One of the world's largest freshwater prawns
  • Magnificent blue claws on mature males
  • Highly intelligent and interactive
  • Fascinating natural behaviours
  • Excellent conversation-piece species
  • Long-lived with proper care

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–30°C
  • pH: 7.0–8.2
  • Diet: Quality crustacean pellets, sinking carnivore foods, prawns, mussels, earthworms, insects and occasional vegetables
  • Water: Clean, stable and highly filtered
  • Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel
  • Setup: Large caves, driftwood, PVC shelters and multiple hiding places for moulting
  • Provide secure hiding places during moulting, when the prawn is especially vulnerable.
  • Avoid housing with small fish, shrimp or slow-moving tank mates that may become prey.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Species-only aquariums
  • Large Silver Dollars
  • Large Plecos
  • Robust Datnoids
  • Large peaceful catfish (with caution)
NTA Insight:
Although sold as a freshwater species, Macrobrachium rosenbergii has a fascinating life cycle. Adults live in freshwater, but newly hatched larvae naturally develop in brackish water before migrating back upstream. This means breeding them in the home aquarium is extremely challenging. Also remember that as these prawns mature, they become far more powerful and territorial than most hobbyists expect—plan your aquarium around the adult, not the juvenile.

FAQ

How large do Giant Freshwater Prawns grow?

Large males can reach around 30–35 cm in total length when their impressive claws are included, making them one of the largest freshwater prawns available.

Are Giant Freshwater Prawns aggressive?

They are territorial and opportunistic predators. Smaller fish, shrimp and other invertebrates may eventually become food.

Can they live with fish?

Only carefully selected, robust fish should be considered, and even then compatibility cannot be guaranteed. Many aquarists choose to keep them in species-focused aquariums.

Do they moult?

Yes. Like all crustaceans, they regularly moult as they grow. During this time they are soft-bodied and require secure hiding places until their new shell hardens.

Can Giant Freshwater Prawns breed in freshwater?

No. Although adults live in freshwater, the larvae require brackish water to develop successfully, making captive breeding considerably more complex.

What do Giant Freshwater Prawns eat?

They are omnivorous with a strong preference for meaty foods. Offer quality sinking crustacean pellets alongside prawns, mussels, worms and other protein-rich foods.

Are they suitable for beginners?

They are best suited to experienced aquarists who can provide a large aquarium and understand the needs of territorial freshwater crustaceans.

How long do Giant Freshwater Prawns live?

With excellent care, Giant Freshwater Prawns typically live for 3–5 years.

Macrobrachium Rosenbergii 5-8cm

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$30.00


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    Description

    Giant Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

    Powerful, intelligent and truly impressive, the Giant Freshwater Prawn is one of the largest freshwater crustaceans available to aquarists. Famous for its enormous blue claws and fascinating territorial behaviour, this species is best suited to experienced keepers looking for a unique centrepiece in a large species-focused aquarium.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Macrobrachium rosenbergii
    • Common names: Giant Freshwater Prawn, Giant River Prawn
    • Current size: Please refer to the selected size option
    • Adult size: Up to 30–35 cm (including claws)
    • Tank size: 300L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟠 Advanced
    • Temperament: Territorial and opportunistic predator
    • Social needs: Best kept singly unless housed in a very large, purpose-designed aquarium

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want a truly unique freshwater centrepiece.
    • You have a large aquarium with excellent filtration.
    • You enjoy observing intelligent invertebrate behaviour.
    • You have experience keeping large crustaceans or predatory species.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep community fish or ornamental shrimp.
    • You have a nano or planted aquarium.
    • You want a peaceful clean-up crew.
    • You cannot provide plenty of hiding places during moulting.

    Why choose the Giant Freshwater Prawn?

    The Giant Freshwater Prawn is one of the most impressive freshwater invertebrates in the world. Mature males develop spectacular elongated blue claws that can exceed the length of their body, creating an unforgettable display.

    Highly intelligent and constantly active, they spend their time exploring the aquarium, manipulating objects with their claws and investigating every corner of their environment. Their behaviour is often compared to that of a freshwater lobster, although they belong to a completely different group of crustaceans.

    As they mature, Giant Freshwater Prawns become increasingly territorial and opportunistic. Their size and strength mean they should be viewed as predatory invertebrates rather than ornamental shrimp.

    Benefits

    • One of the world's largest freshwater prawns
    • Magnificent blue claws on mature males
    • Highly intelligent and interactive
    • Fascinating natural behaviours
    • Excellent conversation-piece species
    • Long-lived with proper care

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–30°C
    • pH: 7.0–8.2
    • Diet: Quality crustacean pellets, sinking carnivore foods, prawns, mussels, earthworms, insects and occasional vegetables
    • Water: Clean, stable and highly filtered
    • Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel
    • Setup: Large caves, driftwood, PVC shelters and multiple hiding places for moulting
    • Provide secure hiding places during moulting, when the prawn is especially vulnerable.
    • Avoid housing with small fish, shrimp or slow-moving tank mates that may become prey.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Species-only aquariums
    • Large Silver Dollars
    • Large Plecos
    • Robust Datnoids
    • Large peaceful catfish (with caution)
    NTA Insight:
    Although sold as a freshwater species, Macrobrachium rosenbergii has a fascinating life cycle. Adults live in freshwater, but newly hatched larvae naturally develop in brackish water before migrating back upstream. This means breeding them in the home aquarium is extremely challenging. Also remember that as these prawns mature, they become far more powerful and territorial than most hobbyists expect—plan your aquarium around the adult, not the juvenile.

    FAQ

    How large do Giant Freshwater Prawns grow?

    Large males can reach around 30–35 cm in total length when their impressive claws are included, making them one of the largest freshwater prawns available.

    Are Giant Freshwater Prawns aggressive?

    They are territorial and opportunistic predators. Smaller fish, shrimp and other invertebrates may eventually become food.

    Can they live with fish?

    Only carefully selected, robust fish should be considered, and even then compatibility cannot be guaranteed. Many aquarists choose to keep them in species-focused aquariums.

    Do they moult?

    Yes. Like all crustaceans, they regularly moult as they grow. During this time they are soft-bodied and require secure hiding places until their new shell hardens.

    Can Giant Freshwater Prawns breed in freshwater?

    No. Although adults live in freshwater, the larvae require brackish water to develop successfully, making captive breeding considerably more complex.

    What do Giant Freshwater Prawns eat?

    They are omnivorous with a strong preference for meaty foods. Offer quality sinking crustacean pellets alongside prawns, mussels, worms and other protein-rich foods.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    They are best suited to experienced aquarists who can provide a large aquarium and understand the needs of territorial freshwater crustaceans.

    How long do Giant Freshwater Prawns live?

    With excellent care, Giant Freshwater Prawns typically live for 3–5 years.

    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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