34 Freshwater Shrimp (Where To Buy Them & Free Care Guides)

Freshwater shrimp make a great addition to any aquarium tank and can provide a much-desired cleaning service by scavenging any biofilm and algae build-up that can accumulate on the various surfaces inside a tank. In this article, you’ll learn where you can buy freshwater shrimp, how to care for them, and all the different types!

With so many freshwater species to choose from, this article is going to walk you through everything there is to know, so you can make the right choice when purchasing!

What Are the Different Types of Freshwater Shrimp?

Without further ado, here are all the different freshwater shrimp you can add to your tank! Fortunately, most of them are easy to care for, however, if you are a beginner I’d highly recommend sticking to ones that have been rated ‘Easy’.

Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Cherry shrimp can come in a variety of colors, and there’s actually a grading system to judge the intensity of their color. However all of the are absolutely stunning and look great in any tank!

They enjoy a diverse tank habitat with a rocky substrate, aquarium plants, and driftwood – all surfaces that may provide plenty of biofilm build-up for them to snack on. While they will eat their fill as well as keep your tank clean, be sure to also feed them plenty of algae wafers, shrimp pellets, and blanched vegetables such as carrots and zucchini, so they don’t go hungry.

Cherry shrimp are extremely hardy and very easy to care for, making them perfect for beginner aquarium hobbyists. They can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline waters, soft to hard water hardness, and a wide range of fairly warm temperatures.

Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

Amano shrimp are generally clear with tints of gray, green, or brown. They also sport lateral lines from head to tail made of small brown dots and dashes. They thrive best with small rocky substrate and lots of hiding places provided by aquatic mosses and plants, as well as floating driftwood and loose branches.

Amano shrimp are great cleaners and will eat the algae build-up in your aquarium tank, as well as any plant debris or leftover food that falls to the substrate. However, they do need additional feeding in order to keep healthy and will gladly accept a variety of foods, including sinking pellets, squash, zucchini, cucumber, spinach, and frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms.

This species, like the cherry shrimp, are also very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of pH, water hardness, and water temperatures.

Crystal Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis)

Crystal shrimp can come in two basic varieties – red or black – with either of these colors intermixed with an opaque white throughout the body.

Because this species can be a bit trickier to care for, it is recommended to use a buffering substrate such as shrimp king soil or Amazonia aqua soil which will naturally help control the water’s pH and hardness levels. While vegetation is not necessary, mosses and floating driftwood are welcome additions to provide extra oxygen and shelter for the shrimp.

Crystal shrimp are not picky about their diet and will eat just about anything, including sinking pellets, flake food, and the biofilm that will build up and cover the tank surfaces. While they can tolerate a fairly wide range of temperatures, they are very picky about other water parameters and need to have acidic, soft water conditions in order to thrive.

Tiger Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis)

Tiger shrimp are a translucent yellow color with notable black or red vertical stripes all over its body. They are the same type of shrimp as crystal shrimp, however, their water requirements are slightly different.

A buffering substrate is recommended for tiger shrimp since they do require very soft water, and this type of soil can help maintain an optimal pH and hardness. They do not need aquatic plants, but floating driftwood and leaf litter are appreciated to provide hiding places as well as surfaces for biofilm to accumulate.

Since tiger shrimp are scavengers, they will eat detritus, algae build-up, and even the leaf litter and driftwood that decorate the tank. Their diet should also be supplemented with blanched vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, spinach, lettuce, and zucchini.

They can tolerate a wide range of warmer temperatures but are very picky when it comes to needing soft water conditions. They also prefer slightly acidic waters, so keeping these parameters within their tolerance range is important to keeping them healthy.

Bee Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis)

Bee shrimp can appear with many different colorations, including black and white zebra stripes, red and black stripes, or solid coloration of black, white, or blue. This species thrives in habitats with lots of hiding places so adding some small caves and a variety of aquatic plants and mosses is key to optimal health for these shrimps.

