Freshwater Shrimp

Tiny creatures,
big personality

From vibrant cherry shrimp to algae-devouring amanos. In-depth guides to help your colony thrive.

Start with cherry shrimp Compare species
5+ gal Min. Tank Size
68-78°F Temperature
6.5-7.5 pH Range
1-2 yrs Lifespan

Shrimp Care Guides

In-depth guides for every stage of shrimp keeping

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Most popular species

Cherry Shrimp

Complete care guide covering colors, grades, breeding, tank setup, and water parameters for Neocaridina davidi

Read the full guide
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Best for beginners

Ghost Shrimp

Hardy, transparent, and fascinating to observe. Complete care for Palaemonetes paludosus in freshwater tanks

Read the full guide

Step-by-step setup

How to Set Up a Nano Shrimp Tank

Equipment selection, cycling, stocking, and maintenance for a thriving shrimp-only nano tank from 5 to 10 gallons

Read the setup guide

Which Shrimp Is Right for You?

Four popular freshwater shrimp species compared by difficulty, size, water requirements, and breeding ease

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Cherry Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Beginner

The most popular aquarium shrimp. Cherry shrimp breed easily, tolerate varied water parameters, and come in dozens of vibrant color varieties.

Size: 1-1.5"
pH: 6.0-8.0
Temp: 65-80°F
Breeding: Very easy
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Ghost Shrimp

Palaemonetes paludosus

Beginner

Transparent bodies reveal internal organs and digestion in real time. Ghost shrimp are hardy, inexpensive, and excellent tank cleaners.

Size: 1.5-2"
pH: 6.5-8.0
Temp: 65-82°F
Breeding: Moderate
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Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

Intermediate

The best algae-eating shrimp available. Amano shrimp consume hair algae, brush algae, and other types that smaller shrimp species ignore.

Size: 2-2.5"
pH: 6.5-7.5
Temp: 68-78°F
Breeding: Brackish needed
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Crystal Shrimp

Caridina cantonensis

Advanced

Striking red-and-white or black-and-white patterns. Crystal shrimp require soft, acidic water and pristine, stable conditions to thrive.

Size: 1-1.25"
pH: 5.8-6.8
Temp: 68-74°F
Breeding: Moderate

Why Freshwater Shrimp Are the Fastest-Growing Segment of the Aquarium Hobby

Freshwater aquarium shrimp have transformed from niche curiosities into one of the most popular categories in fishkeeping. Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), ghost shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus), amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata), and crystal shrimp (Caridina cantonensis) each fill a distinct role in the aquarium and appeal to different experience levels.

Shrimp Provide Benefits That Fish Cannot

Freshwater shrimp eat algae, decomposing plant matter, and leftover fish food that accumulates in substrate and on hardscape surfaces. A colony of 15-20 cherry shrimp in a 10-gallon planted tank visibly reduces algae growth within two weeks. Amano shrimp specialize in consuming hair algae and black brush algae — two persistent algae types that most algae-eating fish ignore entirely.

Shrimp Thrive in Small Tanks Where Fish Struggle

Freshwater shrimp require as little as 5 gallons for a healthy colony. Nano tanks between 5 and 10 gallons provide stable enough water parameters for Neocaridina shrimp to breed and sustain colonies of 50+ individuals. Most tropical fish need at least 10-20 gallons to maintain health, making shrimp the ideal inhabitants for desktop and small-space aquariums.

Every Shrimp Species Has Different Requirements

Neocaridina shrimp (cherry shrimp, blue dream, orange sakura) tolerate pH from 6.0 to 8.0 and temperatures from 65-80°F. Caridina shrimp (crystal red, crystal black, tiger shrimp) require soft, acidic water with pH below 6.8 and active buffering substrate. Choosing the wrong species for your water parameters is the most common reason new shrimp keepers fail.

Copper Kills Freshwater Shrimp

All freshwater shrimp species are extremely sensitive to copper, even in trace amounts. Copper enters aquariums through tap water (especially from copper pipes), fish medications containing copper sulfate, and fertilizers with copper micronutrients. Always test water for copper before adding shrimp and never use copper-based fish medications in a tank containing shrimp.

