So I was thinking about getting a Giant freshwater prawn because they look pretty BA. But I should confirm several questions before I plan to get one. They have very long and biggish claws, but since it's a prawn and not a crayfish, are their claws any threat to smaller fish or other bigger fish? I honestly think they're too slow and long to maneuver well honestly it seems like to me they dont use them to feed or self defense. And my other question is, but to a much lesser degree since they have a carapace, would fish bully them to a considerable amount to be worried? Otherwise, would it be a good idea to have one as pet/bottom cleaner? Thank you for your time.
Question About Giant fresh Prawns
- Thread starter Fishowner
- Start date
I used to use these guys as feeders for my fire eel, so yes they can be preyed upon quite easily depending on the fish they are kept with...
they are many species of this prawn. most are freshwater i believe. they even farm them for food. as for keeping with fish, that depends on the prawn specie. there dwarf prawns (little bigger than amano) and there are giant ones. so you have to find out which ones you buy
Keeping them with fish is difficult. I have 3 rosenbergii now all in their own large dedicated tanks. This species can get over 12" body alone. The males will have claws that can be well over double the length of their body. They can be quite active when hungry-much faster than your average scavenging invert. I've fed minnows to mine and the prawn will use their larger claws to spear them right out of the water column. The only fish I've seen that seem to somewhat co-exist with prawn are very large plecos.. even that is a precarious scenario if the prawn gets "bored". Put it this way: It looks like I have duck weed at the tops of my tanks. This is due to the prawn munching on the fake plants in their tanks and spitting out the remains.
Truly fascinating creatures though. So much personality. Anyone who sees mine in person, wants to get one.
Truly fascinating creatures though. So much personality. Anyone who sees mine in person, wants to get one.
This one is about 6 months old. Maybe 5" shell with 12" long claws.
not my image
I would not keep that prawn with fish -or let it that close to my face
Atya gabonensis -Giant African Filter Shrimp, Vampire Shrimp, Cameroon Fan Shrimp ect.
gets half the size and it's a lot less murderous
gets half the size and it's a lot less murderous
I've had vampire shrimp and they are really neat creatures but they seem to startle easily. Perhaps they would feed at night with fish in a tank. A tetra tank or something similar with docile fish would be best.
That photo of the guy holding a prawn is massively doctored btw. They get quite large but not near that big.
That photo of the guy holding a prawn is massively doctored btw. They get quite large but not near that big.