Bee shrimp will eat algae and decaying plant matter from the tank but also require supplementation to their diet provided by flake foods, sinking pellets, vegetables such as kale and spinach, and frozen bloodworms daphnia, and brine shrimp. They prefer slightly acidic waters, soft on the water hardness scale, but can tolerate a wide range of warm water temperatures.

Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis)

Bamboo or wood shrimp mimic their namesake in appearance, making them great camouflage artists. They are usually red or brown in coloration with white lateral and dorsal striations down their bodies. Their optimal habitat includes coarse substrate and large rocks with additional rooted aquatic plants so that there are plenty of places to shelter.

Bamboo shrimp are passive filter feeders and will eat anything that comes their way. Powdered foods such as algae, baby brine shrimp, or crushed flakes are the best way to feed them.

Their diet can be the trickiest part of their care, but they are fairly tolerant in terms of water conditions. They can stand water that tends to either side of a neutral pH, soft to moderately hard water hardness, and a very wide range of slightly warm to very warm water temperatures.

Blue Bolt Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis)

Blue bolt shrimp are actually the hybrid offspring of crystal and bee shrimp and bear a striking appearance with bright blue and white mottled coloration. Buffered substrate is the best option for keeping pH and water hardness low, and although they don’t require aquatic plants, additions of floating driftwood for biofilm accumulation and hiding places are appreciated.

Like most freshwater shrimp, they will eat the biofilm that grows on the tank’s surfaces, but their diet should also be supplemented with shrimp pellets, almond leaves, and blanched vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, and lettuce. While beautiful, this species can be hard to keep because they require very soft, acidic waters in the slightly warm water temperature ranges.

Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp (Caridina dennerli)

Cardinal Sulawesi shrimp are red in color with various small white dots all over their bodies. A very distinctive feature of this species is their pure white forelegs. They thrive best in an environment that has dark sandy substrate topped with driftwood and rocks. Plants are not necessary, but they will feed on them if you put some in the tank.

Cardinal shrimp will mainly eat the algae and biofilm that grows on the various surfaces inside the aquarium tank, but their diet should also be supplemented with powdered algae and crushed baby brine shrimp. These shrimps can be difficult to care for because they require slightly alkaline waters with a hardness ranging from soft to moderately hard and temperatures tending more on the warmer side.

Pinto Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis)

Pinto shrimp are another crossbreed variety with tiger shrimp and bee shrimp or tiger shrimp and crystal shrimp parents. Their coloration can come in black, white, or red patterns of zebra stripes, skunk stripes, or spotted heads. Substrates of buffered sand or soil are best, and adding plants or rocks for hiding places are always a good idea.

Pinto shrimp are not picky eaters and will consume a multitude of different foods, including algae, bacteria, snails, biofilm, carrots, spinach, cucumber, bananas, broccoli, and frozen insects. This species can be difficult to care for because they require acidic, soft water, which can be naturally maintained using buffered substrate. They do, however, tolerate a wide range of warmer water temperatures.

Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus)

Ghost shrimp, also known as glass shrimp and grass shrimp are translucent, as their name implies, with an orange or yellow-colored spot in the middle of their tails. It is best to use a dark-colored fine gravel or sandy substrate in order to provide contrast to see the shrimp better. They also like lots of vegetation, so plant a diverse array of aquatic plants for the ghost shrimp to shelter.

Ghost shrimp will eat almost anything so feeding them algae wafers, sinking pellets, or flake food is a good choice. Adding calcium supplements to ensure a strong exoskeleton is also a good recommendation for this species. These shrimp are easy to care for and can tolerate a very wide range of warm temperatures, soft to moderately hard water hardness, and slightly alkaline waters.

Babaulti Shrimp (Caridina cf. babaulti)

Babaulti shrimp range in coloration from green to brown to yellow to red and can come in dotted or striped patterns. A feature of note for these dwarf shrimp is the presence of a pupil on the eyeball. Sandy or fine gravel substrate is best for this species, and they enjoy a lot of aquatic plants, especially mosses which provide a great amount of surface area for algae to accumulate.

