Freshwater aquarium shrimp

I have been keeping freshwater shrimp in aquariums with fish and other animals for a long time. It is a wonderful experience, and those who don’t engage in such beautiful hobbies may not understand the joy. Freshwater aquarium shrimp are small in size, but these wonderful creatures enhance the beauty and environment of the aquarium in a unique way.

They are popular for aquariums due to their striking colors, docile behavior, and their ability to eat aquarium algae and food scraps, which helps keep the tank clean.

Based on my experience of keeping freshwater shrimp with fish for many years, I will discuss some of the best freshwater shrimp to keep in an aquarium so that beginners can easily choose the right ones for their tanks.

1. Pinto Shrimp

Pinto-Shrimp

Pinto Shrimp is a popular caridean shrimp known for its unique color pattern and exquisite beauty. Its scientific name is Caridina Cantonensis. Its natural habitat is freshwater rivers and springs in Southeast Asia, especially Taiwan and China. Varieties of Pinto Shrimp species, such as Galaxy Pinto, Black Pinto, and Red Pinto, are very popular for hobby aquarium keeping.

Features of Pinto Shrimp

• Size: Adult Pinto Shrimp is usually 2.5 to 3 cm (about 1 inch) long.
• Color and Pattern: The most striking feature of Pinto Shrimp is their color pattern. They have black, white, red, or blue spots and stripes. These patterns can vary, including spotted, tiger stripes, and zebra stripes, etc.
• Habits: Pinto Shrimp are generally quiet and gregarious. They usually prefer to stay at the bottom and are busy looking for food around the bottom of the tank.
• Lifespan: Pinto Shrimp can usually live for 1.5 to 2 years with good care and a suitable environment. However, their lifespan depends on tank water quality, food, and care.

Care of Pinto Shrimp

• Water Conditions and Parameters: A Pinto Shrimp tank size is best at least 10-15 gallons, and the water temperature should be maintained at 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F). pH: 5.8 to 6.8, GH: 4-6, and TDS: 100-200 ppm should be kept. A partial water change of 10-20% per week is necessary to maintain the water quality standard.
• Diet: Pinto Shrimp generally survive by eating aquarium algae, biofilm, and other small organic matter. Special supplements such as shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and greens (such as spinach) can be given to them. Their diet should be balanced by adding vegetables and supplements to their meals.

Breeding

Breeding Pinto Shrimp can be relatively challenging because they are very sensitive to water quality. They need the right environment and stable water quality to ensure healthy reproduction. Female shrimp can lay eggs every 20-30 days, which hatch into new larvae within 3-4 weeks. Provide biofilm and adequate micronutrients for larvae.

Partner Selection

• Suitable Companions: Pinto Shrimp are generally calm in nature and can easily live with other shrimp, small fish, and other calm animals. Some suitable companions are Amano Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp, Neon Tetra, Dwarf Rasboras, and Nerite Snails, etc.
• Unsuitable Companions: They are very calm and sensitive species, so they should not be kept with aggressive fish or animals, as they can easily be attacked. Some unsuitable companions are Betta Fish, Cichlids, Angelfish, Crayfish, and Large Snails, etc.

Suitable Plants and Decorations

• Appropriate Plants: Choosing the right plants for Pinto Shrimp is important, as plants provide protection in the water, shelter, biofilm, and essential food sources. Some suitable plants for Pinto Shrimp are Java Moss, Anubias Nana, Java Fern, Hornwort, and Marimo Moss Ball, etc.
• Proper Decoration: Proper decoration in their tank is very important for their health and comfort. The right decor provides them with shelter, play space, and a natural environment. Suitable decorations include driftwood, cave structures, shrimp tunnels, and shrimp hides.

2. Blue Bolt Shrimp

Blue-Bolt-Shrimp

The Blue Bolt Shrimp is a popular and beautiful aquarium hobby shrimp. These shrimp are known for their smooth blue color and aesthetic beauty. Their scientific name is Caridina cf. Cantonensis. Shrimp originated in various parts of East Asia, especially Taiwan and China.

Features of Blue Bolt Shrimp

• Color: The main feature of Blue Bolt Shrimp is their beautiful blue color, which can be found in different shades—from light blue to dark blue. The varied shades of blue on their bodies are very attractive.
• Size: Adult Blue Bolt Shrimp are usually 2.5 to 3 cm long. Female shrimp are slightly larger than males.
• Temperament: These shrimp are peaceful and can coexist well with other small shrimp or fish. However, they are at risk when kept with large or aggressive fish.