What Every Shrimp Tank Needs

Five essentials for a thriving shrimp colony, regardless of species

Sponge Filter

Gentle flow that won't trap baby shrimp. Doubles as a grazing surface for biofilm.

Live Plants

Java moss, water wisteria, and floating plants provide food and shelter.

Cycled Water

Zero ammonia, zero nitrite, and nitrates under 20 ppm. Non-negotiable.

Hiding Spots

Driftwood, cholla wood, and dense moss give shrimp safe places to molt and graze.

No Copper

Test tap water for copper. Avoid copper-based medications and copper-containing fertilizers.

4 Rules That Prevent Most Shrimp Deaths

Follow these and your shrimp colony will grow, not shrink

1

Drip Acclimate for 1-2 Hours

Freshwater shrimp are far more sensitive to parameter swings than fish. Drip acclimation gradually matches temperature, pH, and mineral content between bag water and tank water, preventing osmotic shock that kills shrimp within 24-48 hours of arrival.

2

Never Skip the Nitrogen Cycle

Shrimp die at ammonia levels that fish can tolerate. Cycle your tank for 4-6 weeks before adding shrimp. Use an API Master Test Kit to confirm 0 ppm ammonia, 0 ppm nitrite, and measurable nitrate before purchasing your first shrimp.

3

Match Species to Your Water

Neocaridina shrimp (cherry shrimp) thrive in harder, more alkaline water. Caridina shrimp (crystal red, bee shrimp) require soft, acidic water with active buffering substrate. Test your tap water GH, KH, and pH before choosing a species.

4

Provide Minerals for Molting

Shrimp build new exoskeletons from dissolved calcium and magnesium. Water with a GH below 4° often causes failed molts — the "white ring of death" — where a shrimp gets stuck mid-molt. Mineral supplements or crushed coral correct low GH.

Frequently Asked Questions About Freshwater Shrimp

What is the best shrimp for beginners?
Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are the best shrimp for beginners. Cherry shrimp tolerate a wide pH range of 6.0-8.0, breed easily in freshwater, and thrive in tanks as small as 5 gallons. Cherry shrimp are also available in many color varieties and cost between $2-5 each.
How many shrimp should I start with?
Start with 10-20 shrimp for a healthy colony. Freshwater shrimp are social and display more natural behavior in groups. A starting colony of 10-20 shrimp provides genetic diversity for breeding and enough individuals to establish a self-sustaining population in a 10-gallon tank.
Can shrimp live with fish?
Freshwater shrimp can live with small, peaceful fish like otocinclus catfish, pygmy corydoras, and small rasboras. Most medium and large fish will eat shrimp. Shrimp-only tanks produce the best breeding results and the highest survival rates for baby shrimp.
Do freshwater shrimp need a heater?
Most freshwater shrimp species thrive at 68-78°F. Cherry shrimp and ghost shrimp tolerate room-temperature water in most homes. Crystal shrimp prefer cooler temperatures of 68-74°F. A heater is recommended if your room temperature drops below 65°F or fluctuates significantly.
Why do my shrimp keep dying?
Common causes of shrimp death include copper in the water supply, ammonia or nitrite spikes, rapid temperature or pH changes, and failed molts from mineral deficiency. Test water parameters immediately. Freshwater shrimp require 0 ppm ammonia, 0 ppm nitrite, and a copper-free water source to survive.
How often should I feed aquarium shrimp?
Feed aquarium shrimp supplemental food 2-3 times per week. Shrimp continuously graze on biofilm and algae that naturally grow in established tanks. Overfeeding shrimp is the most common beginner mistake and causes dangerous ammonia spikes. Remove uneaten food after 2 hours.

Related Guides for Shrimp Keepers

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Low-Light Plants

Java moss, anubias, and other low-maintenance plants that shrimp love to graze on
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Shrimp-Safe Substrates

Active vs inert substrates and which buffering options work best for each shrimp species
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Floating Plants

Reduce light, absorb nitrates, and give baby shrimp hiding places near the surface
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Reduce Filter Flow

Shrimp struggle in strong currents. How to slow HOB and canister filter output

Never kept shrimp before?

Cherry shrimp are the perfect first species. Our complete guide covers everything from tank setup to your first breeding colony.

Start with the cherry shrimp guide
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