Giant Freshwater Prawn

The giant freshwater prawn is one of the largest freshwater shrimp in the world and is widely farmed for food. In adult males the second pair of legs is very long and slender and ends in bright blue claws; these claws can be even longer than the body. It is usually bought for the aquarium when small, but it grows quickly and turns into a powerful predator. Because its larvae develop in brackish water, breeding it at home is laborious.

• 200 liters or more for a single adult, with a large floor area.
• 26–29°C, neutral to alkaline, moderately hard to hard water; a strong filter and good oxygenation.
• Large caves; it hides after molting.
• A tight lid is essential; when startled it can shoot out with a powerful leap.

Omnivorous and greedy. It eats sinking tablets, granules, blanched vegetables, and fish, mussel and shrimp meat. Excess food quickly increases waste; remove leftovers.

Nocturnal, territorial and predatory. It catches sleeping fish, shrimp and snails; it attacks members of its own species, especially those that are molting.

Good companions: It should be kept alone. In very large aquariums, fish too large and fast for it to catch can be tried.

Avoid: Small and medium-sized fish, bottom-dwelling fish, all shrimp, snails, crayfish.