Care
The Giant Fan Shrimp originatesfrom fast flowing rivers with rocky substrates on the western coast of Africa from Senegal down to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and from the eastern coast ofSouth America. It is not yet entirely clear whether these two populations arethe same or whether they represent distinct species; this genus is not wellstudied and the South American population density is said to be very low. Most,if not all exports come from various West African countries. These large sizedshrimps may appear rather fearsome at first glance, but they are actually verypeaceful aquarium residents with modified claws (chelae) that resemble fans,which they splay wide like nets in order to catch tiny particles of food. Agood sized, mature aquarium is required, with areas of vigorous current andplenty of shady hiding places. Some wood, flat stones and rocks should beplaced in the path of the flow so that the shrimps may perch there, fanning thewater for food particles. Good filtration, clean and stable water conditions,along with decent water circulation is obviously a must for this species. Thecurrent within the aquarium can be further enhanced by the use of smallpowerheads (be sure that the model you use comes with a protective cage orfilter-sponge underneath to prevent the shrimp from being drawn into themotor). Giant Fan Shrimps are sociable and should be kept in large groups. Onoccasion, they may become a little territorial with each other; however, thisis more noticeable in smaller tanks, which is why it is important to give themspace. These shrimp can be kept safely with plants, although due to the watermovement, hardier species should be chosen. Tankmates should be small andpeaceful - avoid all pufferfish, large barbs, large aggressive botiid loaches,most cichlids etc. These shrimp are often seen in a variety of natural coloursin the shops, from sky blue, mid blue, navy blue, to grey and brown. It isthought that the blue colour becomes much more apparent in harder water andwhen kept on darker substrates. There are also reports of the occasional maleshrimp turning orange or red "“ this is thought to be a display of dominance,but further study is needed. Smaller specimens will moult fairly often, untilthey attain their adult size. Moulting usually takes place overnight, and theshrimp may hide for a few days afterwards whilst the new casing hardens, asnaturally this is when they are at their most vulnerable to predators. Caremust be taken when carrying out partial water changes, as Giant Fan Shrimp,like all shrimp species, are sensitive to fluctuating water temperatures. Tryto ensure that the new (dechlorinated) water closely matches the temperature ofthe tank water. Some fish medications are harmful to shrimp and other invertebrates.If treatments do have to be used in an aquarium containing shrimp, ensure thatit does not contain copper. These shrimp may initially be perceived as being ofa slow and clumsy nature, however, they are actually very agile and areexcellent climbers/escape artists. For these reasons, make sure your shrimptank has tight fitting coverslides.
Feeding
These shrimp filtermicro-organisms from the water, along with tiny particles of fish food. Thediet should be supplemented with tiny frozen foods such as cyclops, babybrineshrimp, daphnia, and microworm, along with regular feedings of zooplanktonor phytoplankton, liquid fry foods, and ground-up flakes.
Breeding
Very challenging. Although itis not uncommon to see eggs being carried by the females, raising thenewly-hatched miniscule translucent larvae presents quite a problem as theyrequire brackish water to change into miniature shrimp (known as post-larvae).The adults will not tolerate salt in the aquarium, which makes transferral andacclimatisation of the larvae into brackish conditions very difficult andrisky. In nature, the larvae would be washed into saltier waters where theywould develop whilst drifting in a planktonic state, and return to freshwaterafter several moults and taking on a miniature shrimp appearance. The minisculesize of the larvae means that an appropriately sized sponge medium must be usedon the sponge filter in the brackish growing-on tank so that the larvae do notget dragged into the sponge filter. The larvae will not tolerate nitrate, sofeeding can also present problems. Small amounts of green marine water aresuggested as a first food.