Nigerian hover shrimp, Desmocaris trispinosa

The scientific name of the floating shrimp is Desmocaris trispinosa. Often this shrimp species is also called Guinea floating shrimp or Nigerian shrimp. The floating shrimp originates from West and Central Africa. Here it lives in still or weakly flowing waters or also in swamps.

The Nigerian shrimp is especially popular because of its typical behavior. Unlike many other shrimps it does not only stay on the bottom, but also swims and floats very often through the water. This is helped by their specially shaped swimming legs, which allow them to swim both forward and backward.

From their appearance Nigerian Floating Shrimp are rather inconspicuous transparent or sometimes slightly yellowish colored. Conspicuous and typical for this species, however, are the large dark eyes. The males reach a size of up to 3.5 cm, the females are slightly larger with up to 4.5 cm.

The aquarium in which hover shrimp are kept can be densely planted to some extent, but should still provide enough open space for swimming. The aquarium should have only a slight current. Only then the animals feel comfortable and like to float through the water. The Guinea Floating Shrimp prefers a temperature between 22 and 28 °C. The pH-value should be between 6 and 8. The total hardness may be up to 20°dGH, the carbon hardness up to 3 °dGH. At least 10 animals should be kept together in a group. The tank should have a capacity of at least 50 liters or more and a length of at least 60 cm. Only then the animals have enough space and room to swim and float freely. Since the floating shrimp can also climb and jump, the aquarium should also be escape-proof.

As far as food is concerned, the floating shrimp are less demanding. Basically, any dwarf shrimp food can be fed here. Since the animals like to eat at the bottom, sinking food is suitable here. However, it is important for the floating shrimp to be fed with a suitable high-protein food, which may be given three times a week. They are very fond of brown autumn leaves, which can remain as permanent food in the aquarium.

Like many shrimp species, hover shrimp release fully developed young. The gestation period of the females is between 5 and 6 weeks, usually there are between 10 and 15 young. These are significantly larger than other shrimp babies.

If possible, a species tank should be set up for the Nigerian Dwarf Shrimp. Free swimming larger fish can disturb the shrimp and make them less willing to swim and float. The socialization with nano fish, snails and other dwarf shrimp however is unproblematic. The Nigerian Slover Shrimp does not interbreed with any other shrimp species.

Our food recommendation: The soft granulate of the Natureholic MacroFeed consists of biologically balanced animal components that large-armed shrimps would find in nature in this or a similar way. This supports  in a completely natural way the moulting, the development and a healthy growth of your fascinating large arm shrimps in the aquarium.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.