How to keep live aquarium shrimp

For many aquarium enthusiasts, raising live shrimp in the aquarium can be an exciting and fulfilling hobby. These little animals’ vivid colors and intriguing behaviors give them a special charm that makes any tank feel more alive. Shrimp can be a great addition to your aquatic environment, regardless of your level of experience.

For the sake of live aquarium shrimp’s health and welfare, it is imperative to comprehend their requirements. Everything from the ideal water conditions to the right diet is essential to the development of a healthy habitat for shrimp. Even though they are resilient in general, observing their particular needs will help guarantee their long and happy lives.

This post will discuss the essential elements of raising live shrimp in aquariums and provide helpful advice on how to set up a productive and colorful shrimp tank. You’ll discover helpful tips to improve your aquarium experience whether you’re starting from scratch or adding shrimp to an already-existing setup.

Briefly about aquarium shrimp and the complexity of their contents

At this time, freshwater shrimp from over 50 species have been domesticated. Their bodies range in length from 1 to 15 cm. The majority of them are colorful. Nonetheless, their bodies have the same structure. The robust chitin covering of these crustaceans shields their internal organs from external harm.

These animals also have long, sensitive antennae that allow them to smell and feel well in the water. A broad overview is provided by the large eyes on the sides.

They spend the majority of their lives at the bottom, where they move with the assistance of their feet. However, when they need to escape from predators, they can swim quickly thanks to a powerful tail. Live between six months and one and a half years at home, depending on the kind of shrimp.

There are certain challenges related to freshwater crustacean content. They are particularly susceptible to changes in temperature and the chemical makeup of water.

Since it is very difficult to maintain the right conditions in small containers, they require fairly large aquariums.

There’s a built-in population control mechanism in freshwater shrimp.

They procreate quickly if they have enough food and a large enough habitat.

When the population grows too big, bigger crustaceans start consuming smaller ones.

Shrimp are rarely attacked by other fish in aquariums, but they can fall prey to predatory fish. By consuming algae and organic waste, these crustaceans are very helpful in keeping the aquarium clean.

Compatibility with fish

Since many aquatic animals in the wild eat shrimp, you must exercise extra caution when selecting aquarium neighbors for these crustaceans. Small fish get along well with these creatures.

Among them are:

All kinds of snails get along well with shrimp. Cichlids, angelfish, barbs, botia, and fighting fish should not be combined with crustaceans. These fish species can consume the young shrimp as well as the adults.

Shrimp varieties for beginners and experienced breeders

Few species of shrimp that are found in the wild can survive in captivity. Long-term selection has resulted in the majority of varieties that are suited for aquarium environments.

The following varieties of freshwater shrimp are the most common:

Certain ones are so humble that even a child could be left in their care, but others need an expert to set up the right environment. Further consideration of the description of these creatures is necessary.

Aquarium bee

Their stripes of orange and black gave them their name. The reservoirs of China and Japan are thought to be the species’ ancestral home. They are more frequently found in tiny mountain rivers in the wild. Men can grow to be 2 cm long, while women can reach 3 cm. Their serene disposition sets them apart. Thickets of moss and aquatic plants are necessary for a comfortable life.

Only pure water is suitable for keeping aquarium bees. These are good for aquariums, where you can change a lot of liquid on a regular basis. 26.6 °C is the recommended temperature.

    In this case, the pH level is 6.5-7.5 units.
    Total hardness – 4-6 ° dH.
    Recommended carbonate hardness does not exceed 1-2 kH.

Bees are extremely sensitive to abrupt changes in the particular features of their environment. They procreate well in captivity when given the right circumstances.

Blue and white pearls

The blue pearl is a synthetic species created by mating white shrimp with neocaridines, which are identified by their deep blue hue. China is where this peculiar shrimp was bred.

Their body is transparent blue. The animal has the ability to alter its color’s intensity simultaneously. These creatures have an average body length of 2.5 cm. Blue pearls have a two-year lifespan on average.

Ulf Gottfalk was a breeder of white pearls, breeding them under controlled circumstances.

Their body is translucent and white. On the upper portion of the back, a gray stripe might appear. There are white caviar dots inside the females. White pearls range in body length from 2 to 2.5 cm on average.