Care of Blue Bolt Shrimp

• Water Conditions and Parameters: Blue Bolt Shrimp require very clean and stable water. They cannot tolerate rapid changes in temperature, mineral content, and pH levels. For them, the water temperature should be 20–24°C (68–75°F), pH 5.5–6.5, and water hardness (TDS) should be in the range of 100–150 ppm. To maintain good water quality, water should be changed regularly, and ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites should be kept close to zero.
• Food: Blue Bolt Shrimp’s main diet usually consists of biofilm and algae, but they can also be fed special shrimp food and vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or chopped cucumber.

Breeding

Blue Bolt Shrimp can breed easily in tanks if the water conditions are maintained properly. Female shrimp can carry about 20–30 eggs per reproductive cycle, which usually hatch within 30 days. Small shrimp usually grow quickly in a uniform environment.

Partner Selection

• Suitable Mates: When selecting suitable mates for Blue Bolt Shrimp, you should choose mates that are comfortable living in similar water conditions and are not aggressive. Good companions include Ember Tetras, Otocinclus Catfish, Nerite Snails, and Malaysian Trumpet Snails.
• Unsuitable Mates: Some mates are not suitable for Blue Bolt Shrimp, as they are aggressive or predatory fish and animals that may attack them. Such fish or animals include Angelfish, Oscars, Convict Cichlids, Goldfish, and large snails.

Suitable Plants and Decorations

• Appropriate Plants: When selecting appropriate plants for Blue Bolt Shrimp, choose those that provide hiding space, support biofilm formation, and improve water quality. Shrimp love plants to hide and rest in. Some suitable plants are Java Moss, Java Fern, Bucephalandra, Marimo Moss Balls, and Water Wisteria.
• Appropriate Decor: Choosing appropriate decor for Blue Bolt Shrimp is very important, as it ensures their safety. Shrimp are small and sensitive, so they need hiding places, shelter, and a comfortable environment. Some suitable decorations for Blue Bolt Shrimp are driftwood, caves, and active substrate.

3. Black King Kong Shrimp

Black-King-Kong-Shrimp

Black King Kong Shrimp are quite popular in aquarium keeping because of their attractive black color. This shrimp is originally from the species Caridina Cantonensis. The scientific name is Caridina Cantonensis, and it is native to southern Asia, especially Taiwan.

Features of Black King Kong Shrimp

• Color: The body of the shrimp is completely shiny black. It sometimes has bluish markings on its body and is known as the “Black King Kong” due to its transparent legs and tail.
• Size: An adult Black King Kong Shrimp can be up to 2.5-3 cm long.
• Lifespan: Black King Kong Shrimp can live up to about 1.5-2 years with proper care.
• Temperament: The Black King Kong Shrimp’s temperament is generally calm and harmless. They are very shy and like to hide.

Care of Black King Kong Shrimp

• Water Conditions and Parameters: Black King Kong Shrimp require a minimum tank size of 10-15 gallons. 10-20% of the water should be changed every week, and new water must be dechlorinated before use. Water temperature should be between 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F), pH: 5.5 to 6.5, GH: 4-6 degrees, and KH: 0-2 degrees.
• Diet: Black King Kong Shrimp typically feed on tank algae and decaying plant matter, but commercially prepared shrimp pellets, spinach, cucumber, zucchini, and blanched vegetables may also be offered.
• Molting: They change their shells regularly. If the shell is not changed properly, it can cause health problems. They need calcium to change their shells, so mineral supplements should be included in their diet.

Breeding

Breeding Black King Kong Shrimp is somewhat complicated, as they require high-quality water and a stable environment for breeding. When the female shrimp hatches, the young need to be kept separate, and it takes 20-30 days for the eggs to hatch if the right environment is provided. The larvae are small and self-sufficient soon after birth and do not require special care like marine larvae.

Partner Selection

• Suitable Companions: Black King Kong Shrimp are peaceful and shy in nature and do not get along well with aggressive or large tankmates. Suitable companions for them should be small, peaceful aquatic species. Pygmy rasboras, ember tetras, Otocinclus catfish, nerite snails, and ramshorn snails can be good companions for them.
• Unsuitable Mates: Choosing unsuitable mates for Black King Kong Shrimp can be dangerous for them, as some fish and other animals can injure or eat the shrimp. Examples include Betta Fish, Angel Fish, Dwarf Puffer Fish, Guppies, Goldfish, Assassin Snails, and Crabs.

Suitable Plants and Decorations

• Suitable Plants: To select suitable plants for Black King Kong Shrimp, one should choose plants that are safe for them and create an environment in which they feel comfortable. Examples include Java Fern, Java Moss, Anubias, and Christmas Moss.
• Appropriate Decor: Choosing appropriate decor for Black King Kong Shrimp is very important, as it helps to create a natural environment for them to live in and ensures their safety and well-being. Suitable options include live wood, rocks, stones, and miniature caves.

