Freshwater shrimps come in different sizes, colors, and shapes. They are generally of small size, and this is why most aquarists do not see the need to put them in the aquarium since they believe they are meant for big fish. This is wrong in its entirety since they are fascinating creatures that are worth keeping since keeping these algae-eating or filter-feeding organisms in your aquarium will be rewarding.
The Shrimps make a great addition to a community tank that contains small and peaceful fish. This article seeks to give you a list of the common freshwater shrimps that you should consider for your aquarium and the basic information you require in keeping them in your aquarium.
GHOST SHRIMP
This species of shrimps has evolved over time in terms of appearance, and they have now turned to be transparent. This is a strategy that has been adopted in order to prevent predation. The ideal aquarium for this species should be planted in order to allow them to feel safer since these plants provide some hiding spots.
As a result of their tiny size, the Ghost Shrimps would perfectly make an excellent addition to any Nano aquarium with a minimum size of 5 gallons. If the aquarium has this size, you can keep up to 20 shrimps together. If you find that they are breeding prolifically, you can get some of them and take them to your local fish store, where you could trade them.
AMANO SHRIMP
This Shrimp was introduced in the aquarium industry by the legendary Takashi Amano in the 1980s. The main reason behind the introduction was their ability to control algae in the aquarium. Since their introduction then, they have in recent years become popular, and they are among the most popular freshwater aquarium Shrimps.
They are also one of the larger dwarf species in the aquarium trade, with an average size of 2 inches in length. They have a transparent grey color, with the females having long dashes along with their bodies while the males have dots that are evenly spaced. These markings can have varying colors, from reddish-brown to bluish-green.
The Amano shrimps thrive best under an aquarium that is planted, and the average water temperature should range between 70 to 80 degrees F with a Ph. level of between 6.0 to 7.0. The breeding of this species does not happen mostly in captivity since the fries hatch in saltwater before retiring to freshwater later as they grow.
RED CHERRY SHRIMP
This species is also known as cherry, sakura, and fire Shrimp. The name used will be determined by the individual color grade. The female has a deeper red color while the males have a paler red color. The females also have a larger abdomen area, and it appears rounder. This species is among the easiest to keep and take care of, and this makes them so common compared to others.
If you keep this species, the ideal water temperature in the aquarium should be 65 to 85 degrees F and the ph. Level should range from 6.5 to 8.0. These conditions should always be constant if possible but within the range.
BEE SHRIMP
In the aquarium trade, the Bee Shrimp is one of the most diverse freshwater Shrimp, and it has over a dozen of selectively bred color variations. The Black Bee Shrimp is so small in size, with an average size of one inch. In terms of coloration, this species has white and black bars that run across the length of the body.
Compared to other species, this species is difficult to keep, and therefore, they do not make the ideal choice for beginners. They prefer living in warm water, and the average water temperature should range between 68 to 78 degrees F with ph. The level is between 5.8 to 6.8.
BAMBOO SHRIMP
Bamboo Shrimp is also referred to as Wood Shrimp. In terms of coloration, this species is reddish-brown, and they grow to a maximum size of approximately 4.5 inches. Generally, the female grows a bit larger compared to males, and they can attain the size of 4.7 inches. The females also have slightly smaller front legs compared to males, and this is very useful when sexing them for breeding purposes.
These species are filter feeders, and they have a specialized fan that collects all the food particles from the water and brings them towards the mouth. This species can be fed using a variety of foods, including powdered fish flakes, newly hatched artemia, and algae powder. Compared to the other Shrimps, this species is a bit larger, and therefore they need a bigger aquarium to comfortably live. The average size of the aquarium should be 20 gallons and more.
The aquarium water should have a constant temperature between 68 to 77 degrees F. The ph. levels should range from 6.5 to 7.5.
BLUE TIGER SHRIMP
This species is also referred to as Orange Eyed Blue Tiger. This name is a perfect description of this species. They have a dark blue coloration with black stripes, and they also have stunning orange eyes. The ideal size of the aquarium should be 10 gallons and above. The Ph. of water should be kept between 6.0 to 7.5 while the temperature of aquarium water should range from 65 to 75 degrees F.
This species is peaceful, and it should be kept ins a peaceful community tank. The tan should also have small fish. If you keep them with fish, you should ensure that you provide them with plenty of hiding spots.