These are a humble species. They need water that is pure. They can withstand temperatures of +20 to +28 °C with ease. Acidity of up to 7.5 pH is advised.

Amano for experienced breeders

Experienced aquarists especially love Amano shrimp. Neocaridines of this kind are frequently found in the Yamato River in Japan, as well as in the reservoirs of Korea and Taiwan. Breeder Takashi Amano acquired it.

These animals are employed to remove microscopic algae from the aquarium tank. Amano means big shrimp. Females measure 4 cm in length, while males measure 6 cm. Their body is transparent and covered in a great deal of gray and blue spots. The inclusions are asymmetrically distributed. The peaceful nature of these creatures sets them apart.

  • The average life expectancy of such pets is 2-3 years.
  • Amano reproduce well when creating the necessary conditions for them.
  • Recommended temperature within +23 … +27 ° C.
  • The recommended level of water acidity is 7.2-7.5 pH, and hardness – from 2 to 20 ° dH.
  • Often this species is started to suppress the growth of algae, incl. . black beard and thread algae.

Red cardinal

The vivid coloring of the cardinal, which ranges from red to cherry, sets it apart. The front pair of claws and the tail tip are both white at the same moment.

There are tiny light spots on the abdomen that make the animal’s shell stand out more. Their pointed noses make them easily distinguishable.

These animals can be found in Lake Matano on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

These shrimps are tiny—no longer than two centimeters. They can live in an aquarium with small fish because of their peaceful disposition.

This variety of ornamental shrimp has a two to three year lifespan. Cardinals prefer a comfortable temperature of +26–+29°C. Water has a pH of 7-9 and a hardness of 9–15 °dH. It is advised that only seasoned aquarists keep these animals because they are delicate to changes in their surroundings.

Blue Dream Shrimp

Neocaridine selection was used to create the artificial species known as Blue Dream. It was created by enthusiasts from Germany and Japan. The shell of these creatures is a vivid blue color. In addition, the abdominal plates are frequently so transparent that the animal’s internal organs are readily visible. Its maximum length is 2.5 cm.

They can remove organic waste and unicellular algae from the aquarium while remaining modest. Even tiny containers with a capacity of no more than ten liters can hold them. Pets aggressively procreate in such a restricted setting.

In this species, the third month of life marks sexual maturity. Temperature of the water: +22… +26 °C. The ideal range for hardness is 5–18 ° dH. In this instance, an environment with a pH of 6.5-8 is advised. These shrimps eat everything. These animals have a three-year lifespan on average when given the right circumstances.

Canary (yellow pearl)

One kind of neocaridine is the canary, also known as the yellow pearl.

These animals were created through artificial means. Red individuals discovered in Japan’s freshwater reservoirs were their ancestors. Breeders soon discovered how popular canaries were because of their bright coloring and high fertility.

They are resistant to changes in water’s chemical composition and temperature, making them an excellent choice for novice aquarists.

These creatures have a rich yellow shell, but it’s also fairly transparent, allowing you to see the darker internal organs. The shrimp is no more than 2.5 cm long. Canaries consume other plant-based foods as well as single-celled algae.

They can, however, consume the aquatic plants kept in the aquarium if there is a shortage of food. The suggested temperature range is +21 to +26 °C. The acceptable ranges for acidity are 6.5–9 pH and hardness are 5–11 °dH.

Harlequin shrimp

The shell of harlequins is made up of lines that are red and white. The Indonesian lake Sulawesi is the source of shrimp. The coloring contrasts as a result.

These are unique creatures due to their diminutive size. Adults can only grow to a length of 1.3 cm. Harlequins are characterized by their shy disposition and nocturnal lifestyle. Shrimp should never be kept in an aquarium with aggressive fish neighbors because they are frequently attacked by larger fish.

Because these shrimp are solitary, it can be challenging to breed them because different sexes living in the same aquarium don’t always form pairs.

The harlequin has a one-year lifespan under ideal circumstances. The water must be between +26 and +29 °C, the environment must be between 7.2 and 8.4 pH acidic, and the water must be between 15 and 25 °dH hard.