4. Babaulti Shrimp

Babaulti-Shrimp

Babaulti shrimp are very popular for aquarium keeping due to their attractive colors and ease of care. The scientific name is Caridina babaulti. They originate from India and other parts of South Asia. They can be of various colors but are mainly green or brown. Babaulti shrimp is a suitable species for aquarium keeping, especially for new aquarium keepers.

Features of Babaulti Shrimp

• Size: Babaulti shrimp are generally small in size. They usually range in size from 2.5 cm (1 in) to 3 cm (1.2 in). However, in some cases, with proper care and food, they can grow a bit larger.
• Lifespan: They usually live for 1.5 to 2 years. However, with proper care and a suitable environment, their lifespan can be extended somewhat.
• Color: They are mainly green but can sometimes be red or brown. Color can change depending on the water environment and food.
• Behavior: Babaulti shrimp are generally calm in nature and can live well with other small shrimp or calm fish. They are very social, so 5–6 of them like to live together.

Care of Babaulti Shrimp

• Water conditions and parameters: The tank size for their rearing should be at least 5 gallons or more. A water temperature of 22–26°C, a pH level of 6.5–7.5, and water hardness (GH) of 4–10 dGH are recommended. Twenty to thirty percent of the water should be changed weekly to maintain good water quality.
• Diet: Babaulti shrimp eat almost all types of food. They like to eat algae, microorganisms, and waste matter. High-quality shrimp pellets, sinking flake food, and vegetables (e.g., spinach, zucchini) can also be fed in small pieces.

Breeding

Babaulti shrimp are skilled breeders and breed easily under suitable conditions. Soft water is required to complete the reproductive process. The female Babaulti lays eggs that hatch in about 30 days. It is best to keep them in a separate tank for breeding so that the babies are safe.

Mate Selection

• Suitable companions: Babaulti shrimp are peaceful in nature and can get along well with other peaceful fish or animals. Since they are small in size, predatory fish or animals can be easy prey, so it is important to choose the right companions for them. Suitable companions include neon tetras, harlequin raspberries, amber tetras, snails, etc.
• Unsuitable companions: Unsuitable companions for Babaulti shrimp are mainly aggressive or predatory fish and animals, which can attack the Babaulti shrimp. Examples include betta fish, angelfish, barbs, and Serpa tetras. Such animals can be dangerous for shrimp.

Suitable Plants and Decorations

• Suitable plants: Having suitable plants in the aquarium for Babaulti shrimp is important for their health, as shrimp love to shelter there. Shrimp hide in plants, eat algae, and reproduce. Some suitable plants for Babaulti shrimp are Java moss, Java fern, Marimo balls, and hornwort.
• Appropriate decoration: Appropriate decoration for Babaulti shrimp helps enhance the aesthetics of the aquarium while creating shelter and a safe environment for them. Proper grooming is important for their health and reproduction. Here are some suitable decoration ideas: aquatic stones, beautiful corals and rocks, and aquatic plant tubers.

5. Red Cherry Shrimp

Red-Cherry-Shrimp

Red Cherry Shrimp, commonly known as Cherry Shrimp, are very popular for aquarium keeping due to their bright red color and ease of rearing. Their scientific name is Neocaridina davidi, and they are native to various parts of Asia, especially Taiwan.

Features of Red Cherry Shrimp

• Size: Adult Red Cherry Shrimp are usually 2.5 cm (1 inch) long.
• Color: They are usually bright red but can vary in grade depending on breed and color intensity. For example, Fire Red is the darkest red color grade, Painted Fire Red has every part of the body dark red, and Sakura Red is the medium-colored grade.
• Behavior: Red Cherry Shrimp are very peaceful and get along well with other shrimp and small fish. They like to hide in various places in the tank, so decorations like plants and rocks should be provided. Given enough food and a stable environment, they are active throughout the day and search for food in different areas of the tank.
• Lifespan: With proper care, nutritious food, and a suitable environment, Red Cherry Shrimp can live for about 2 to 2.5 years.

Care of Red Cherry Shrimp

• Water Conditions and Parameters: A minimum 10-20 gallon tank is required for rearing Red Cherry Shrimp. They are generally very adaptable and can survive in different water conditions. However, certain parameters should be followed, such as a water temperature of 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F), pH of 7.0–7.5, GH of 6–8, and KH of 3–15. Twenty to thirty percent of the water should be changed every week to maintain good water quality.
• Diet: They mainly feed on biofilm, algae, and detritus, but shrimp pellets and algae wafers are good substitutes for commercial foods. You can also give them vegetables like spinach, greens, and carrots; they can eat these foods too.

