If you’re looking for a fun and easy to care for pet, look no further than the ghost shrimp! These little guys are perfect for first time shrimp owners and make a great addition to any aquarium. Here’s everything you need to know about ghost shrimp care:
Ghost shrimp are a type of freshwater shrimp that are native to the United States. They get their name from their semi-transparent bodies which makes them appear “ghost-like.” Ghost shrimp are very popular among aquarium enthusiasts because of their ease of care and peaceful nature.
Ghost Shrimp Key Care Stats
| Minimum Tank Size: | 5 gallons |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Water Conditions: | 6.5–8.0 pH, General Hardness 5–20 dGH |
| Max. Size: | 2 inches |
| pH level: | 7.0–8.0 |
| Temperature: | 80–85 °F |
| Ammonia and nitrite levels: | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate level: | <20 ppm |
Species Summary
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly shrimp to add to your aquarium, the ghost shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) is a perfect candidate. Also known as eastern glass shrimp, these little invertebrates are not only fascinating to watch but are also helpful in keeping your tank clean.
Where do They Come From?
Ghost shrimp are native to freshwater habitats in Asia and Australia. In the wild, they typically live in slow-moving streams and rivers. Ghost shrimp populations have declined in recent years due to habitat loss and pollution.
While ghost shrimp can be found in both fresh and salt water, they are most commonly associated with brackish water habitats. These shrimp are often found in estuaries, where fresh and salt water mix. Ghost shrimp are also found in coastal marshes, lagoons, and tidepools.
How Long do Ghost Shrimp Live for?
A ghost shrimp’s lifespan is typically one to three years. In captivity, however, ghost shrimp can live up to five years with proper care. Wild ghost shrimp populations are believed to have shorter lifespans due to predation and other environmental factors.
How Big do Ghost Shrimp Grow?
Most ghost shrimp grow to be about 1.5 inches long. However, some may grow to be 2 inches long. The average lifespan of a ghost shrimp is about 1 year.
Ghost Shrimp Anatomy, Appearance, & Varieties
Did you know that there are over 1,200 species of shrimp? Shrimp are decapods, which means they have 10 legs, and are related to crabs and lobsters. Ghost shrimp are a type of freshwater shrimp that are popular in aquariums. Here’s what you need to know about their anatomy, appearance, and different varieties.
Ghost shrimp have a long, slender body that is transparent. They get their name from their pale coloration and their ability to “disappear” in their environment. They have 10 legs, like all shrimp, but their first 2 legs are different from the rest. These legs are called chelipeds and they are used for grabbing food and for defense. The chelipeds are also larger than the other legs and have small claws on them.
Ghost shrimp are found in freshwaters all over the world. They typically live in ponds, streams, and rivers. They are scavengers and will eat just about anything they can find, including algae, dead plants, and small insects.
There are many different varieties of ghost shrimp. Some of the most popular varieties include the Amano shrimp, Bamboo shrimp, and Cherry shrimp. Ghost shrimp are very easy to care for and make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium.
Male and Female Difference
When it comes to gender, male and female ghost shrimp have some very noticeable differences. For starters, males are typically larger than females and have larger claws. Their coloring is also usually different, with males being more colorful than females.
Males also tend to be more aggressive than females, particularly when it comes to defending their territory. They will often fight other males for the right to mate with a female. Females, on the other hand, are more passive and tend to stay close to their burrows.
When it comes to reproduction, male ghost shrimp are responsible for fertilizing the eggs of the female. The female will then carry the eggs until they hatch. Once the young shrimp are born, the male will often help care for them.
So, while there are some obvious differences between male and female ghost shrimp, they are still very similar creatures. Both sexes are essential for the survival of the species and play important roles in the ghost shrimp community.
How Much do Ghost Shrimp Cost?
Ghost shrimp can be found for as little as $0.50 each. However, prices will vary depending on the retailer and the time of year. It is important to purchase ghost shrimp from a reputable source to ensure they are healthy and will thrive in your aquarium.
Glass Shrimp Care & Tank Requirements
Glass shrimp are a beautiful and unique addition to any freshwater aquarium. Though they are often sold as being low-maintenance, there are still some basic things you need to do to ensure they thrive in their new home. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy watching your glass shrimp for years to come.