Peaceful mandarin

The vivid orange hue of this species’ shell gave rise to its name. There are barely perceptible red dots on the animal’s surface. The island of Sulawesi is the source of mandarin ducks.

Males grow to a length of 2.5 cm, while females reach around 3 cm. There’s a strong herd instinct in these shrimp. They remain in close proximity to one another in an aquarium. At least eight people should be kept in a single tank. These creatures are more likely to breed in large schools.

However, because of the strong herd instinct, shrimp draw a lot of attention and are vulnerable to fish attacks, so living in a neighborhood like this is not advised. Plant food is the diet of mandarins.

It’s also advised to set aside one or two fasting days for them each week. Shrimp’s immunity will be strengthened by this. The necessary parameters are acidity (6.4–7.9 pH), hardness (5-8 °dH), and temperature (+20–+28 °C).

Large macrobrachnums

Macrobrachnums are unique among the large shrimp that can be kept in a home aquarium. These animals originate from Southeast Asian reservoirs.

These organisms vary in length from 5 to 30 cm. Because they are omnivores.

Despite their peaceful disposition, macrobrachnums have the ability to attack small fish, which are frequently raised in aquariums.

The yellow chitinous cover has numerous black and brown-red dots. Under natural circumstances, a bloom of this kind makes shrimp less noticeable to predators. Experienced aquarists are better suited for macrobrachnum plants.

They ought to be stored in sizable tanks that hold more than 500 liters. The suggested temperature range is +22 to +28 °C. The ideal pH range for the aquatic environment is 6.5-7.8. These animals only live for five years.

Red and orange lights

Cherry shrimp varieties with the desired traits were selectively selected to create the red and orange lights varieties.

Taiwan is the native land of these creatures. These animals grow up to be 4 cm long. Because they can live up to three years in the right conditions, shrimp are long-lived creatures.

At 2.5 months, they reach sexual maturity. These shrimps don’t require special conditions and are quite modest. The ideal water temperature ranges are +20–29°C, pH levels of 6–8, and hardness levels of no more than 15 °dH.

Grass shrimp

Glass is another term for grass shrimp. These animals’ bodies are so transparent that it is simple to think about the animal’s internal organs. These animals originate from Japan’s reservoirs. The animals reach a length of 4-5 cm.

Because these shrimps have a calm disposition and primarily consume single-celled algae that contaminate aquariums along with organic waste, caring for them is not difficult.

It is recommended to have the water at +18–+29 °C. Up to 11 °dH of hardness and 6-7.5 pH of acidity are advised. For two people, the recommended total capacity of the tank to house these animals is ten liters.

Cameroon filter feeder

The modified front claws of the Cameroon filter feeder gave rise to its name, as they started to resemble fan brushes. The shrimp use these appendages to gather organic debris from the water. They eat live food as well.

The shell can be beige or bright blue in color. It is between 8 and 10 cm long. Cameroon filter feeders are extremely difficult to reproduce.

It is advised that these animals be housed in water that is between +21 and +28 °C. It should be 7.5–12 °dH hardness and 6-7.5 °pH acidity.

Nigerian floating shrimp

The body shape of this shrimp is unusually flattened. The back has an undulation. These creatures resemble transparent materials. It ranges in hue from orange to green.

Nigerian floating shrimp are inconspicuous and adapt readily to changes in environmental conditions. Shrimps from animals love the heat. The suggested temperature ranges from +25 to +29 °C. Acidity: 6.0-7.5 pH, and Hardness: 6-9 dH.

Multi-colored rilies

Shrimp can be identified by their vividly colored shell. Their abdomen is transparent, and they have a red head and tail. It is 2.5 cm long. The creatures are peaceful beings that eat everything.

The temperature range between +22 and +28 °C is when the organisms are most active. Water has a pH of 6–9 acidity and a hardness of 4–14 °dH.

Macrobrachium nipponense

Small mountain rivers in Japan are the natural habitat of this species. They need water that is pure. These creatures have a light green color. Simultaneously, the rear features a black stripe that is surrounded by white.

It is 7-8 cm long. These animals get along well with many species of small fish and are not aggressive. The ambient temperature is between +29 and +30 °C.

The pH range of the acidity index is 6.5–8.5. Furthermore, it is crucial that the water has a high oxygen saturation level for them.

