Ghost Shrimp vs Cherry Shrimp: Key Differences Every Aquarist Should Know

When you’re standing in front of the aquarium store display, staring at two tanks of seemingly similar freshwater shrimp, the choice between Ghost Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp might seem straightforward. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover these species couldn’t be more different in their care requirements, behavior, and what they bring to your aquarium ecosystem.

Both species have earned devoted followings among aquarists, but for completely different reasons. Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) are the workhorses of the shrimp world - transparent, hardy, and incredibly effective at keeping tanks clean. Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), on the other hand, are the colorful jewels that transform any aquarium into a living artwork.

Understanding these differences is crucial because choosing the wrong species for your setup, experience level, or goals can lead to frustration, unexpected costs, or even shrimp mortality. Let’s dive into the complete comparison to help you make the perfect choice.

Size and Appearance: The Obvious Differences

The most immediate difference you’ll notice is size. Ghost Shrimp are significantly larger, reaching up to 2 inches in length, while Cherry Shrimp max out around 0.5 to 1 inch. This size difference affects everything from tank requirements to feeding behavior.

Ghost Shrimp earned their name from their completely transparent, glass-like appearance. You can literally see their internal organs and food moving through their digestive system. This transparency makes them excellent for educational purposes but less visually striking as display animals.

Cherry Shrimp, conversely, come in a rainbow of vibrant colors:

• Red Cherry Shrimp: The classic bright red variety
• Blue Dream Shrimp: Stunning electric blue
• Yellow Shrimp: Bright golden yellow
• Orange Shrimp: Warm sunset orange
• Chocolate Shrimp: Rich brown coloration

The color intensity in Cherry Shrimp varies with genetics, diet, and water parameters, with high-grade specimens commanding premium prices.

Water Parameters: Hardy vs Stable

Ghost Shrimp Water Requirements:

• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C) - very tolerant of fluctuations
• pH: 7.0-8.0 (can adapt to wider range)
• GH: 3-15 (extremely adaptable)
• KH: 2-10
• TDS: 150-300 ppm

Cherry Shrimp Water Requirements:

• Temperature: 65-78°F (18-25°C) - prefer stability
• pH: 6.5-8.0 (need consistent levels)
• GH: 6-12 (critical for molting)
• KH: 2-8
• TDS: 150-250 ppm

The key difference here is tolerance versus preference. Ghost Shrimp can survive in suboptimal conditions that would stress or kill Cherry Shrimp. This makes Ghost Shrimp ideal for beginners still learning water chemistry management.

Pro tip: If you’re new to shrimp keeping, start with Ghost Shrimp to master basic care before investing in more expensive Cherry Shrimp. The hardy nature of Ghost Shrimp provides a forgiving learning environment.

Tank Size and Setup Requirements

Ghost Shrimp Tank Requirements:

• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons for 10-20 shrimp
• Ideal setup: 20+ gallons for larger colonies
• Special needs: More hiding spots due to occasional aggression
• Filtration: Standard aquarium filtration works well

Cherry Shrimp Tank Requirements:

• Minimum tank size: 5 gallons for small groups
• Ideal setup: 10-20 gallons for breeding colonies
• Special needs: Stable parameters more important than space
• Filtration: Sponge filters preferred to protect tiny shrimplets

Ghost Shrimp need more physical space due to their larger size and tendency to be more aggressive with each other during feeding time. Cherry Shrimp are more peaceful and can thrive in smaller spaces as long as water quality remains stable.

Behavior and Temperament: Aggressive vs Peaceful

The behavioral differences between these species are striking and significantly impact tank dynamics.

Ghost Shrimp Behavior:

• Highly active and visible during the day
• Can be aggressive toward each other during feeding
• Excellent scavengers that actively hunt for food
• May occasionally nip at very small tankmates
• More territorial, especially in smaller tanks

Cherry Shrimp Behavior:

• Generally peaceful and shy
• Constantly grazing on surfaces
• Less competitive during feeding time
• Form tight-knit colonies in established tanks
• Rarely show aggression toward tankmates

This behavioral difference affects tank compatibility. Ghost Shrimp work better with fish that can handle some assertiveness, while Cherry Shrimp are ideal for peaceful community tanks.

