Atya scabra

About This Species

Basic Description

The Rough-Clawed Shrimp, often called the Cameroon Fan Shrimp, is a large, peaceful crustacean for bigger freshwater aquariums. It has special fan-like front claws that it uses to filter tiny food particles out of the water current. Because of this, it needs a tank with strong water movement where it can sit on rocks or wood to catch its food. This shrimp is interesting to watch but can be a bit tricky for beginners because of its specific needs. Be sure to have a tight-fitting lid, as they are known to sometimes climb out of the tank.

Detailed Description

Atya scabra is a fascinating detritivore native to fast-flowing rivers in Western Africa and the Americas. Its most notable trait is its feeding method; it uses modified chelae as fans to capture suspended organic matter, biofilm, and powdered foods from the water column. Consequently, high water flow is not just preferred but essential for its health and natural feeding behavior. They are moderately active, slow-moving bottom-dwellers that are generally peaceful but whose large size requires cauion when choosing tank mates. Breeding in an aquarium setting is exceptionally difficult as it requires special conditions; the larvae must migrate to a brackish or saltwater environment to undergo their development before returning to freshwater as post-larvae.

Scientific Description

Atya scabra is a decapod crustacean of the Atyidae family, with a notable amphidromous life cycle and a wide distribution across West Africa and the Neotropics. Ecologically, it functions as a detritivore, efficiently consuming suspended particulate matter and biofilm, which dictates its preference for high-flow freshwater habitats. Its physiological profile shows a moderate metabolic rate, oxygen demand, and waste output, resulting in a bioload factor of 2.8. Reproduction in captivity is rarely successful due to the complex larval stage, which requires saline conditions for metamorphosis. The species is characterized by its significant size and a lifespan that can reach up to five years, making it a long-lived specimen among freshwater shrimp.