About Whisker Shrimp
Whisker Shrimp (Macrobrachium lanchesteri) are AGGRESSIVE prawns that are FREQUENTLY SOLD AS GHOST SHRIMP BY MISTAKE. This causes significant problems when unsuspecting hobbyists add what they think are peaceful Ghost Shrimp to their community tanks, only to watch them attack fish, other shrimp, and snails. Understanding how to identify and avoid Whisker Shrimp - or how to keep them properly in species-appropriate setups - is essential. The Macrobrachium genus includes the 'long-armed prawns' - freshwater shrimp characterized by elongated claws, prominent whiskers (antennae), and often predatory behavior. While Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes) are relatively peaceful, Macrobrachium species including M. lanchesteri are hunters that will actively pursue and kill tank mates. They're NOT compatible with dwarf shrimp colonies. If kept intentionally, Whisker Shrimp can be fascinating species-only specimens or inhabitants of aggressive fish tanks where their hunting behavior won't cause problems. They're extremely hardy and tolerate a wide range of conditions. However, they should NEVER be added to peaceful community tanks or dwarf shrimp colonies. Always examine 'Ghost Shrimp' carefully before purchase - Whisker Shrimp have noticeably longer whiskers and larger, more developed claws.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Whisker Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Whisker Shrimp.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 100-500 ppm | 150-400 ppm |
| GH | 4-20 dGH | 6-14 dGH |
| KH | 2-15 dKH | 4-10 dKH |
| pH | 6.5-8.5 | 7-8 |
| Temperature | 64-86°F (18-30°C) | 72-82°F |
Tank Setup for Whisker Shrimp
- Keep species-only or with aggressive fish only
- NOT suitable for community tanks or shrimp colonies
- Provide hiding spots - they may fight each other
- Standard filtration is sufficient
- 10+ gallon tank for their larger size
- May need to separate aggressive individuals
Care Tips for Whisker Shrimp
- WARNING: AGGRESSIVE - will attack fish, other shrimp, and snails
- NOT COMPATIBLE with dwarf shrimp colonies - will hunt and kill them
- Often sold mislabeled as 'Ghost Shrimp' - check for long whiskers and large claws
- Extremely hardy - tolerates wide parameter range
- Keep species-only or with aggressive fish that won't be harmed
- Macrobrachium genus = 'long-armed prawns' - predatory by nature
- Can catch and kill fish much larger than themselves
Feeding Whisker Shrimp
- PREDATORY - will actively hunt live prey
- Will catch and eat other shrimp, small fish, snails
- Also accepts standard fish/shrimp foods
- Opportunistic omnivore - eats almost anything
- Hunting behavior is natural - not a sign of hunger
Breeding Whisker Shrimp
- Breeding varies by Macrobrachium species
- Some species require brackish water for larvae
- M. lanchesteri may breed in freshwater
- Larvae survival can be challenging
- Research specific species requirements
Common Problems with Whisker Shrimp
- SOLD AS GHOST SHRIMP BY MISTAKE - always examine before purchase
- Added to community tanks and kills other inhabitants
- Added to dwarf shrimp colonies and decimates population
- Aggression surprises owners expecting peaceful 'Ghost Shrimp'
- May fight with each other if space is limited
- Can stress or kill fish many times their size
Troubleshooting Whisker 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.
Whisker Shrimp FAQ
Whisker Shrimp have: 1) Much longer, more prominent whiskers/antennae, 2) Larger, more developed claws, 3) Often slightly larger body size, 4) More robust appearance. Ghost Shrimp have shorter whiskers, smaller claws, and a more delicate appearance. When in doubt, don't buy from feeder bins.
YES - Whisker Shrimp (Macrobrachium) are AGGRESSIVE predators. They will actively hunt and kill other shrimp, small fish, and snails. They're NOT safe for community tanks or dwarf shrimp colonies. This aggression surprises many owners who thought they were buying peaceful Ghost Shrimp.
Stores often can't (or don't) distinguish between species in feeder shrimp shipments. Whisker Shrimp get mixed in with Ghost Shrimp and sold interchangeably. Some stores don't know the difference. Always examine 'Ghost Shrimp' before purchase - the whisker and claw size differences are visible.
NO - Whisker Shrimp will hunt and kill dwarf shrimp, even species much smaller than themselves. They are NOT compatible with Neocaridina, Caridina, or any dwarf shrimp colonies. Keep species-only or with aggressive fish.
They can! Whisker Shrimp are capable of catching and killing fish, especially slow-moving, small, or sleeping fish. They're ambush predators that strike quickly. Don't keep them with peaceful community fish.
No - they're extremely hardy and tolerate wide parameter ranges. The 'difficulty' is in keeping them appropriately - species-only or with aggressive tankmates. Their care is easy; preventing them from killing tankmates is the challenge.
They're predatory omnivores - they hunt live prey (shrimp, small fish, snails) but also accept standard fish foods, shrimp pellets, and meaty foods. The hunting behavior is natural and not just from hunger.
Track Your Whisker Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Whisker Shrimp colony.