This species is an avid scavenger and thrives on decaying plant matter, biofilm and algae build-up, and any leftover food that sinks to the bottom of the tank. To ensure a well-balanced diet, the addition of blanched vegetables such as carrots, lettuce, cucumber, and zucchini, as well as flake and pellet foods are recommended.

Babaulti shrimp are very hardy, and optimal water parameters for them include neutral pH, soft to hard water hardness, and warmer water temperatures.

Indian Whisker Shrimp (Macrobrachium lamarrei)

Indian whisker shrimp appear very similar to ghost shrimp with clear bodies but are distinguished by their extremely long feelers. This species is not picky about substrate type, but they do require a lot of hiding places in the forms of aquatic plants, rocks, caves, and driftwood, as cannibalism after molting is prevalent.

Indian whisker shrimp will eat a wide range of animal and plant matter, including decaying fish, bloodworms, daphnia, shrimp, snails, blanched vegetables, leaf litter, dead plants, algae wafers, sinking pellets, and flake food. They are easy to care for, requiring optimal water conditions of slightly alkaline pH, soft to moderately hard water hardness, and a wide range of warm water temperatures.

Panda Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis)

Keeping panda shrimp may not be the easiest thing in the world, but you can do it! Your aquarium needs to be fully cycled, so use a gentle filter like a sponge filter with a filter guard. Also, it’s a good idea to have a heater to prevent any sudden temperature changes.

Pandas need hiding places to feel secure, so add some easy aquarium plants like Java fern and some shrimp hides to make them happy. Also, Biofilm is a natural food for all shrimp, but you can supplement their diet with some high-quality shrimp food, fresh blanched veggies, or frozen food. However, pandas can be a bit fussy, so don’t be surprised if they don’t eat all of their food.

Blue Velvet Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Taking care of Blue Velvet Shrimp is a breeze. They don’t need much special treatment, but you have to make sure their tank is up to snuff. A heavily planted tank is perfect for these guys. They’re used to this in the wild and it will also help to keep their tank clean. Rocks and driftwood are good for their tank too.

Feeding Blue Velvet Shrimp is simple. They’re omnivores and love munching on algae, biofilm, and other organic matter. If you have a well-planted tank with surfaces for algae to accumulate, your shrimp will have plenty to eat naturally. But don’t forget to supplement their diet a bit. Plant-based Shrimp flakes work well and ensure your shrimp get the nutrition they need. 

Vampire Shrimp (Atya gabonensis)

Vampire Shrimp are filter feeders, so you need to make sure there’s enough food in the water column for them to thrive. Live plants are perfect because they are going to shed decaying plant matter into the tank which your vampire shrimp will love! In this case messy tanks are actually good news – too much cleanliness can starve them out!

Their diet is mostly plant matter, leftover fish food bits, and teeny-tiny edibles floating in the water. But you should also supplement a large part of their diet with ground-up fish pellets, shrimp pellets, algae wafers, or flakes. Sprinkle a pinch or two upstream of the Vampire Shrimp and watch them go to town. It might take some practice, but you’ll get the hang of it!

Blue Tiger Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis)

Adding live plants to your blue tiger shrimp tank is super beneficial to make your tank look awesome and provide them with natural hiding spots. They may not hide as much as other species, but they still need to feel safe. Java moss, Water wisteria, and Pearl weed are great plants to use!

Blue Tiger shrimp are not fussy eaters, they’ll eat almost anything. They’re scavengers and omnivores, so they’ll find their own food in a well-established aquarium. But to keep them healthy, it’s a good idea to supplement their diet with shrimp foods like Bacter A.E. or Dennerle Shrimp King. You can also give them algae wafers, blanched zucchini, and other veggies. 

Tangerine Tiger Shrimp (Caridina serrata)

Keeping Tangerine Tiger shrimp is incredibly easy, they’re low-maintenance and great for beginner shrimp keepers. To keep ’em healthy, just make sure you’ve got a stable nitrogen cycle in your tank and watch out for ammonia and nitrates. 

In terms of feeding, Tangerine Tiger Shrimp are happy to graze on the algae, biofilm, and plant waste that naturally builds up in their tank. You should add supplemental food once a day or every other day, depending on how many shrimp you’ve got. Just be sure to scoop up any uneaten food, too much of it can mess with the water quality. 

