long-arm shrimp ID please

[fatboy]

I've 2 different types of macrobrachium (long arm) shrimp and could use some help identifying species.

First up is Prawny Bob, who I think is a chameleon shrimp (m. pilimanus). I've seen similar shrimp called Rainbow shrimp and I'm not sure if that's a different name for the same species.

http://www.fishystuff.co.uk/bobbig.jpg

Here's a picture where you can see his big hairy claw better. It was on the left side previously and now has grown on the right side.

http://www.fishystuff.co.uk/bobclaw.jpg

The second type was bought as a 'chocolate swamp prawn'. Neither of mine have hairy claws but some larger ones in the shop tank had huge claws, both thicker and harier than mine.

I've seen this called a chameleon shrimp online but it's clearly different to the one above. It's fatter and instead of swimming legs it has what appear to be small plates. Any idea what the scientific and common names are?

http://www.fishystuff.co.uk/swampshrimpsingle.jpg

All 3 of my macrobrachium shrimp are in a 20 gallon tank with 3 dwarf puffers, 4 otocynclus catfish and about 8 yamato shrimp. They're macrobrachium love bloodworm and tropical flake.

[Veneer]

I've 2 different types of macrobrachium (long arm) shrimp and could use some help id[QUOTE=fatboy]I've 2 different types of macrobrachium (long arm) shrimp and could use some help identifying species.

First up is Prawny Bob, who I think is a chameleon shrimp (m. pilimanus). I've seen similar shrimp called Rainbow shrimp and I'm not sure if that's a different name for the same species.

"Prawny Bob" is indeed an M. pilimanus. I've only seen the heading of "rainbow shrimp" in the context of any of several small Carideans (though common names undoubtedly constitute a point of variance between the U.K. and U.S. aquarium hobbies). If possible, attempt to obtain an image of said "rainbow shrimp".


The second type was bought as a 'chocolate swamp prawn'. Neither of mine have hairy claws but some larger ones in the shop tank had huge claws, both thicker and harier than mine.

I've seen this called a chameleon shrimp online but it's clearly different to the one above. It's fatter and instead of swimming legs it has what appear to be small plates. Any idea what the scientific and common names are?

Do the plates flutter in a manner similar to that of your true chameleon shrimp's "swimming legs"? If so, they're likely both pleopods of slightly different form.

Search online for images of "chocolate shrimp" and Macrobrachium sp. "choco" (a possibly distinct species).


All 3 of my macrobrachium shrimp are in a 20 gallon tank with 3 dwarf puffers, 4 otocynclus catfish and about 8 yamato shrimp. They're macrobrachium love bloodworm and tropical flake.

Be aware that your Macrobrachium spp. may develop predatory tendencies as they age.

[fatboy]

"Prawny Bob" is indeed an M. pilimanus. I've only seen the heading of "rainbow shrimp" in the context of any of several small Carideans (though common names undoubtedly constitute a point of variance between the U.K. and U.S. aquarium hobbies). If possible, attempt to obtain an image of said "rainbow shrimp".


Here's what rainbow shrimp, as sold over here, look like. When my m. pilimanis was smaller he did look very similar to that and I can see how the error could be made, confusing a juvenile of one species with an adult of another.

wirbellose.de/arten.cgi?action=show&artNo=029

I've had a look for choco or chocolate shrimp and found a German site with a 'macrobrachium choco'. It look quite different to mine.
wirbellose.de/arten.cgi?action=show&artNo=044

There's also the 'schoko garnelle' (chocolate shrimp), again not too similar:
aqua-global.de/Bilder/Macrobrachium_sp_Schoko.jpg

I'm going to call the shop I bought them from and see if they've still got the shipping note with more details.

I hope they don't become too aggressive. If I had to choose the fish would go and the shrimp would get the tank to themselves. These shrimp are fascinating. :)

[Veneer]

Though they do appear outwardly similar to young Macrobrachium pilimanus, those "rainbow shrimp" are Carideans, more closely affined with RCS and the like than with Palaemonids.

[kross]

Hmmm.....your "prawny bob" looks very similar to mine. I will try to post a pic of my pair if they decided to come out from hiding. lol

btw, my pair have eaten some malayans, a brigittae, a scarlet badi, 2 pearl shrimps and a 2 horn (miner) snails. >( Just took out my injured oto and a larger snail. They usually prey when lights off.

Any idea if this species require brackish water for the eggs to hatch suscessfully? Mine was carrying eggs couple of weeks back.

[Walter]

Very nice one there. Although I have no idea what species are those. :D

But from the top, of course minusing away those arms :p, they look like huge malayans. lol Probably cause of the stripe hehe..