Petshrimp.com Discussion Forum

How large should a tank be for 5 Macrobrachium assamensis? I know they are rather agressive, so I'm planning 72 litres. Too big a tank or too small?

Hi Jackie,

That is *way* too small for those guys, especially if you have several males. Try twice that size at least for best results.

Mustafa

Petshrimp.com wrote:That is *way* too small for those guys, especially if you have several males. Try twice that size at least for best results.

Hi Mustafa,

I'm getting scared
And I'm the one who thought nothing could be more agressive than Malawi cichlids...

Hi Jackie,

Remember that Cichlids have a 3 dimensional territory, whereas the shrimp only walk around on the ground and thus have a 2 dimensional territory. So...how much "bottom space" you have is more important, in terms of territories, than how many liters or gallons your tank holds.


Take care,
Mustafa

Petshrimp.com wrote:Remember that Cichlids have a 3 dimensional territory, whereas the shrimp only walk around on the ground and thus have a 2 dimensional territory. So...how much "bottom space" you have is more important, in terms of territories, than how many liters of gallons your tank holds.

Hi Mustafa

In other words, the tank may be a little lower than the traditional ones?

Another question - are the females of the Machrobrachium as agressive as the males?

Yes, they can be lower. As to the females...yes, they are usually less aggressive since they are lacking the huge claws the males have. But that is not always the case....plus..there are individual differences, too.

Take care,
Mustafa

Jackie wrote: And I'm the one who thought nothing could be more agressive than Malawi cichlids...

It is also important to remember that while Malawi cichlids are agressive and territorial, many (like mbuna) are not macro-pedators. Machrobrachium on the other hand are predatory.