“Are freshwater shrimps really easy to care for?” is one of the questions we receive the most. And the answer is yes, they are really really easy to take care of. If you’re hesitating to add some freshwater shrimp to your aquarium as you don’t know how to care for them, don’t worry we got you! Let’s take a look at this care guide blog and bring your favorite shrimp home now!
Popular Types of Freshwater Shrimp: Caridina vs Neocaridina
Freshwater shrimp is well-known for its colorful appearance, easy adaptation, and peaceful tankmates. There are various types of freshwater shrimp but the most popular among aquarium hobbyists are Caridina shrimp and Neocaridina shrimp.
Caridina
Caridina shrimps are found in tropical and subtropical waters in Asia, especially in rivers and streams that are fairly soft, acidic, and cool. They have a special pattern in their body with a combination of various colors such as black and white, red and white, etc. Some popular varieties of Caridina shrimp at our Splashy Fish tropical fish store include Crystal Red Shrimp, Crystal Black Shrimp, Blue Bolt Shrimp, etc.
Neocaridina
On the other hand, Neocaridina shrimps are well-known for their wider range of solid colors from yellow, orange, and red to blue and black. They also survive in most conditioned tap water in the USA, that’s why we recommend them to those who have just begun to grow their own aquarium. Some species of Neocaridina shrimps beginners can start with including Red Cherry Shrimp, Blue Shrimp, Blue Velvet Shrimp, etc.
To know more about the differences in caring between Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp, take a look at our care guide article here.
Recommend Water Parameters for Freshwater Shrimp
Although freshwater shrimps are very easy invertebrates to care for and not picky at all, they still need specific water parameters to thrive well. Different species of freshwater fish have distinctive water parameter requirements. Here is the ideal water index for two popular freshwater shrimp species:
|
Parameter |
Caridina |
Neocaridina |
|
TDS |
80 - 150 ppm |
80 - 200 ppm |
|
gH |
3-6 dGH |
4 - 14 dGH |
|
kH |
0-1 dKH |
0 – 10 dKH |
|
pH |
6.0 – 6.8 |
6.4 – 8.0 |
|
Temperature |
below 74°F (~ 23°C) |
65° - 80°F (~ 18.3° - 26.6°C) |
|
Water change |
10% to 25% a week |
20% per 7-10 days |
Keep in mind that this is a general water parameter for these two species of freshwater shrimps. Some others may have a slightly different one. So, double-check with your shrimps’ requirements to ensure a healthy water environment for them. Use water test kits for aquarium to monitor and adjust water conditions as needed.
Setup Freshwater Shrimp Tank: Step-by-Step
Setting up a freshwater shrimp tank is the very first step to giving our shrimp friends a peaceful place to live and grow. With these simple step-to-step guidelines, even beginners can set up a great shrimp tank with the full required equipment.
- Choosing the right size for an aquarium tank is very important. We recommend using a 10-gallon tank for beginners with a small school of freshwater fish. Upsize the tank if you’re going to have a larger colony
- Rinse the aquarium tank and equipment (filter, heater, decoration) with water to remove debris
- Place a 2-3 inch layer of substrate such as aquarium soil or UNS Controsoil at the bottom of the tank
- To maintain pH stability and provide more essential minerals for the tank, sprinkle a layer of powdered calcium-based substrate over the main one
- Fill the tank with soft water, ideally using distilled water or reverse osmosis (RO) aiming for a pH of 6.0 to 7.0
- As the freshwater shrimps are very tiny, use the sponge filter to ensure the gentle water flow and prevent the shrimps from getting stuck in it.
- Install a heater to ensure a stable temperature range of 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C).
- Use aquarium plants such as Aquarium Moss, Java Fern, and Anubias to provide hiding spots and grazed areas for the freshwater shrimp
- Cover the tank with the aquarium lid to create a more humid environment and prevent the shrimps from jumping out.
- Before introducing the freshwater shrimp, allow the tank to cycle for 2 - 3 weeks to create beneficial bacteria and ensure a stable nitrogen cycle.
What Do Freshwater Shrimps Eat?