Glass shrimp are very sensitive to changes in water quality, so it is important to have a good filtration system in place. They also prefer a well-oxygenated water, so consider adding an air stone to your tank. Glass shrimp are not very tolerant of high levels of ammonia or nitrites, so regular water changes are a must. Aim to do a 25-30% water change every week.
The Best Aquarium Size for Ghost Shrimps
If you’re looking to keep ghost shrimp as pets, you’ll need to provide them with an aquarium that’s big enough to accommodate their needs. But what’s the best aquarium size for ghost shrimp?
Ideally, you should provide your ghost shrimp with an aquarium that’s at least 10 gallons in size. This will give them plenty of room to swim around and explore, and it will also provide you with enough space to add other fish or invertebrates to the tank if you so desire.
Of course, if you’re only looking to keep a few ghost shrimp, you can get away with a smaller aquarium. Just be sure to provide them with plenty of hiding places and plenty of food, and they should do just fine.
Water Parameters for Ghost Shrimp
Ghost shrimp are very sensitive to changes in water parameters, so it is important to keep a close eye on your levels. Ammonia and nitrites should be at 0 ppm, and nitrates should be between 20-40 ppm. The ideal pH range for ghost shrimp is 6.5-8.0. The temperature should be kept between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, the GH (general hardness) should be 5-15 dGH and the KH (carbonate hardness) should be 3-10 dKH.
Filtration
If you’re looking to set up a ghost shrimp tank, filtration is a key component to ensure the health and wellbeing of your shrimp. There are a few different types of filtration that can be used for a shrimp tank, and the type you choose will depend on the size of your tank and the number of shrimp you have.
External canister filters are a good option for larger shrimp tanks, while hang-on-back (HOB) filters can be used for smaller tanks. Both types of filters will help to remove debris and waste from the water, as well as providing aeration.
If you have a smaller shrimp tank, you might also want to consider using an undergravel filter. This type of filter sits underneath the gravel in your tank and uses an air pump to circulate water through the gravel bed. This helps to remove waste and debris from the gravel, as well as providing aeration.
No matter what type of filter you choose, be sure to clean it regularly to keep it working properly. A dirty filter can lead to poor water quality and an unhealthy environment for your shrimp.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your ghost shrimp have a clean and healthy home.
Do Ghost Shrimp Need Air Pump?
If you have a freshwater aquarium, you may be wondering if you need an air pump to keep your ghost shrimp healthy. The answer is yes and no. Air pumps are not required for ghost shrimp, but they can help keep the water quality in your aquarium high and improve the overall health of your shrimp.
Ghost shrimp are able to extract oxygen from the water around them using their gills. However, if the water in your aquarium is not well-aerated, it can cause stress for your shrimp and lead to health problems. An air pump can help increase the amount of oxygen in the water and make it easier for your shrimp to breathe.
In addition to oxygen, air pumps can also help circulate the water in your aquarium. This can help prevent areas of the tank from becoming stagnant and improve the overall water quality.
Ghost shrimp are relatively low-maintenance pets, but they still need to live in a healthy environment. An air pump is not required for ghost shrimp, but it can help keep your shrimp happy and healthy.
Aquarium Lighting
Aquarium lighting is an important aspect of keeping ghost shrimp. These little creatures are very sensitive to light and need a dark, quiet environment to thrive.
The best way to provide adequate lighting for ghost shrimp is to use a soft, diffused light. This can be accomplished by using an aquarium hood with a built-in light or by placing a light fixture above the aquarium and using a diffuser to spread the light evenly.
Ghost shrimp do not need a lot of light and too much light can actually be harmful to them. If you are using a light fixture, it should be placed on a timer so that it is only on for a few hours each day.
When choosing an aquarium light bulb, it is important to select one that emits little to no heat. This is because ghost shrimp are very sensitive to temperature changes and even a small increase in water temperature can cause them stress.
Some aquarists also like to add a moonlight to their aquariums. This is a very dim light that can be used to provide a little bit of light for viewing the shrimp at night without disturbing their sleep.