Reproduction

Their reproduction is easy and occurs very quickly in a suitable environment. Female shrimp lay eggs that hatch in about 20–30 days. Baby shrimp do not require special care, as they survive by feeding on water microflora and biofilm.

Partner Selection

• Suitable Mates: It is important to select suitable mates for Red Cherry Shrimp, as some fish or animals may prey on them. Choosing small, peaceful, and compatible species will help maintain a safe and normal tank environment. Some suitable companions include Neon Tetra, Ember Tetra, Harlequin Rasbora, Mystery Snail, Nerite Snail, and Horned Nerite Snail.
• Unsuitable Mates: Some fish and aquatic animals can be dangerous for Red Cherry Shrimp, as they are aggressive or predatory in nature and may prey on smaller shrimp. Dangerous fish and animals for them include Betta Fish, Angelfish, Gourami, Cichlids, and Ramshorn Snails.

Appropriate Plants and Decorations

• Appropriate Plants: Choosing appropriate plants for Red Cherry Shrimp is very important, as plants enhance the beauty of the tank and provide shelter and food for the shrimp. Plants form biofilm, which acts as a natural food source for the shrimp and helps control water quality in the tank. Suitable plants include Java Fern, Java Moss, Anubias nana, and Subwassertang.
• Appropriate Decor: Choosing appropriate decor for the Red Cherry Shrimp aquarium is important, as it not only enhances the beauty of the tank but also provides shelter, safety, and a natural food source for the shrimp. Some suitable decorations are driftwood, rocks and stones, shrimp caves, and bamboo tubes.

6. Yellow Shrimp

Yellow-Shrimp

Yellow shrimp are popular and attractive species for aquarium keeping. Their bright yellow color livens up the aquarium, and they are easy to care for. The scientific name of yellow shrimp is Neocaridina davidi var. Yellow, and they are native to rivers, canals, and lakes in Southeast Asia, particularly China and Taiwan.

Features of Yellow Shrimp

• Size: Yellow shrimp are generally small and are 1.5 to 2 cm (about 0.6 to 0.8 inches) long as adults. Male shrimp are usually a little smaller, while female shrimp are comparatively a little larger and fatter, especially when they are carrying eggs.
• Color: Their color usually ranges from dark to light yellow. Some yellow shrimp have a completely dark yellow body, while others have a light translucent yellow color with some natural transparency.
• Behavior: Yellow shrimp are generally calm and harmless. If the aquarium has lots of plants or hiding places, they like to spend time among them and prefer to live in small groups.
• Lifespan: Their lifespan is usually 1 to 2 years. However, with proper care and a healthy diet, their lifespan can be extended somewhat.

Care of Yellow Shrimp

• Water Conditions and Parameters: Yellow shrimp require a minimum tank size of 10 gallons or larger. The optimal water temperature is 20°C – 26°C (68°F – 79°F), with a pH level of 6.5 – 7.5, GH of 4 – 12 dGH, and KH of 3 – 8 dKH. Their tank water should be changed by 20–30% every week to maintain good water quality and control nitrate levels.
• Diet: Yellow shrimp are omnivorous. They feed on algae, biofilms, and commercial shrimp food. In addition, blanched vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, and cucumber can be offered, which helps maintain their nutritional balance.

Breeding

The breeding process of yellow shrimp is easy, and they breed naturally in the aquarium. An adult female shrimp lays eggs every 4–6 weeks, and hatching takes 3–4 weeks. After hatching, small shrimp grow rapidly in the aquarium and adapt to the environment.

Partner Selection

• Selection of Suitable Mates: There are some important points to keep in mind while selecting mates for yellow shrimp to ensure they can coexist peacefully and maintain their normal behavior. Some suitable companions include Neon Tetra, Purple Tetra, and Rasboras.
• Unsuitable Mates: Some fish are not suitable for yellow shrimp, as they can attack them or interfere with their normal behavior. Examples include Betta Fish, Angelfish, and Cichlids.

Suitable Plants and Decorations

• Suitable Plants: When selecting suitable plants for yellow shrimp, a few things should be considered, such as keeping their environment safe and maintaining their natural behavior. Some suitable plants are Java Moss, Anubias, and Nugen.
• Appropriate Decoration: While choosing appropriate decorations for yellow shrimp, it is important to ensure that the decor provides safety and hiding places, and enhances the beauty of the environment. Some suitable decorations include aquatic stones, Cabomba tree branches, and fiberglass plants.

The End(Freshwater aquarium shrimp)