Malaysian Glass Shrimp

The Malaysian glass shrimp is a small Macrobrachium species living in the ponds, rice paddies and slow-flowing canals of Southeast Asia. Its body is almost completely transparent. It is much smaller and calmer than the large, aggressive species of its genus, but it is still an opportunistic predator. Unlike most of its relatives, its young can develop in fresh water; that is why it can breed in the aquarium. It is sometimes also sold under the name "ghost shrimp".

• 30 liters or more for a small group; dense plants and hiding places.
• 24–27°C, near-neutral, soft to moderately hard water.
• A lid is recommended; it may jump when startled.
• Stay away from medications and fertilizers containing copper.

Omnivorous. It eats leftover food, biofilm, granules and flakes, sinking tablets and small frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms). Well-fed individuals show less interest in other animals.

Individuals may jostle each other over food and space. It can catch fish fry, very small fish and dwarf shrimp babies; it leaves adult medium-sized fish alone.

Good companions: Medium-sized peaceful fish (tetras, barbs, gouramis), corydoras, large snails.

Avoid: Valuable dwarf shrimp colonies, aquariums where fry are being raised, very small fish and fish large enough to eat it.