The freshwater shrimp are great matches for most aquariums, adding lively color and amazing action to the scene.
There is a freshwater shrimp ideal for any aquarium, from little creature tanks to thickly planted community aquariums. They vary greatly in size, color, and temperament.
Although freshwater shrimp are known for their vibrant colors, saltwater shrimp are more well-known for their elaborate appearances. As they look for tiny food, species like the amano and red cherry shrimp also aid in the control of algae.
The best part about freshwater shrimp in captivity is that they usually breed easily and are gentle and hardy.
If you’re looking to add a clean-up crew or just more visual appeal to your tank, freshwater shrimp deliver on both fronts. Here’s a look at the 5 best freshwater shrimp for your aquarium.
Best Freshwater Shrimp
1. Red Cherry Shrimp
The most popular aquarium shrimp by far, red cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) should be considered a must for any freshwater setup.
Vibrantly red, these shrimp stand out dramatically against most backgrounds.
Hardy and prolific breeders that thrive in standard community tanks, cherry shrimp continually deliver activity and flashes of red.
They spend most of their time grazing on algae, helping keep plants and decor spotless. And their small size, around an inch max, prevents them from interfering with tankmates.
Beyond standard red, cherry shrimp have been selectively bred into several color variations. While not as vibrant, the blue and yellow versions make interesting additions. And higher-grade red strains feature an especially opaque and intense color.
Their coloration and constant movement keep them endlessly entertaining. And prolific breeding leads to large colonies that only amplify their visual impact.
If you’re looking for one shrimp species that delivers on all fronts, red cherry shrimp are easily the best choice for any freshwater tank.
2. Ghost Shrimp
Mostly transparent in appearance, ghost shrimp feature only faint hints of coloration along their legs and antennae. Lacking visual appeal compared to brighter species, they make up for it with especially active and fascinating behavior.
Rather than constantly grazing like some shrimp, ghost shrimp actively hunt smaller tankmates and scavenge recently dead animals.
Their predatory nature leads to varying levels of compatibility, however. Smaller shrimp and fish are certainly at risk of ending up in food.
Ideal for nano species tanks, though, groups of ghost shrimp continually search the decor and the substrate for edible matter.
Their claws pick away at materials and turn over gravel nonstop. Hormones during breeding lead to dramatic disputes and physical conflicts.
While they lack vibrant coloration, ghost shrimp still stand out thanks to their glass-like bodies and hyperactive behavior.
Their small size, generally around an inch, prevents them from preying on most tankmates beyond baby fish and shrimp. Just don’t expect plants or decor to stay perfectly manicured.
3. Bamboo shrimp
Reaching over three inches in length, bamboo shrimp features a unique shape and behavior compared to smaller species. Their elongated bodies and antennae sway hypnotically with water currents.
They use feather-like fans to filter microscopic food from the water column.
Making them true filter-feeding shrimp, bamboo shrimp position themselves in areas of consistent water flow.
Their fanning arms catch phytoplankton, tiny bits of loose plant matter, and even newly hatched brine shrimp passing by.
While most shrimp graze surfaces nonstop, bamboo shrimp wait patiently to trap nutritional morsels drifting through the tank.
Areas near the filter outflow provide the best habitat. But bamboo shrimp sometimes have difficulty finding quality foods in under-planted aquariums.
Their specialized feeding strategy limits bamboo shrimp compatibility to mature setups with consistent water flow.
However, adding individuals to established community tanks makes for fascinating living water filters. Their swaying motions and unique shapes stand out dramatically. And they help remove excess microscopic material missed by standard filtration.
4. Vampire Shrimp
Living up to its name, the vampire shrimp features dark coloration and a foreboding appearance. And its extra-long walking legs lend it a creepy look as it moves across the tank bottom.
While small by shrimp standards, reaching around two inches, it still manages to cast an imposing presence.
Vampire shrimp additionally feed on tiny organisms suspended in the water, making them one of the only shrimp to filter particles from the water column.
Equipped with specialized fans and setae just for this purpose, they create feeding currents, guiding nutrition right to their mouths. This behavior earns them the alternate common name fan shrimp.
Slow-moving and generally peaceful towards tankmates, vampire shrimp add an extra creepy allure compared to standard species.
Their unique, darker appearance and elongated limb spans certainly make them one of the most interesting shrimp for aquarium hobbyists.
5. Amano Shrimp
While not as visually striking as red cherries or vampires, Amano shrimp earn their place as the best freshwater shrimp thanks to their outstanding algae-eating ability.
Constantly grazing on nearly every surface, Amano shrimp help keep annoying green algae outbreaks under control.
Reaching lengths over two inches, amanos rate on the larger side of the scale. Despite their size, their general transparency and drab brown coloring cause them to blend well into planted tanks. Only mature males develop some faint but attractive speckling.
Highly active and constantly picking away at their surroundings, Amano shrimp delivers superior tank cleaning compared to nearly all other popular species.
While they lack standout looks, their sheer utility and work ethic alone justifies their inclusion in any tank prone to excessive algae.
Caring for Freshwater Shrimp
While freshwater shrimp enjoy relatively wide environmental tolerance compared to their saltwater counterparts, a few basic care requirements still apply to all species.
Following general guidelines ensures shrimp not only survive but thrive and actively participate in tank dynamics long-term.
When adding shrimp to community aquariums, align water parameters with existing livestock. Ideal ranges include temperature (70F–80F), pH (6.5–7.5), GH/KH (5–10 dGH), and ammonia/nitrites (0 ppm).
For shrimp-only setups, target more precise parameters: temperature (72F–78F), pH (6.8–7.2), GH (5-7 dGH), KH (2–5 dKH), and zero ammonia/nitrites and nitrates (<15 ppm). In mixed setups, monitor weekly for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, performing water changes as needed.
Shrimp thrive in well-established tanks with ample hiding spaces and surface area. Nanoshrimp-focused aquariums (2–5 gallons) with soft-leaved plants and grazeable surfaces work well.
Supplemental feeding for shrimp is minimal, as they primarily source nutrients from established tank surfaces. To ensure water changes, use dechlorinated tap water or remineralized RO water.
Overall, simplicity and attention to tank maturity enhance the success of shrimp in community aquariums.
FAQ
What are the easiest freshwater shrimp for beginners?
The red cherry shrimp is widely considered the best freshwater shrimp for beginners. They are hardy, breed readily, add a pop of color, and thrive in a wide range of conditions in community tanks. Ghost shrimp and amano shrimp are also good starter options.
How many shrimp should I start with?
Most experts recommend starting with at least 6 shrimp, or optimally 10-12. This guarantees both males and females, maximizes genetic diversity for breeding, and leads to proper group behavior with these social creatures. Adding only 1-2 shrimp often results in poor activity and survival.
Do I need a special tank for freshwater shrimp?
While specialized shrimp-only nano tanks work well, most species thrive in normal community tanks too. Just avoid housing shrimp with aggressive species that could prey on them. As long as water parameters meet their basic needs and there are places for grazing and hiding, shrimp do well in standard community aquariums.
What do I feed freshwater shrimp?
As natural scavengers, shrimp graze nonstop on biofilms and algae on surfaces throughout the tank. Purposefully feeding protein-rich shrimp pellets, blanched veggies or algae wafers 1-2 times per week simply acts as supplementation.
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