About Ghost Shrimp
Ghost Shrimp are the most widely available, inexpensive, and hardy shrimp in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Their nearly transparent bodies give them their spectral name, and their rock-bottom prices (often $0.30-0.50 each) make them accessible to everyone. They're commonly sold as feeder shrimp but can make interesting pet invertebrates in their own right for those who appreciate their unique appearance. Ghost Shrimp belong to a DIFFERENT GENUS (Palaemonetes) than the Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp that dominate the dwarf shrimp hobby. This means they're not closely related to Cherry Shrimp or Crystal Reds despite superficial similarities. The Palaemonetes genus includes several species often sold interchangeably as 'Ghost Shrimp,' which contributes to varying reports about their behavior and breeding. IMPORTANT: Some Ghost Shrimp sold at stores may actually be Whisker Shrimp (Macrobrachium species), which are MORE AGGRESSIVE and can harm other tank inhabitants. True Ghost Shrimp are generally peaceful, though they may occasionally prey on very small shrimplets or weak/dying fish. Always examine purchased 'Ghost Shrimp' carefully - Whisker Shrimp have noticeably longer, more prominent whiskers/antennae and larger claws.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Ghost Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Ghost Shrimp.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 100-450 ppm | 150-350 ppm |
| GH | 3-18 dGH | 5-12 dGH |
| KH | 2-14 dKH | 3-8 dKH |
| pH | 6.5-8.5 | 7-8 |
| Temperature | 64-86°F (18-30°C) | 72-81°F |
Tank Setup for Ghost Shrimp
- No special requirements - adapt to most setups
- Will thrive in established community tanks
- Appreciate hiding spots but not as shy as dwarf shrimp
- Standard filtration is sufficient
- Can handle a wide range of conditions
- Good first shrimp to test if a tank is shrimp-safe
Care Tips for Ghost Shrimp
- EXTREMELY HARDY - tolerates wide parameter ranges
- Very inexpensive - often sold as feeder shrimp
- Different genus (Palaemonetes) from Neocaridina/Caridina dwarf shrimp
- Short lifespan (6-18 months) compared to other shrimp species
- May occasionally be opportunistically predatory on tiny shrimplets
- Watch for misidentified Whisker Shrimp (see 'Common Problems')
- Great for beginners and cycling tanks
Feeding Ghost Shrimp
- Omnivorous scavengers - will eat almost anything
- Excellent cleanup crew for leftover fish food
- Will eat algae, biofilm, dead plant matter
- Supplement with shrimp/fish foods if no other food source
- May prey on tiny shrimplets or dying fish (opportunistic)
Breeding Ghost Shrimp
- CAN breed in freshwater (unlike Amano Shrimp)
- Larvae require tiny food - infusoria, powdered foods
- Not as easy as Neocaridina but achievable
- Breeding success varies by population/source
- Feeder-quality shrimp may have been stressed and breed poorly
Common Problems with Ghost Shrimp
- Misidentification with WHISKER SHRIMP (Macrobrachium) - check for long whiskers and larger claws
- Whisker Shrimp sold as Ghost Shrimp are aggressive and will attack other tank mates
- Short lifespan means frequent die-offs are normal
- Feeder-quality shrimp may be stressed and die quickly
- Occasional predatory behavior on tiny shrimplets
- 'Pet quality' vs 'feeder quality' - healthier specimens from specialty sources
Troubleshooting Ghost Shrimp
Pay attention to any behavioral changes that may indicate problems. Here are common problems to watch for:
Failed Molt: Shrimp Stuck in Shell
Understanding failed molts where shrimp cannot escape their old exoskeleton. Learn why it happens, why affected shrimp cannot be saved, and how to prevent future molt failures.
Why Are My Shrimp Dying?
Comprehensive triage guide for unexplained shrimp deaths. Learn to identify the cause and take immediate action to save your remaining colony.
White Ring of Death in Shrimp
Understanding the dreaded white ring or white line that appears around a shrimp's body, signaling a fatal molting problem that cannot be reversed once visible.
Baby Shrimp (Shrimplets) Dying
Why newborn shrimp disappear or die when adult shrimp seem healthy. Covers filter intake, predation, starvation, and sensitivity issues specific to shrimplets.
Bacterial Infection in Shrimp
Identifying and treating bacterial infections in aquarium shrimp. Learn to recognize symptoms and understand why prevention through water quality is more effective than treatment.
Planaria in Shrimp Tank
Identifying and eliminating planaria flatworms that prey on shrimp, especially shrimplets. Learn safe treatment methods that won't harm your colony.
Ghost Shrimp FAQ
YES - Ghost Shrimp are among the hardiest, most forgiving shrimp available. Their extremely wide parameter tolerance, low cost, and availability make them perfect for beginners. They're great for testing if a tank is safe for shrimp before adding more expensive species.
Ghost Shrimp are mass-produced as feeder shrimp for fish, making them abundant and inexpensive (often $0.30-0.50 each). They breed relatively easily and tolerate poor conditions during shipping. Their short lifespan also contributes to quick turnover.
Sometimes! Stores often sell Whisker Shrimp (Macrobrachium) as 'Ghost Shrimp' by mistake. Whisker Shrimp have much longer whiskers/antennae, larger claws, and ARE AGGRESSIVE - they will attack fish and other shrimp. Always examine 'Ghost Shrimp' carefully before purchase.
Yes, unlike Amano Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp CAN breed in freshwater. Larvae require tiny food (infusoria, powdered foods) but breeding is achievable. Success varies by population - some strains breed easier than others.
Ghost Shrimp are generally peaceful but can be opportunistically predatory. They may catch and eat very small shrimplets or attack sick/dying fish. They're not safe with expensive dwarf shrimp colonies if shrimplet survival matters to you.
NO - Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes) are a completely different genus from Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina). Despite both being 'freshwater shrimp,' they're not closely related. This explains their different appearance, behavior, and breeding characteristics.
Feeder-quality Ghost Shrimp are often stressed from mass-production and shipping, leading to early deaths. Their natural lifespan is also short (6-18 months). For healthier specimens, buy from specialty shrimp stores rather than feeder bins.
Track Your Ghost Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Ghost Shrimp colony.