Macrobrachium aspelurum 1-1.5 cm Freshwater Prawn

Overview

Macrobrachium aspelurum is a small freshwater prawn from the genus Macrobrachium, a group known for its long claws, active foraging and interesting social behaviour. Offered here at around 1-1.5 cm, these juveniles are a superb choice for aquarists looking to keep something a little different from the usual shrimp species. As they grow, they become more visible and characterful, spending much of their time exploring the substrate, scavenging for food and interacting with their environment.

This species is best suited to aquarists with some invertebrate experience, as Macrobrachium prawns can be opportunistic and may become territorial as they mature. With the right setup, however, they make rewarding display animals and can be kept successfully in a well-maintained freshwater aquarium. Every order is packed with care and dispatched with fast UK delivery, backed by our live arrival guarantee for peace of mind.

Because this is a live aquatic invertebrate, we recommend a mature aquarium with stable water conditions, plenty of hiding places and a varied diet. Their behaviour is most enjoyable when they have space to roam and a naturalistic layout with wood, rocks and plants.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Macrobrachium prawns are found in freshwater and brackish habitats across tropical and subtropical regions, often living in rivers, streams, floodplains and estuaries. While the exact ecology of M. aspelurum is less commonly encountered in the hobby than some of its relatives, it should be treated as a freshwater prawn adapted to warm, oxygenated water with access to cover and food-rich areas.

In nature, prawns like these spend much of their time among leaf litter, submerged roots, stones and marginal vegetation. They are opportunistic feeders and will graze, scavenge and hunt tiny food items. This natural behaviour translates well to aquariums with a varied substrate and plenty of structure. A tank that mimics a slow-moving river edge or sheltered stream section is ideal.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

A well-planned aquarium is essential for long-term success. A minimum of 60 litres is recommended for a small group or a single specimen, although larger tanks are always better if you want to observe natural behaviour and reduce territorial disputes. Use a secure lid, as prawns can climb and may explore outside the tank if given the chance.

Provide a soft sand or fine gravel substrate, along with driftwood, rocks, ceramic caves and dense planting. Java fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne and hardy stem plants work well, but avoid delicate plants if you expect the prawns to forage actively. Hiding places are especially important during moulting, when they are vulnerable and need shelter from tank mates.

Good filtration and stable water quality are vital. Aim for gentle to moderate flow, as these prawns appreciate oxygenated water but do not need strong current blasting across the tank. Regular maintenance and partial water changes help keep nitrate low and support healthy moulting. As with all invertebrates, avoid copper-based medications and check any fertilisers or treatments before use.

Recommended parameters: temperature 22-28°C, pH 6.5-7.8, with clean, well-oxygenated water and stable hardness. Sudden swings in temperature or chemistry should be avoided. Acclimate slowly using a drip method whenever possible, especially for smaller juveniles.

Feeding Guide

Macrobrachium aspelurum is an omnivore with a strong scavenging instinct. In the aquarium it should be offered a varied diet to support growth, moulting and colour development. Good staple foods include quality sinking pellets, invertebrate pellets, algae wafers and crushed crustacean foods. Supplement this with blanched vegetables such as courgette, spinach and peas, plus occasional protein-rich foods like frozen bloodworm, daphnia or chopped shellfish in small amounts.

Feed sparingly and remove uneaten food to maintain water quality. Juveniles may feed more frequently than adults, while mature prawns often graze throughout the day and night. A calcium-rich diet is beneficial for healthy exoskeleton development, particularly during growth phases and after moulting.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Compatibility depends on the size and temperament of the prawn as it matures. Young specimens may be relatively peaceful, but adult Macrobrachium prawns can become assertive and may nip slow-moving fish, small shrimp or weak tank mates. The safest approach is a species tank or a carefully chosen community with robust, fast fish that occupy the upper levels of the aquarium.

Best companions include peaceful midwater fish that are too quick or too large to be seen as prey, provided the tank is spacious and well structured. Avoid very small fish, ornamental shrimp, snails you wish to keep intact, and any tank mate that may harass the prawn during moulting. Do not house with aggressive cichlids, large predatory fish or other territorial crustaceans unless you have a very large, highly structured aquarium and experience with mixed invertebrate systems.

For the best results, keep one prawn per tank or provide ample space and multiple shelters if keeping more than one. Observing their interactions is fascinating, but territorial behaviour can increase as they grow.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we specialise in healthy, well-conditioned aquatic livestock packed with care for the journey to your door. Your Macrobrachium aspelurum will be dispatched using reliable, temperature-conscious packing methods and sent with fast UK delivery wherever possible. We understand how important it is to receive live animals in excellent condition, which is why every order is supported by our live arrival guarantee.

We also aim to provide clear, practical husbandry information so you can set up your aquarium with confidence before your new prawn arrives. Whether you are building a specialist invertebrate tank or adding an unusual focal species to a mature freshwater setup, we are here to help you choose the right livestock and care for it properly. Shop with confidence and enjoy a distinctive freshwater invertebrate that brings constant movement and interest to the aquarium.