RED RILI SHRIMP
This variety has been bred from the Red Cherry. They are a dwarf variety, and it grows to an average size of 1 inch. They have a transparent midriff, deep red head and a red tail. This species is generally shy, and the deal home for this species should be complex. These species are algae eaters, and therefore they need a planted aquarium with decorations such as bogwood so as to provide some hiding spots and the ideal locations for algae growth.
The process of breeding this species is quite easy. All you need is to purchase around 10 of them and provide them with the right temperature and diet. The average temperature of aquarium water should be between 65 to 85 degrees F with a ph. of between 6.2 to 8.0. They will naturally breed.
BLUE VELVET SHRIMP
This species has been selectively bred from the same wild Neocaridina species, just as the yellow and Cherry Shrimp. This species is striking blue in color instead of being red or yellow. These species are usually scavengers and will feed o anything that is brought to them, and this includes the algae. However, you should mainly feed them on high-protein shrimp pellets to encourage breeding.
The females grow larger compared to males, and they can attain a length of 2 inches when they are fully grown. On the other hand, males can only attain a maximum of 1.5 inches as adults. To keep the blue velvet strain pure, this species should always be kept alone away from theirs. The aquarium should be planted, and the minimum size of the aquarium should be 10 gallons. This species thrives in warm water with an average temperature of 72 to 82 degrees F and an average ph. of 6.4 to 8.0.
CRYSTAL SHRIMP
This Shrimp is also referred to as Red Bee or Crystal Red Shrimp. The coloration varies according to the individual, but the common color is white background with deep red patches or bars along the body. This species is not an ideal choice for beginners. This is mainly because they require a lot of effort to maintain, and they also need specific water parameters along with regular water changes.
This species needs a planted aquarium since the plants will absorb excess nitrates, which will be helpful in completing the nitrogen cycle. This species also needs to be kept in freshwater with an average temperature of between 62 to 76 degrees F and an average ph. level of 5.8 to 7.5. These parameters should be kept constant within the above ranges.
VAMPIRE SHRIMP
This species is among the rare species of Shrimp. They are a bit large and can grow to the size of 6 inches. They are translucent in color, and this makes them resemble freshwater crayfish. There is, however, one thing that sets them apart, and that is the fact that they are filter feeders. They have small fans which catch small food particles that float through the water column.
Feeding this species can sometimes be hectic because feeding them on regular sinking pellets is too large, and therefore baby shrimp food is recommended.
INDIAN WHISKER SHRIMP
This is a unique type of aquarium shrimp that can have some aggressive tendencies. These species can easily outdo the peaceful invertebrates. They are aggressive, and in some instances, they can even kill large fish. However, this aggressiveness should not change your mind about having them in your aquarium. This is beautiful species. Just like the ghost shrimps, this species is also translucent, but they are bigger compared to ghost shrimp, and they also have long legs that resemble whiskers. This is where the name whisker was derived from.
This species is a bottom dweller and will spend most of its time at the bottom of the aquarium scavenging for food. It mainly feeds on leftover fish food, and this is helpful since it prevents them from rotting and causing pollution. They are, however, not algae eaters. You, therefore, have to provide supplemental food. They do well in commercial shrimp foods. The ideal food should be sinking ones. This species can also feed on vegetables such as spinach and cucumbers.
The average size of this species is 2 inches when fully grown, and the average size of the tank needed for them to live comfortably is 5 gallons and above. They are easy to maintain, and this makes them the ideal choice for beginners.
GRASS SHRIMP
This species does best in large groups compared to living alone in the aquarium. They are little wonderful species and are also avid scavengers and will keep working to keep the aquarium clean. This species can feed on anything from phytoplankton to detritus. You will, in most cases, find this species grazing on the plants and decorations at the bottom of the tank. This means they are bottom dwellers in general.
They are avid swimmers that can use their legs to get to every part of the aquarium. You need to be careful when choosing the tank mates for this species. This is because they are peaceful and small, and they are an easy target of attack. They are mainly used by aquarists as food for predatory fish as well.
The average size of this species is 1.5 inches when fully grown. They can make a good choice for beginners. The average size of the tank for this species is at least 10 gallons.
