Bamboo Shrimp
Atya lanipes
Bamboo Shrimp
Atya lanipes
The Bamboo Shrimp or Fan Shrimp, scientifically known as Atya lanipes, is an interesting and quite captivating freshwater shrimp found on the beautiful island of Barbados. This particular species is known for its unique appearance and fascinating feeding behavior.
The Bamboo Shrimp has a slender and elongated body, which resembles a stalk of bamboo, giving it its common name, reaching up to 3 inches in length. It features long, delicate appendages that it uses to filter-feed. The shrimp’s coloration can vary, ranging from shades of brown to vibrant red or even green.
This Shrimp is typically found in slow-moving fresh water streams that connect to the sea. They are excellent climbers and can be found in the upper parts of streams, clinging to plants, boulders and rocks with its specialized front appendages, known as fans. These fans are covered in fine bristles that create a filtering net, allowing the shrimp to catch tiny particles and microorganisms from the water column. They have a unique feeding behavior where they extend their fans into the water, gently swaying them back and forth to capture microscopic food particles.
Bamboo Shrimp are generally peaceful omnivorous, consuming both organic matter and microorganisms in the water. These shrimp lay eggs that hatch and flow down to the ocean. The larvae stay in the ocean for a few months and then spend the rest of their lives in the stream.
This Shrimp is typically found in slow-moving fresh water streams that connect to the sea. They are excellent climbers and can be found in the upper parts of streams, clinging to plants, boulders and rocks with its specialized front appendages, known as fans.
They have a unique feeding behavior where they extend their fans into the water, gently swaying them back and forth to capture microscopic food particles.
These shrimp lay eggs that hatch and flow down to the ocean. The larvae stay in the ocean for a few months and then spend the rest of their lives in the stream.
St. Philip
Atya lanipes
The Bamboo Shrimp or Fan Shrimp, scientifically known as Atya lanipes, is an interesting and quite captivating freshwater shrimp found on the beautiful island of Barbados. This particular species is known for its unique appearance and fascinating feeding behavior.
The Bamboo Shrimp has a slender and elongated body, which resembles a stalk of bamboo, giving it its common name, reaching up to 3 inches in length. It features long, delicate appendages that it uses to filter-feed. The shrimp’s coloration can vary, ranging from shades of brown to vibrant red or even green.
This Shrimp is typically found in slow-moving fresh water streams that connect to the sea. They are excellent climbers and can be found in the upper parts of streams, clinging to plants, boulders and rocks with its specialized front appendages, known as fans. These fans are covered in fine bristles that create a filtering net, allowing the shrimp to catch tiny particles and microorganisms from the water column. They have a unique feeding behavior where they extend their fans into the water, gently swaying them back and forth to capture microscopic food particles.
Bamboo Shrimp are generally peaceful omnivorous, consuming both organic matter and microorganisms in the water. These shrimp lay eggs that hatch and flow down to the ocean. The larvae stay in the ocean for a few months and then spend the rest of their lives in the stream.
This Shrimp is typically found in slow-moving fresh water streams that connect to the sea. They are excellent climbers and can be found in the upper parts of streams, clinging to plants, boulders and rocks with its specialized front appendages, known as fans.
They have a unique feeding behavior where they extend their fans into the water, gently swaying them back and forth to capture microscopic food particles.
These shrimp lay eggs that hatch and flow down to the ocean. The larvae stay in the ocean for a few months and then spend the rest of their lives in the stream.
St. Philip
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