Plants and Decorations
If you’re looking for something a little different in your shrimp tank, why not try some plants and decorations that are specifically for ghost shrimp? These little creatures are becoming increasingly popular as pets, and their tanks can be just as beautiful and interesting as any other type of aquarium.
When it comes to plants and decorations for ghost shrimp tanks, the options are really endless. You can go for a natural look with live plants, or you can go for a more artificial look with fake plants and decorations. Either way, your shrimp will love it!
Some good plant options for ghost shrimp tanks include java moss, anubias, and water sprite. These plants are all very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They will also provide your shrimp with plenty of places to hide and explore.
For decorations, you can use just about anything that you would use in a regular aquarium. Driftwood, rocks, and caves are all great choices. Just be sure that any decorations you use are safe for shrimp and won’t damage their delicate bodies.
Ghost shrimp are very active creatures, so you’ll want to make sure that their tank has plenty of places for them to swim and play. A good rule of thumb is to include at least 10 gallons of water per shrimp.
When it comes to feeding, ghost shrimp are not particularly fussy. They will eat just about anything that you give them, including algae, plants, and other debris. You can also give them commercial shrimp food, which is readily available at most pet stores.
Ghost shrimp make great additions to any aquarium. With their easy care requirements and active nature, they are sure to provide you with hours of enjoyment. So why not try adding some plants and decorations specifically for ghost shrimp to your next shrimp tank?
What’s the Best Substrate for Glass Shrimps?
First, you want to make sure the substrate is small enough that the shrimp can easily move and sift through it. Second, you want to choose a substrate that will not compact or become mucky over time, as this can be detrimental to the shrimp’s health. Finally, you want to make sure the substrate is safe for shrimp to ingest, as they will often eat while sifting through it.
One of the most popular substrates for glass shrimp is sand. Play sand or pool filter sand is a good choice, as it is small enough for the shrimp to move through easily and will not compact or become mucky. Another popular substrate is gravel, although it is important to choose gravel that is small enough for the shrimp to move through easily and that does not have any sharp edges that could injure them.
Whatever substrate you choose, be sure to rinse it thoroughly before adding it to your shrimp tank, as it may contain harmful chemicals or particles that could be detrimental to your shrimp.
Food & Diet
When it comes to diet, shrimp are not fussy eaters and will consume just about anything they can fit into their mouths. However, to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, it is important to provide them with a varied and nutritious diet.
One of the best ways to ensure your shrimp are getting a good diet is to provide them with live food. This can be anything from small fish, to insects, to worms. Shrimp are particularly fond of bloodworms and brine shrimp. If you cannot provide live food, then frozen or freeze-dried foods are the next best thing.
In addition to live and frozen foods, you can also supplement your shrimp’s diet with pellets or flakes. There are many good quality products on the market specifically designed for shrimp. Just be sure to avoid products that contain copper, as this can be toxic to shrimp.
Vegetables are another important part of a shrimp’s diet. Shrimp enjoy most types of vegetables, but leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and cabbage are particularly good for them. You can either feed your shrimp fresh vegetables, or you can purchase freeze-dried vegetables specifically for shrimp.
Finally, it is important to provide your shrimp with a calcium-rich diet. This is especially important for pregnant shrimp, as calcium is essential for the development of healthy shrimp babies. Good sources of calcium for shrimp include crushed oyster shells and coral sand.
By providing your shrimp with a varied and nutritious diet, you will ensure they stay healthy and active.
What Can I Feed Ghost Shrimp?
If you’re looking to add some variety to your aquarium, ghost shrimp are a great option. But what do these creatures eat?
Most ghost shrimp are omnivorous, meaning they’ll eat both plants and animals. In the wild, they feed on algae, detritus, and small insects. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of foods, including:
- Commercial shrimp pellets or granules
- Bloodworms
- Mysis shrimp
- Brine shrimp
It’s important to offer a variety of foods to ensure your shrimp are getting the nutrients they need. A good rule of thumb is to offer them 2-3 different types of food at each feeding.
If you’re not sure what to feed your shrimp, ask your local fish store or a qualified aquarium professional. They can help you choose the best foods to keep your shrimp healthy and happy.