Freshwater shrimps are very easy to care for so feeding them is not a crucial matter. They often eat algae, biofilm, and other small invertebrates. Besides this food, fish keepers also can feed them with shrimp food, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables. Although they typically feed on leftover food, it’s also important to provide them with supplemental feeding 2 - 3 times a week to ensure their health. An easy way to balance their diet is to use instant shrimp food like Kats Aquatics and Shrimp Envy. These products contain organic ingredients in a variety of formulations with different nutrient ratios that allow you to tailor shrimp’s diet based on your specific needs. This helps the freshwater shrimp receive enough nutrients for their steady growth.
Image of Blue Dream Shrimp
Freshwater Shrimp Breeding
Freshwater shrimp are very easy to breed as long as the water conditions meet factors like stable water parameters, comfortable water temperatures, and an abundance of food. The breeding period occurs right after the female shrimp’s molt. In this stage, the female releases pheromones to attract the male to find her. After breeding, the female carries the fertilized eggs for about 4 - 6 weeks until the eggs hatch. Once the eggs hatch, the baby shrimp also called the fry will free-swimming and eat algae and other small organisms. Because they’re very tiny, it’s important to provide them with hiding spots or separate them from other fish in a tank to prevent them from accidentally being eaten.
Can Freshwater Shrimp Live with Fish?
The answer is yes! Freshwater shrimp are peaceful creatures so they can live with another species of freshwater fish in the same tank. However, it’s crucial to avoid aggressive and large fish to protect the shrimp colonies. Here are some of the peaceful freshwater fishes that can be tankmates of the shrimp.
Medaka Ricefish: Japanese Ricefish are small peaceful freshwater fish known for their ability to eat mosquito larvae which helps the shrimp tank free of pests. Some popular types of Ricefish that shrimp keepers can add to shrimp tanks are Gold Medaka Ricefish, Platinum Medaka Ricefish, and Black Medaka Ricefish.
Pygmy Corys: Pygmy Corydoras are popular for their bottom-dwelling habits and gentle behavior which is very safe for the freshwater shrimps. Shrimp keepers can provide more hiding spaces and some decorations such as dense live aquarium plants or aquarium driftwood so that they can coexist harmoniously.
Ember Tetra: Ember Tetra are small and peaceful schooling fish that can be the perfect tankmate for a freshwater shrimp tank. Tetra Fish are small enough not to threaten the shrimp and do not eat shrimp eggs for fry. Besides that, Ember tetra is active swimmers so they will add life and movement to the shrimp tank.
Exclamation Point Rasbora: The Exclamation Point Rasbora is a small, peaceful fish that makes an excellent tankmate for freshwater shrimp. They are known for their vibrant coloration, which features a bright red exclamation point-shaped marking on their body. They are also very active and playful, making them a joy to watch.
Aquarium Plants for Freshwater Shrimp Tank
Besides freshwater fish, shrimp keepers can also add more aquarium plant to the shrimp tank to provide more hiding places and make the aquarium more attractive. Here are some freshwater plants that are suitable for the shrimp tank:
Conclusion
Freshwater shrimps are indeed easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarium enthusiasts alike. Whether you opt for the vibrant Neocaridina or the patterned Caridina varieties, providing a suitable environment with the right water parameters and tank setup is key to their thriving. From feeding requirements to breeding tips, we've covered the essentials to help you create a thriving shrimp habitat. By following our care guide, you can ensure your freshwater shrimps lead happy, healthy lives in your aquarium. If you have more questions or want to explore further, don't hesitate to reach out or visit our care guide for additional information. If you're finding the best freshwater shrimps for sale, visit our store online or tropical fish store on Virgina - where we offer the high-quality live fish, invertebrates, plants, and more aquascaping supplies with the best customer service. Happy shrimp-keeping!
FAQs
Can freshwater shrimp live with betta fighting fish?
Yes, freshwater shrimp can live with bettas, but it depends on the temperament of the specific betta. Some bettas may be aggressive towards shrimp, especially if they have long fins that resemble another fish. It's best to monitor their interactions closely if you decide to house them together.
How many freshwater shrimp per gallon?
The number of freshwater shrimp per gallon can vary depending on the species and tank conditions. As a general guideline, you can keep around 10 shrimp per gallon in a well-maintained aquarium. However, ensure the tank has ample hiding spots and resources to support their colony size.
What do freshwater shrimp eggs look like?
Freshwater shrimp eggs are typically small and translucent. They are often attached to the female shrimp's pleopods (swimmerets) until they hatch. After hatching, the tiny shrimp fry will remain close to their mother or hide in safe spots within the tank.