Chocolate Shrimp (Neocaridina Davidi)

The best thing about Chocolate shrimp is that they’re really easy-going and can handle different types of water conditions, so you can keep them with other species. They’ll be fine with hard or soft water, and thanks to their ability to handle a range of temperatures you can also keep them with coldwater fish.

When it comes to food, these shrimps aren’t picky at all and will usually scavenge for food in planted tanks. But if you have too many shrimp or not enough plants, you may need to give them some algae tablets, veggies, or other shrimp food. 

Blue/Yellow/Orange Rili Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Blue/Yellow/Orange Rili shrimp are easy to care for and don’t need a lot of attention, but make sure to keep their water clean. Give them plenty of decorations to hide in, too. Also, to keep your blue rili shrimp healthy, it’s important to cycle and filter your tank before you introduce them.

On top of this, blue/yellow rili shrimp really aren’t fussy eaters. They’ll happily eat whatever they can find, but you should supplement their diet with high-quality shrimp food. Feed them once a day and add some variety with snacks like blanched veggies, frozen fish food, and algae tabs.

Red Rili Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Red rili shrimp are absolutely perfect for beginners and low-maintenance folks. No need to stress over fancy gear or special water conditions; just keep the water parameters stable, and the ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates low, and they’ll thrive.

Red Rili shrimp love munching on biofilm and algae, but if your tank isn’t providing enough, you can treat them to some shrimp foods, blanched veggies, and other tasty bites. Use a shrimp feeding dish to avoid messy scatter and remove any leftovers.

Green Rili Shrimp

Green Rili Shrimp are another great choice for your tank, who also have slightly different requirements compared to their counterparts.

Green rili shrimp do well in a pH range between 7.0-8.0 and a temperature between 65-84°F. Also make sure you’re providing them with plenty of hiding places. Plants like java moss, java fern, anubias and betta bulbs are great for this!

Feeding wise, they’re omnivores, so just let your green rili shrimp forage what they can from the tank, and supplement their diet with shrimp tablets as well. Remember that they should be getting both protein and plant matter in their diet.

Name	Green Rili Shrimp
pH	7.0-8.0
Temperature	65-84°F
Tank Size	5 Gal
Size	1.5″
Lifespan	1-2 Years
Difficulty keeping	Easy

Yellow King Kong Shrimp (Caridina cf Cantonesis)

To keep your Yellow King Kong shrimp happy and healthy in captivity, you should provide a heavily planted aquarium with live plants and things biofilm will grow on such as stones and driftwood. On top of this, decorative items like driftwood, rocks, and ceramic decorations can provide hiding spots and resting areas for your shrimp. 

King Kong shrimp are omnivores and scavengers so they’ll eat leftover food and microfilm in the tank, but you should also feed them various plant and meat-based foods like boiled vegetables, algae wafers, and snowflake pellets. And don’t forget to add Indian almond leaves, cinnamon sticks, or alder cones to promote biofilm growth in the tank.

Green Jade Shrimp (Neocaridina Davidi)

Green Jade Shrimp are cool freshwater shrimp that lots of hobbyists love. They’re bright green and easy to care for. Plus, they’re always on the go, keeping the tank clean by eating up waste and algae, and even perfect for beginners because they can handle a wide range of water conditions. 

You can feed your Green Jade Shrimp meaty foods like frozen fish, prepared foods such as flakes or pellets, algae wafers, and even blanched produce. However, it’s important not to overfeed them as excess food breaks down into waste and turns into harmful ammonia. 

Snow White/Golden Bee Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis)

Snow White Shrimp are just like all bee shrimp – they love cool, slightly acidic and soft, clean water. Active soil is great at buffering the tank’s water values, so you consider using that. Just make sure any substrate you use won’t release lime into the water, or it’ll be bad news for your shrimp.

Snow White Bees aren’t fussy eaters– they’ll eat pretty much anything! They love brown fall foliage, which is good for them and can be left in the aquarium. You should also feed them protein two to three times a week but give them a mostly vegetarian diet.

