Riceland Prawn

Macrobrachium sp.

Riceland Prawn (Macrobrachium sp.) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 15.9 US gal min; aim for 75–86°F and pH 6.5–8. The Riceland Prawn is an engaging choice for aquarists seeking a peaceful, bottom-dwelling scavenger that thrives in a well-planted environment.

Riceland Prawn (Macrobrachium sp.) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size15.9 US gal min
pH range6.5–8
Temperature75–86°F
Max size3.5 in (9.0 cm)
Captive lifespan2–4 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Various

We don’t shade a region on this simplified map—your text may be Europe-only, worldwide, listed as “Various,” captive-only, or outside the five areas used in the stocking calculator. That tool still scores whether your fish come from similar parts of the world.

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Riceland Prawn Tank Setup

Creating a diverse environment with ample hiding spots using rocks, driftwood, and plants is crucial for these prawns. They prefer gentle water flow and a sandy or fine substrate that allows for easy scavenging. Lighting should be moderate to enhance the tank's aesthetic while providing shaded areas for comfort.

What Do Riceland Prawns Eat?

Feeding times can create a hierarchy based on size and confidence, so providing ample food sources is essential to minimize competition. Their omnivorous diet means they benefit from a varied diet, including detritus, which is crucial for their health and coloration.

Riceland Prawn Tank Mates

Ideal tank mates include other peaceful invertebrates and small, non-aggressive fish that occupy different water levels. Considerations should be made with species that may outcompete them for food or have larger sizes, which could inadvertently stress the prawns. While they are not shoaling, keeping them in groups of at least three promotes natural behaviors and reduces stress.

Are Riceland Prawns Good for Beginners?

In App-aquatic we file this under easy care. That still means a cycled tank, realistic stocking, and parameters that do not swing every weekend. Aquarists often underestimate the importance of water quality, particularly the risks posed by copper in medications, which can be fatal. neglecting to provide sufficient hiding spaces can lead to stress and reduced feeding behavior.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.