Scissor shrimp chameleon - Macrobrachium scabriculum

The pretty chameleon shrimp belongs to the large arm shrimp and is scientifically called Macrobrachium scabriculum. Originally it comes from Indonesia and India.  Its German name is mainly due to its ability to change color. Young animals seem almost glassy and change color from blue to brown to black, which is why they are so popular. Due to their brash behavior, they are more of a candidate for experienced aquarists.

Male chameleon shrimp reach a size of about 6.5 cm, whereas the females remain rather smaller with 5 cm. The most striking feature is the scissor pelage they develop on one arm. They develop very many and very small eggs, from which up to 2000 tiny larvae hatch, which need seawater for development and later return to freshwater. Therefore, breeding in freshwater is rather impossible.

The aquarium for a chameleon shrimp should have at least 80 liters and be equipped with roots, stone structures secured against falling over and many caves. Especially after molting they prefer to visit these caves. Among themselves the animals behave very territorially and aggressively, why we recommend a single attitude of these interesting shrimps

A socialization with other invertebrates or fishes should be done with caution, because it can happen that small fishes and especially bottom dwelling ones are caught and eaten, also other dwarf and fan shrimps are likely to end up as snacks, the same applies to snails and crayfishes.

The omnivorous chameleon shrimp is not particularly picky in its food requirements. To ensure that it is supplied with all the necessary minerals, we recommend the special MacroFeed. It is also not averse to live and frozen food and can be fed with mosquito larvae from time to time, but also small pieces of unseasoned fish fillets or forage fish, but also food snails.

Our food recommendation: The soft granulate of the Natureholic MacroFeed consists of biologically balanced animal components that the large-armed shrimp 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.