Pinokio Shrimp (Caridina gracilirostris)

Pinokio Shrimp are pretty fussy about water quality, so make sure the water parameters in the tank are high quality. They prefer an inert substrate like sand or gravel, and sponge or matten filters are great for them. Give them aeration and some cool decorations like rocks or wood to make them even happier.

Pinokio shrimp are scavengers and omnivores, so they’ll eat almost anything on the bottom of the tank, but you can supplement their diet with high-quality dry foods and veggies like algae wafers, zucchini, and spinach. Just don’t overfeed them!

Green Lace Shrimp (Atyopsis pilipes)

Green Lace Shrimp need clean water to thrive, so make sure to do regular water changes and testing. They’re low-maintenance and will thrive in a planted aquarium, which gives them extra hiding spots and food sources.

When it comes to their diet, Green Lace Shrimp are filter feeders. In established aquariums, they can usually find enough food on their own. But if you need to supplement their diet, you can use foods specifically designed for filter feeders, as well as powdered flakes and algae powders. 

Snowball Shrimp (Neocaridina cf zhangjiajiensis)

Setting up a snowball shrimp tank is easy for beginners, but it’s important to use a filter to keep the water clean and safe, especially if breeding. Also, make sure to provide hiding spots with shrimp flats and live plants for happy shrimp. 

They’re omnivorous and will eat anything edible. In tanks with algae, they find enough food, but supplement with high-quality shrimp food and variety like blanched veggies, frozen foods, or even hand-picked treats like organic nettle leaves. 

Blue Pearl Shrimp (Neocaridina palmata)

Blue pearl shrimp are not demanding when it comes to aquarium decor, but there are ways to enhance their lives and make their vibrant color pop. Start by using a dark-colored substrate, like sand or earthy plant substrate, and don’t forget to add plants! 

Blue pearl shrimp have hearty appetites and spend their time searching for food. While algae on plants and decor is a part of their diet, it’s important to supplement their meals for optimal health. Sinking pellets are a good staple food for them, as they are omnivores. You can also offer blanched vegetables, algae wafers, and similar items.

Orange Pumpkin Shrimp (Neocaridina heterpoda)

Orange Pumpkin shrimp, the low-maintenance gems of the aquarium world, are as adaptable as they come. Use a substrate for aquatic plants and anchor hardscapes like rocks or driftwood. Ensure the temperature is warm with a suitable heater. Provide hiding spots if you’re keeping them with fish. 

When it comes to feeding time, these shrimp are not picky eaters. They’ll gladly indulge in nutrient-packed fish flakes, tantalizing algae wafers, and delicious sinking shrimp pellets. Plus, here’s a bonus—their menu includes hair and dust algae. How convenient is that?

Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina heteropoda)

Blue dream shrimp are another variant of cherry shrimp that are going to look great in your fish tank! And just like cherry shrimp, your blue shrimp come in grades, adding a whole new level of fun to collecting and breeding them!

If you’re going to keep blue dream shrimp in your tank, you’ll need to make sure there are plenty of hiding places for them. Like other shrimp, plants and driftwood are the best options, however, you can also create caves for them to feel safe too.

Diet wise, blue dream shrimp are omnivores, so make sure you’re feeding them a high quality shrimp pellets, every day or two (depending on how many you have). As well as this, they’ll also eat decaying plant matter and algae in the tank too!

What Are The Best Freshwater Shrimp For Cleaning?

Amano shrimp are the best freshwater shrimp for cleaning, especially algae! But if you don’t want them then ghost shrimp, red cherry shrimp, whisker shrimp, and crystal shrimp are all great alternatives!

What Are The Best Freshwater Shrimp For Small Tanks?

Blue bolt shrimp, cherry shrimp, and ghost shrimp do best in tanks as small as 5 gallons. However, if you have any tank bigger than 10 gallons, then you’re going to be able to keep most shrimp comfortably.

What Are the Hardiest Freshwater Shrimp?