Do Ghost shrimp eat moss balls?
Ghost shrimp are opportunistic feeders and will consume just about anything they can fit in their mouths. This includes algae, small crustaceans, and even bits of detritus. So, while Ghost shrimp will certainly nibble on moss balls, they are not likely to consume them entirely.
Moss balls are an important part of a healthy freshwater aquarium. They help keep the water clean and provide a place for smaller fish and invertebrates to hide and forage. If you have Ghost shrimp in your aquarium, you may find them nibbling on your moss balls from time to time, but they are unlikely to consume them entirely.
Do Ghost shrimp eat fish poop?
You bet they do! These little scavengers are often used in aquariums to help keep the tank clean. They will pick up any uneaten food or waste and help to keep the water quality high.
How Often Do Ghost Shrimp Need to Be Fed?
As a general rule of thumb, ghost shrimp should be fed once a day, and only as much as they can consume in a few minutes. It is important not to overfeed ghost shrimp, as they are very sensitive to water quality and can easily succumb to disease if their environment is not kept clean.
How Long Can a Ghost Shrimp Go Without Food?
A ghost shrimp can go without food for a few days, but it is not recommended to let them go without food for too long. If you are going to be away from home and cannot feed your shrimp, it is best to ask a friend or neighbor to feed them for you.
Watch the Following Video on Ghost Shrimp vs. Amano Shrimp — How to Tell Them Apart?
Behavior & Temperament
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, peaceful addition to your freshwater aquarium, look no further than the ghost shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus). These little freshwater invertebrates are excellent scavengers, helping to keep your tank clean while providing interesting activity.
Despite their small size, ghost shrimp are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginner shrimp keepers.
In the aquarium, ghost shrimp will do best in a setup with plenty of hiding places. Use live plants, driftwood, or rocks to create a natural looking environment. Be sure to provide plenty of places for your shrimp to hide, as they are very shy creatures.
Ghost shrimp are peaceful and make a good addition to a community tank. They can be kept with a wide variety of freshwater fish, as long as the fish are not large enough to eat them.
As mentioned, ghost shrimp are excellent scavengers and will help to keep your tank clean. They will eat just about anything, including algae, uneaten fish food, and decaying plants.
Ghost shrimp are also known to be good “janitors,” helping to keep the substrate clean and free of debris.
In terms of reproduction, ghost shrimp are “sexual dimorphs,” meaning that males and females look different from each other. The easiest way to tell them apart is by looking at their abdomens.
Reproduction is fairly easy, and you can expect your shrimp to breed often. Females will carry their eggs beneath their abdomens until they are ready to hatch.
Once the eggs hatch, the baby shrimp (or “fry”) will be released into the water. They are extremely small at this stage and will need to be fed microscopic food.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, peaceful addition to your freshwater aquarium, the ghost shrimp is a great choice. These little invertebrates are excellent scavengers, helping to keep your tank clean while providing interesting activity.
Good Tank Mates
If you’re considering getting ghost shrimp, you might be wondering what kind of fish make good tank mates. Here are a few of the best options:
- Tetras are small, peaceful fish that make ideal tank mates for ghost shrimp. They come in a wide variety of colors, so you can mix and match to create a beautiful aquarium.
- Guppies are another good option for ghost shrimp tank mates. They’re relatively peaceful and can add a splash of color to your aquarium.
- Corydoras are small, bottom-dwelling fish that make good ghost shrimp tank mates. They’re peaceful and can help keep your aquarium clean.
- Neon Tetras are a beautiful, brightly-colored fish that make good ghost shrimp tank mates. They’re relatively peaceful and can add a lot of visual interest to your aquarium.
- Platies are another good option for ghost shrimp tank mates. They’re relatively peaceful and come in a wide variety of colors. Ghost shrimp are a popular, peaceful addition to many aquariums. These five fish make ideal tank mates for ghost shrimp and can help create a beautiful, peaceful, and thriving aquarium.
- Cory Catfish.
- Otocinclus Catfish.
- Endlers.
- Rosbaros.