SNOWBALL SHRIMP
This species is also referred to as White Pearl Shrimp, and they make a great choice for an aquarist who wants to get into breeding. This species breeds so fast and in large numbers. From the spawning period, it only takes approximately a month for the eggs to hatch. The name Snowball was derived from their bright white eggs, which resemble a small snowball. Spotting the eggs of this species is easy due to their color.
The snowball shrimp resembles ghost shrimp, but there are some differences in their appearances. The main is the level of transparency. This species has a milky look. It is true that you can be able to see their internal organs, but you will not be able to see finer details like in the other translucent species.
This species is tiny in size with an average size of 1 to 1.5 inches in length. They are easy to take care of, and this makes them an ideal choice for beginners. The ideal size of the aquarium should be at least 5 gallons.
BABAULTI SHRIMP
This is a hardy species that is easy to take care of. This makes it the ideal choice for beginners. All you need is to provide the recommended parameters and a fully cycled aquarium, and your Shrimp will thrive. This species being hardy, can tolerate a wide range of temperatures as low as 62 degrees F to as high as 82.5 degrees F. However, you should make an effort and provide a temperature that is moderate in between the range. This species thrives in neutral water.
This species is very beautiful, and this makes it the ideal choice for every aquarium. They have different color varieties, with the most common being green. The majority are also neutral brown. Despite what their base color is, this species has dark zebra stripes that run vertically along their entire body. Naturally, this species is an omnivore as they will consume on plant detritus and algae.
The average size of this species is between 1 to 1.4 inches when fully grown. They are hardy, as stated earlier, and this makes them beginner-friendly. The average size of aquarium needed is 5 gallons and above.
VAMPIRE SHRIMP
This species is mainly found in South America and West Africa. They have a longer lifespan compared to their counterparts, and they can live up to 5 years in captivity. The most exciting and interesting characteristic of this species is its appearance. They have some varying coloration, with some being brown, gray, blue, or even pink. This species will change its color a couple of e of times in a year, and this makes them unique in the aquarium.
These species are filters feeders, and they eat in their unique way. If you look closely, you can see some small hairs on their front appendages. When this species eats, they will waive their arms in water in order to catch the tiny microorganism and algae. It looks like they are waving at you.
The average size of this species when fully grown is between 2 to 3 inches. They can be kept by both beginners and intermediate aquarists. The average size of the tank needed is at least 20 gallons, and they will be comfortable and happy.
PANDA SHRIMP
This species is covered in black and white thick bands that are. The combination of colors stands out and is quite stunning in a natural tank setup. This species needs to be provided with plenty of plants, caves, rocks, and other decorations. This is to provide enough hiding spots and shelter. This species can be a bit challenging to take care of since they require stable water parameters. They are generally fragile. This species is peaceful and defenseless, with their colors attracting the aggressive fish species.
It is for this reason that most aquarists prefer keeping this species with fish. They thrive best on a community tank with the Panda shrimps and some snails. The average size of a fully grown Panda Shrimp is 1.2 inches. Since they are fragile, they are not a good choice for beginners, and therefore they need an intermediate aquarist who has some experience. The tank size should be at least 5 to 10 gallons.
PINTO SHRIMP
This species is covered in shades of dark black and pure white, which makes them stand out. Taking care of this species is a bit challenging to take care of, and it is for this reason they do not make the ideal choice for beginners. This species is sensitive to changes in water parameters, and you need to provide them with stable conditions to thrive. The ideal water temperatures should be between 62 to 76 degrees F. The PH levels should be between 5.8 to 7.4.
The main diet of this species consists of algae biofilm. You will notice this species eating the algae off the decorations in the aquarium. As you clean your aquarium, you should not do as intensely as it will get rid of some of that natural food. You can use the commercial foods or the leaf litter to supplement the diet. This species is so tiny, with an average size of between 0.75 to 1 inch. They are a bit challenging to keep; however, they can be kept by beginners and intermediates as long as they are willing to make an effort.
BLUE BOLT SHRIMP
This species is eye-catching with blue and white colors. The tail is usually covered with white. The head has patches of different shades of blue. The white and blue color meets at the middle of this species body to create a beautiful gradient. Just like the other shrimps, the Blue Bolt Shrimp has basic needs that need to be taken care of. They include some hiding spots, dense vegetation, and some algae.
