Family: Palaemonidae
Oriental River Prawn — a long-clawed native giant. Reaches 6–9 cm at 18–28 °C; keep only with similar-sized tankmates.
Macrobrachium nipponense is a Palaemonidae freshwater prawn, China's classic food and native-tank species. In the aquarium it is an opportunistic predator — peaceful only with similar-sized tankmates. Plan on 6–9 cm of adult prawn at 18–28 °C, and never combine it with small fish or shrimp.
Difficulty: moderate. Opportunistic predator — peaceful only with equals. Solitary or a pair; territorial perches.
Set the heater to 18–28 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–8, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Full size is 6–9 cm. Minimum tank: 60 L, with open swimming space along its bottom — patrols open ground with long claws habits.
Omnivore-scavenger; will actively catch small fish and shrimp. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Yes, with care. Opportunistic predator — peaceful only with equals — pair it with Medium-to-large robust community fish — Too large to be prey, Large snails — Armored tankmates survive and skip Small fish and small shrimp — Will be hunted, especially at night, Slow fish with long fins — Claws nip fins.
Comes from East Asia — China, Japan, Korea; widely farmed: warm rivers, lakes and ponds with vegetation and shelter. Expect still to gentle current and moderate oxygen.
A confirmed jumper: fit a tight lid and lower the waterline slightly.
In the aquarium: larvae require brackish water; difficult in home aquaria. Males have extremely long second claws; females heavier-bodied.