Others of their kind, as well as:
- Bamboo Shrimp (var. Wood Shrimp)
- Vampire Shrimp (var. Viper Shrimp)
- Amano Shrimp
Snails:
- Nerite snails
- Mystery snails
- Malaysian Trumpet snails
- Gold Inca snails
- Ivory snails
- Ramshorn snails
Unsafe Tank Mates
If you’re considering keeping ghost shrimp as pets, you should know that there are some tank mates that they simply cannot be kept with. Here are some examples of unsafe tank mates for ghost shrimp:
- Other shrimp species. While ghost shrimp can get along with other shrimp species in the wild, in captivity it’s a different story. In a small tank, the other shrimp will quickly out-compete the ghost shrimp for food and space, and they may also attack and eat them.
- Fish. Any fish that can fit ghost shrimp in their mouths are potential predators. This includes both small fish and larger fish. Even peaceful fish like guppies and platies can pose a threat, so it’s best to avoid keeping ghost shrimp with any fish species.
- Goldfish.
- Oscars.
- Other Cichlids and large fish.
- Snails. Most snail species will happily eat ghost shrimp if given the chance. This includes both freshwater and saltwater snails.
- Crayfish. Crayfish are another potential predator of ghost shrimp. They are larger and more aggressive than shrimp, and they will readily eat them if they can catch them.
- Crabs. Like crayfish, crabs are larger and more aggressive than shrimp. They can also be potential predators, so it’s best to avoid keeping ghost shrimp with crabs.
- Frogs.
- Turtles.
- And other aggressive roughens.
In general, it’s best to avoid keeping ghost shrimp with any other type of pet. They are best kept alone, or with other ghost shrimp, in a tank that is big enough to provide them with plenty of space and hiding places.
Ghost Shrimp Breeding
First, you’ll need to set up a breeding tank. This can be done by simply setting up a separate tank from your main aquarium or by partitioning off a section of your main tank with a divider.
Now it’s time to wait for the shrimp to breed. The female shrimp will carry her eggs for about 2-3 weeks before they hatch. Once the eggs hatch, the tiny shrimp will be free-swimming and will start to grow quickly. You can start feeding them baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flake food.
As the shrimp grow, you can slowly start adding them to your main aquarium or sell them to your local fish store. With a little bit of patience and care, you can easily breed ghost shrimp and have a constant supply of these fun and interesting creatures.
FAQs on How to Care for Glass Shrimps
Can I keep Red Cherry shrimp with Ghost shrimp?
Red Cherry shrimp and Ghost shrimp can be kept together.
Can Ghost shrimp live with Neon Tetras?
Neon tetras are not recommended tankmates for ghost shrimp. Neon tetras are timid fish that may be harassed by more active tankmates, and they are also small enough that they could be accidentally eaten by larger fish.
Can Ghost shrimp live with Bettas?
Yes, ghost shrimp can live with bettas. They are peaceful creatures that will not bother the betta fish.
How many Ghost shrimp can I put in a 10-gallon tank?
How many Ghost shrimp you can put in a 10-gallon tank depends on the size of the shrimp and the other inhabitants of the tank. As a general rule of thumb, you can put one shrimp per gallon of tank space.
Why do Ghost shrimp jump out of water?
Ghost shrimp are very sensitive to changes in water quality and will jump out of the water as a means of escape if they are not happy with their current environment.
Should I remove dead Ghost shrimp?
Yes, you should remove dead Ghost shrimp from your aquarium.
Do Ghost shrimps molt?
Yes, ghost shrimp molt in order to grow and shed their old exoskeleton.
Closing Thoughts
If you are thinking of getting a ghost shrimp, or have one as a pet, then hopefully this article has been of some help. These little creatures are relatively easy to care for, but do require some basic knowledge to ensure they thrive.
Ghost shrimp are a great addition to any aquarium, and can provide hours of enjoyment for both children and adults alike. With proper care, they can live for several years and bring a lot of joy to your home.
References:
- What is an estuary? (National Ocean Service): https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/estuary.html
- Decapod (Britannica): https://www.britannica.com/animal/decapod
- How to Do a Partial Freshwater Change for Stable Water Chemistry (WikiHow): https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Water-Change-in-a-Freshwater-Aquarium