Blue tiger

Chinese breeders acquired this species in 2007. Their breeding was based on Caridina. These creatures are bright blue in color with black stripes running longitudinally.

The blue tiger measures 2.5–3 cm in length. These are omnivorous creatures. They remove organic waste and unicellular algae from the aquarium, which is very beneficial.

It is advised to maintain a temperature between +21 and +27 °C, a hardness of 6 to 10 °dH, and an acidity of 7.0 to 7.5 pH.

Red wine

These animals have vivid colors. The shell is decorated with broad, white and burgundy stripes that alternate.

The animals grow to a maximum length of 1.5 cm. This species of shrimp reproduces readily.

Females conceive once a month, when the right conditions are met.

They are frequently kept to fight unicellular algae because they are omnivores. It is advised that they be kept at +25–+30 °C. A hardness of 1–10 °dH and an acidity of 6.0–7.5 °pH are acceptable.

Transparent Ceylon shrimp

These aquatic animals can be found in the lakes and rivers of Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the islands of Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi. The transparent body of ceylon shrimp is colored pinkish-green.

  • The length of the animals does not exceed 2.5 cm.
  • They require a large volume of water for normal existence.
  • The ambient temperature is +25…31 °C.
  • It is important to strongly saturate the water with oxygen.
  • The recommended hardness is 3-15 °dH, and acidity – 5.5-8.0 pH.

Snow White and the Red Crystal

Snow White is a relatively new species that Japanese breeders have bred, distinguished by its opaque snow-white color. The animals grow to a maximum length of 3 cm. The red crystal was produced following extensive selection efforts.

These animals don’t need any extra attention. Their peaceful dispositions set both species apart. Aggressive neighbors are not a good fit for them because big fish can seriously affect the aquarium shrimp population.

The ideal temperature range for these animals is +20 to +25 °C. It is advised to have an acidity of 6.5–7.2 pH and a hardness of 4-6 °dH.

Forest shrimp

The source of this shrimp is Indian reservoirs. These animals are a vivid green hue.

The crustaceans are up to 3.5 cm long. The forest shrimp is peaceful and omnivorous.

The ideal temperature range for animals is +20 to +28 °C. Hardness: 5–20 °dH, acidity: 6.5-8 pH. These animals need excellent ventilation.

Caridina blue tail

The distinctive color of this shrimp’s tail gave rise to its name. Because of the challenges involved in animal reproduction, the species is not very common.

Temperature of the water: +24–+29 °C. Water should have a pH of 7.0–7.5 and a hardness of 6–10 °dH. You need a good aeration system.

Khankai shrimp

In the wild, the Khankai shrimp are found only on the Far Eastern island of Khanki.

The animals are between 3 and 4 cm long. The temperature range in which khakai shrimp can survive is +21–+24 °C.

Water should have an acidity of 6.3–7.5 pH and a hardness of 10–24 °dH.

Caridina babaulti

The green, red, and brown hues of their shells set them apart. This species’ representatives rarely have vibrant colors. The body is transparent at the same time.

Babaulti can alter their color to suit their surroundings.

They need a sizable water tank with adequate aeration. +23… +27 °C is the suggested maintenance temperature.

Halocaridina rubra

This particular variety of shrimp is identified by its orange-red hue. A few of its representatives have a length of up to 2.5 cm. The freshwater habitats of the Hawaiian Islands are the animals’ native land.

They work well in temperatures between +21 and +30 °C. A pH of 6.5-8 is ideal for acidity. These animals require excellent ventilation.

Cherry

Cherry served as the foundation for the breeding of numerous other neocaridina species.

The vivid burgundy hue of these shrimp makes them stand out. Their entire length is 3.5 cm. Compared to females, men are smaller.

These animals are modest and able to survive in tiny aquariums.

A temperature of between +21 and +30 °C is ideal for the water. A pH of 5.5-8 is ideal for acidity.

Rhino shrimp

Southeast Asian reservoirs are the home range of this species.

The rhinoceros’s body is long and somewhat flattened. The animals also have an extended nose. The body can be orange or purple in color.

