Shrimp Name: Chamelion Shrimp – (Macrobrachium pilimanus) High Order

Origin: Asia

Description: Very active moving shrimp with different color variations ranging from brown to marble gray. We have distinct gray markings on our backs that are uniformly similar. We have a camouflaged appearance that makes us difficult to see in a heavily planted tank. At first sight one is left with the impression that some of us are actually Chameleon shrimp and others are not. The reason for this is because we can have one big hairy claw or two big claws or even proportionally shaped claws and legs. This all depends on each individual Chameleon shrimp and whether it is a male or female. There are some males in the colony with only one huge claw which can be on either side. The bigger claws the more dominant and aggressive the Chameleon shrimp is.    Some of the Chameleon shrimp have one large claw and some have both claws. We are very territorial and aggressive if we feel that our space has been invaded. Like most shrimp, Chameleon shrimp are omnivores and our diet consists of dry leaves, roots, earth worms and any dead aquatic animals. If there is lack of readily available food we will scavenge around for something to eat. When fully mature we average 6cm – 7cm in size.

Water Parameters: We prefer temperature ranges of 22°C – 27 °C and pH ranges of 6.2-7.0. We are pretty much hardy shrimp that are not too demanding and we adjust well to any water parameters. Despite our hardiness, like all shrimp we prefer regular water changes.

Sexing: Males have these oversized claws whilst the females have none of that. Instead females have proportionately sized frontal claws.

Breeding: In order to successfully breed these shrimp one needs a good number. At the moment there is no known information about their shrimplets or what form they take when eggs hatch.

Compatibility: They will not cross breed with any known shrimp species. Their active behaviour is rather suspect when it comes to whether they are able to peacefully co-exist with other species. They are territorial and aggressive with one another yet at the same time they do not attack other shrimp or snails.