Diet and Feeding: Voracious vs Grazing

Both species are omnivorous, but their feeding styles differ significantly.

Ghost Shrimp Diet:

• Aggressive scavengers that consume large amounts
• Excel at eating leftover fish food and detritus
• Prefer protein-rich foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp
• Will eat soft algae but aren’t algae specialists
• Need supplemental feeding in clean tanks

Cherry Shrimp Diet:

• Constant grazers focusing on biofilm and algae
• Prefer plant-based foods and algae wafers
• Less efficient at cleaning up large food debris
• Can survive longer periods without supplemental feeding
• Benefit from calcium-rich foods for proper molting

For cleanup duties, Ghost Shrimp are far superior. A colony of Ghost Shrimp can handle significant amounts of excess food and organic waste that would overwhelm Cherry Shrimp.

Breeding: Challenging vs Straightforward

Breeding success varies dramatically between these species.

Ghost Shrimp Breeding:

• Larvae are planktonic and extremely difficult to raise
• Require specialized foods like infusoria and rotifers
• Most home aquarists never successfully raise larvae
• Breeding possible but not practical for most hobbyists

Cherry Shrimp Breeding:

• Direct development with no larval stage
• Females carry eggs for 3-4 weeks
• Shrimplets are born as miniature adults
• Colonies can explode in population under good conditions
• Easy breeding makes them excellent for establishing colonies

If you want a self-sustaining shrimp population, Cherry Shrimp are the clear winner.

Cost Comparison: Budget vs Investment

The price difference between these species is substantial and reflects their different breeding difficulty and demand.

Ghost Shrimp Pricing:

• Typically $0.50-$2.00 each
• Often sold in bulk quantities
• Replacements are inexpensive
• Ideal for budget-conscious setups

Cherry Shrimp Pricing:

• Range from $3-$15+ each depending on grade and color
• High-grade specimens command premium prices
• Replacement costs add up quickly
• Better viewed as an investment in living artwork

The research shows you can often buy 20 Ghost Shrimp for the price of a single Cherry Shrimp, making the economic difference quite significant for new aquarists.

Tank Compatibility and Community Tanks

Ghost Shrimp Compatibility:

• Work well with small, peaceful fish like guppies and tetras
• Can handle slightly more aggressive tankmates
• Size makes them less likely to be eaten
• May occasionally harass very small or slow fish

Cherry Shrimp Compatibility:

• Best with extremely peaceful fish or shrimp-only tanks
• Easily eaten by larger fish due to small size
• Ideal for nano tanks and peaceful communities
• Perfect tankmates for small fish like chili rasboras

Consider your existing fish when making your choice, as compatibility issues can lead to expensive losses.

Which Species Should You Choose?

Choose Ghost Shrimp if you:

• Are new to shrimp keeping
• Want effective algae and detritus control
• Have a limited budget
• Keep slightly aggressive fish
• Prefer low-maintenance cleanup crews
• Don’t mind less colorful livestock

Choose Cherry Shrimp if you:

• Want colorful, display-quality shrimp
• Plan to breed and sell offspring
• Have stable, established tanks
• Keep peaceful community fish
• Enjoy observing complex social behaviors
• Don’t mind higher initial costs

Conclusion

The choice between Ghost Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp ultimately comes down to your priorities, experience level, and budget. Ghost Shrimp offer unmatched hardiness and cleaning power at budget-friendly prices, making them perfect for beginners or anyone wanting effective tank maintenance. Cherry Shrimp provide stunning colors and fascinating breeding opportunities but require more stable conditions and represent a larger financial investment.

Whichever species you choose, both can bring years of enjoyment to your aquarium. Start with the species that best matches your current setup and experience level - you can always expand to keep both species in separate tanks as your hobby grows. Remember, success with either species starts with understanding their unique needs and providing appropriate care from day one.