The creatures grow up to 4 cm in length. The ideal medium acidity and stiffness are 6.4–7.6 pH and 8–15 ° DH, respectively. This view is not of freshwater.

You must dilute at least 8 g of salt per liter in order to keep the water’s salinity at the appropriate level.

Christmas shrimp

The translucent body of the Christmas shrimp is speckled with a great deal of red, yellow, and green dots.

Vibrant hues aid in their ability to evade predators. These creatures have a length of 3.5 cm. For their content, water should be at a temperature of +18 to +24 °C.

How to choose a suitable home view

The aquarist’s level of experience should be considered when selecting a type of shrimp for maintenance. The simplest method for establishing freshwater shrimp conditions.

It is preferable to give preference to species bred by selection if there is no prior experience with caring for such animals. These shrimp are more aquarium-friendly.

Maintaining a peaceful community tank, providing a balanced diet, offering a stable and clean environment that resembles their natural habitat—all of these tasks are necessary when keeping live aquarium shrimp. Since shrimp are sensitive to changes, it’s important to periodically check the water quality and keep aggressive fish out of the tank. Shrimp can flourish in your aquarium and give it a special charm if given the proper care.

General tips for maintenance

While each species has specific maintenance requirements, there are general guidelines for setting up the conditions these animals need to survive.

Aquarium and its arrangement

Shrimp should ideally be kept in aquariums larger than fifty liters. Maintaining the intended microclimate will be simpler as a result. This will also make it easier to replace a portion of the water, which needs to be done once a week.

Since certain shrimp can leap out of their tanks, the container needs a special lid.

Diet

Fish, grains, and live food can all be fed to shrimp. Give Daphnia a try.

Shrimp can consume other aquatic plants, including Java moss.

They will also remove unicellular algae through filtering.

Populating shrimp in an aquarium

A wide range of infectious and parasitic illnesses can affect crustaceans.

New individuals must be quarantined for at least 14 days in a separate container before being placed in an aquarium.

Cleaning the shrimp tank

It’s necessary to routinely filter the soil in the shrimp tank. Furthermore, it is imperative to remove any potential organic contaminants from all decorative elements and stones.

About breeding

Numerous shrimp species autonomously form pairs and initiate reproduction when suitable circumstances are presented.

Eggs are carried on the abdomen of females. Since adult males frequently eat the young, it is best to put them in a different container.

Aspect Details
Water Temperature Maintain between 22-26°C (72-79°F) for most shrimp species.
pH Level Keep pH around 6.5-7.5 to ensure a healthy environment.
Tank Size A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a stable environment.
Filtration Use gentle filtration to avoid stressing the shrimp.
Diet Feed a balanced diet of algae, biofilm, and shrimp-specific food.
Tank Mates Choose peaceful fish that won’t prey on the shrimp.
Plants and Hiding Spots Provide plenty of plants and caves for shelter and comfort.
Water Changes Perform regular small water changes to maintain water quality.

For any aquarist, raising live shrimp in an aquarium can be a fulfilling and interesting experience. Shrimps give your aquarium a dynamic touch with their vivid colors and distinctive behaviors. A healthy diet, appropriate housing, and attention to water quality are all necessary to guarantee their wellbeing.

You can encourage the growth of your shrimp by providing a range of food sources and keeping the water parameters steady. Maintaining a healthy environment for your shrimp and avoiding common problems can be achieved through routine tank maintenance and observation.

A thriving shrimp population is the result of knowing your shrimp’s needs and giving them regular care, regardless of experience level. You and your shrimp will love the vibrant, healthy ecosystem that develops in your aquarium as you keep learning and adapting.

Video on the topic

AQUARIUM KEEPING.HOW TO KEEP AQUARIUM SHRIMP. ADDITIVES FOR AQUARIUM SHRIMP.

COMPATIBILITY OF SHRIMP AND FISH IN THE AQUARIUM

Shrimps in an aquarium for beginners

About keeping shrimp in an aquarium. The most frequently asked questions

Aquarium shrimp TOP + practical tips on keeping

Cherry shrimp, cherry, breeding, keeping, feeding and compatibility with fish in an aquarium.

What part of aquarium maintenance do you consider the most difficult?
Share to friends
Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

Rate author
InfoProekt24.com
Add a comment