Amano shrimp, ghost shrimp, and red cherry shrimp are the hardiest freshwater shrimp for your aquarium because they have a wide tolerance for a range of water parameters, including temperature, pH, and water hardness. They are great shrimp for those new to the shrimp-keeping hobby.

These species are also easy to breed, so as long as you give them the proper care and feeding they require, you can have a long-term supply of any of these three freshwater shrimp.

What Do Freshwater Shrimp Need in Their Tank?

Freshwater shrimp have a few important requirements to create a happy and healthy environment in their tank:

Stable Water Parameters

It’s crucial to maintain stable water conditions tailored to your specific shrimp species. Research the ideal temperature, pH, and hardness levels to ensure they feel right at home.

Good Filtration

Installing a reliable filtration system is a must. It keeps the water clean by removing debris and pollutants that can harm the shrimp. Regular maintenance and water changes are essential to maintain pristine water quality.

While the filter you need will depend on the size of your tank, generally, shrimp do best with a sponge or HOB filter.

Soft Substrate

Choose a substrate like sand or gravel that your shrimp will love to sift through. They enjoy digging and creating little burrows, so make sure the substrate is shrimp-friendly.

Cozy Hiding Spots

Shrimp appreciate having hiding spots in the tank. Adding live plants, rocks, caves, or driftwood provides them with safe havens where they can retreat and feel secure, reducing stress.

Varied Diet

Shrimp are great scavengers by nature. Along with their natural diet of algae, biofilm, and decaying matter, supplement their meals with high-quality shrimp pellets, flakes, or specially formulated shrimp foods. Treat them occasionally with blanched vegetables or calcium-rich foods for added nutrition.

Lighting Balance

Consider the lighting needs of your shrimp and any live plants in the tank. Moderate to low lighting levels are preferred, as excessive brightness can cause stress. Create a suitable lighting environment for their well-being.

Gentle Water Flow

Shrimp thrive in tanks with gentle water flow. You can achieve this by using a sponge filter or adjusting the flow rate of your filtration system. Providing a comfortable water flow ensures their comfort and happiness.

Best Plants for Aquarium Shrimp

When it comes to creating an awesome habitat for your aquarium shrimp, having the right plants is key! Not only do plants enhance the overall look of your tank, but they also provide a bunch of benefits for your shrimp buddies. So, let’s dive into some of the best plants that will make your shrimp feel right at home:

Java Moss

This is like the rockstar of aquarium plants for shrimp! It’s super easy to care for and grows like crazy. Your shrimp will love hiding and grazing on the tiny leaves, and it also provides a surface for biofilm to grow, which is a yummy snack for them.

Anubias

Anubias are practically indestructible, making them perfect for even the most novice plant enthusiasts. They have broad, sturdy leaves that create awesome hiding spots for your shrimp. Plus, they don’t require much light, so they’re great for tanks with lower lighting levels.

Marimo Moss Balls

These adorable little green spheres are not only cute, but they also help maintain good water quality. They absorb nitrates, which can be harmful to shrimp in high amounts. Your shrimp will love climbing on them and nibbling on any algae that grows on their surfaces.

Amazon Sword

If you’re looking to create a lush and vibrant underwater jungle, the Amazon Sword is your go-to plant. It has broad leaves that provide ample hiding spots and shade for your shrimp. Plus, it helps oxygenate the water, creating a healthier environment for everyone.

Water Wisteria

This plant is a fast grower, which means you’ll have a beautiful and lush tank in no time. Shrimp adore its delicate leaves, which offer both shelter and grazing opportunities. It’s also great at absorbing excess nutrients, helping to keep your water clean and balanced.

Java Fern

Another hardy plant that can withstand a variety of conditions. Java Fern has beautiful, feathery leaves that add a touch of elegance to your tank. Shrimp love to explore its intricate roots and find shelter among its leaves.

Good Tank Mates for Shrimp

Now, let’s talk about the perfect crew to hang out with your shrimp in the aquarium. These little shrimps are known for their peaceful nature, so you want to ensure their tank mates are chill too. Here are some awesome options:

Snails

Snails like nerite snails and Malaysian trumpet snails make fantastic tank mates for shrimp. They happily graze on algae and help keep your tank clean. Plus, they won’t bother your shrimp at all.