This species also needs good filtration. They do not do well with increased ammonia and nitrite levels. It is advisable to use a standard filter with sponges to avoid injuring the Shrimp. This species is tiny in size, with an average length of 1 inch when fully grown. This species is a bit challenging for beginners, and it is ideal for intermediate. The tanks size should be between 5 to 10 gallons.
BLUE DREAM SHRIMP
Blue Dream and Shrimp are rare species, and it can be a bit challenging to find them in freshwater aquariums. These unique and eye-catching forms of the popular cherry shrimp are just as easy to take care of but provide a different dimension of color. This species is easy to take care of, and this makes them an ideal choice for beginners.
They are omnivores in nature, and this means that they feed on the fresh-based and plant-based matter. Breeding this species is also a bit difficult, but it takes 30 days for the eggs to hatch. The ideal tank should be planted so as to provide hiding spots. The average size of this species s between 1 to 1.25 inches with an average ph. that ranges between 7. to 8.0.
NEOCARIDINA SHRIMP
This species is a sibling of Red Cherry is also referred to as Yellow Shrimp due to its lemon color. Some of the individuals are more translucent. This is due to the fact that wild brownish-grey Neocaridian ancestors have been selectively bred over the years for their yellow color. Some of the slightly translucent species are simply not as far along the selective breeding process as the opaque lemons, which have the desirable intense yellow color.
The price of this species varies according to coloration, with opaque yellows being more expensive than the slightly translucent ones. As an aquarist who is looking to start your own selective breeding, the colonies of 10 individuals will cost you approximately 40 dollars.
BUMBLEBEE SHRIMP
This species is not an ordinary kind of Bee Shrimp. They are unique to the others. Their peculiar patterns manage by manages them to get the name Bumblebee. Despite being so beautiful, this Shrimp is easy to take care of. They are common among aquarists, and they are as difficult to keep. They are, however, sensitive to ammonia and nitrates, and this, therefore, means that they must be kept in flawless conditions.
These species should be kept in a temperature that ranges from 70 to 80 degrees F, and the ph value should range from 6.0 to 7.2.
EXTREMELY WINE RED SHRIMP
This species has a dark red body with lighter-colored legs, tails, and mouthparts. Just like the panda Shrimp, this species is a descendant of the bee shrimp. This species is an extremely popular but rate variant that is best suited to experienced aquarists. This species is an ideal choice for moderate to advanced aquarists.
The average size of this species during adulthood is between 1 to 1.5 inches. They are easy to breed, and therefore anyone can breed them. The gestation period takes approximately 30 days. They are herbivores, and this implies that they mainly feed on vegetables and other plant-based matter. The ideal aquarium should be planted.
SUNKIST ORANGE SHRIMP
This species is another variant of Neocaridinia davidi. They are known to brighten the aquarium with their vibrant colors. This species has bright color, and it stands out in a planted aquarium with a dark substrate. This species is also referred to as Orange sakura Shrimp, and they are pretty hardy and easy to maintain. This species makes an ideal choice for beginners as a result of ease of maintenance.
This is a tiny species with an average size of 1.25 inches when fully grown. They are omnivores in nature which implies that they feed on the plant-based and fresh-based matter. The ph. level should range between 7 to 8. They are easy to breed, and the gestation period takes around 30 days.
GREEN JADE SHRIMP
This is a popular variant of the Cherry shrimp, and it is beautiful in terms of coloration. They have very similar markings to the yellow golden back with the same racing stripes along their backs. The only difference is their jade green body color. This species is easy to take care of. They are small in size, with an average length of 1 to 1.25 inches when fully grown.
They are omnivores in nature, and they also prefer a planted aquarium to thrive best. They are easy to breed, with the gestation period taking around 30 days. The ph. level should range between 7 to 8.
CONCLUSION
Keeping freshwater shrimps has really increased in popularity over the years. There are a number of species of shrimp that love algae feeding and keeping your tank clean, as well as filter-feeding species that scavenge food from the eater column. Freshwater shrimps make ideal additions to the community tanks as long as they are kept in with other peaceful species.
They are ideal choices for both beginners and expert aquarists. They also add some amazing variety of colors in the tank, and this makes them interesting to watch. As an aquarist, you should consider adding at least one or two varieties in your community tank, and the experience will be rewarding.