Corydoras Catfish

These cute little catfish are not only adorable but also shrimp-friendly. They won’t harm your shrimp and are super fun to watch as they zip around the tank.

Otocinclus Catfish

If you’re dealing with algae issues, the otocinclus catfish is your shrimp’s best buddy. These tiny fish have a big appetite for algae and will happily join your shrimp in their cleaning duties.

Rasboras

Bright and colorful, rasboras are peaceful schooling fish that won’t harm your shrimp. They add a lively touch to your tank and create a harmonious underwater community.

Dwarf Gouramis

These fancy fish are known for their vibrant colors and relaxed temperament. They can coexist peacefully with shrimp, as long as you provide plenty of hiding spots for your shrimp to feel secure

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions that people have about which freshwater shrimp they should purchase!

How Many Freshwater Shrimp Per Gallon?

How many shrimp you can keep per gallon, depends largely on the type of shrimp. As a rule of thumb, however, keep no more than 2-5 shrimp per gallon, and try to avoid keeping them in a tank smaller than 5 gallons in size.

Shrimp can be kept in smaller tanks/more densely populated conditions than fish can because of their small size and lower output of metabolic waste.

How Many Species of Freshwater Shrimp Are There?

There are over 600 species of freshwater shrimp to choose from when selecting the right shrimp for your aquarium. They range in ease of care from beginner to expert and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

On top of this, many species can be crossbred, hence why there are so many different species because breeders are always looking for that unique look for the latest and greatest ornamental shrimp.

What Is the Easiest Shrimp to Keep?

Cherry shrimp, amano shrimp, and ghost shrimp are generally considered the easiest shrimp to keep. They can handle a wide variety of water parameters, and they don’t require much in the way of care. Just make sure you’re not putting them in the tank with fish that might try to eat them.

Which Shrimp Should You Avoid as a Beginner?

Cardinal shrimp are some of the hardest shrimp in the tank to keep, especially for beginners. Bamboo shrimp and vampire shrimp are also more difficult than other shrimp because they’re filter feeders, so you need to make sure food is always in the water column.

What Is The Hardiest Freshwater Shrimp?

Amano shrimp are some of the easiest freshwater shrimp you can keep. They live the longest, and they also can’t breed in freshwater tanks so you don’t have to worry about the tank being overpopulated by them. Just keep them away from large fish that may want to eat them.

Do Freshwater Shrimp Need A Filter?

Shrimp need a filter in their tank along with frequent water changes to ensure the water quality in their tank stays high. If you’re not sure which filter to use, then a sponge filter is the best choice for shrimp.

Which Freshwater Shrimp Can Be Kept Together?

Most freshwater shrimp can be kept together. You just need to make sure you’re checking their water parameter needs beforehand to make sure these are going to be a match.

Caridina Vs Neocaridina Shrimp

Caridina and neocaridina shrimp are different not just in the way they look, but also their reproductive abilities, and hardiness.

The main difference between both shrimp is that Neocaridina shrimp are hardier than caridina shrimp. On top of this they’re endopods (tail) are more pear shaped in appearance. Contrary to caridina shrimp whos’ endopods are more “leaf” like in appearance at the end of their bodies.

Recap

Freshwater shrimp are excellent scavengers and can keep your aquarium tank free of biofilm and algae build-up but also require a bit of supplementation in their diet. While some species are extremely hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, others tend to be on the pickier side and need to have precisely soft, acidic waters or specific dietary needs.

Most freshwater shrimp love to have places to hide, so decorating your aquarium tank with lots of plants and cave structures makes for an intricate setting that you know will be kept spotless by your newly acquired crustacean pets.

These species provide beautiful ornamentation to an aquarium tank, that both beginners and veterans who have been in the aquarium hobby for years can appreciate! From brilliant blues to speckled patterns and much more. Freshwater shrimp breeders continue to create unique species by crossbreeding popular types, so there is always something new to look forward to.