Ghost shrimp, also known as glass shrimp, are transparent freshwater shrimp that make excellent additions to community tanks. They're popular for their scavenging abilities, low maintenance, and fun-to-watch behavior. Whether you're new to shrimp keeping or want to improve your ghost shrimp care routine, this guide will walk you through everything you need to keep your shrimp healthy and happy.
1. What Are Ghost Shrimp?
Ghost shrimp (Palaemonetes sp.) are small, clear freshwater shrimp often found in aquascaped aquariums. Their see-through bodies make them fascinating to watch, especially as they scavenge around the tank. They grow up to 1.5 inches long and live for about 1 year under proper care.
These shrimp are peaceful and can coexist with other small non-aggressive fish, snails, and even other shrimp like cherry shrimp or amano shrimp.
2. Ideal Tank Setup for Ghost Shrimp
Creating the right environment is key to successful ghost shrimp care. Here's what they need:
✅ Tank Size
Ghost shrimp can live in small tanks (minimum 5 gallons), but a 10-gallon tank or larger is more stable and shrimp-friendly, especially if you plan to keep a small colony.
✅ Water Parameters
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Temperature: 22°C - 27°C (72°F - 80°F)
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pH: 6.5 - 7.5
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Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
Use a sponge filter or a gentle hang-on-back filter to avoid sucking shrimp into the intake. Make sure the water is well-cycled before introducing ghost shrimp.
✅ Substrate and Decor
Ghost shrimp love planted tanks with fine gravel or sand substrate, moss, driftwood, and hiding places like rocks or shrimp caves. These not only provide cover but also biofilm — a natural food source.
🌿 Tip: Java moss and Anubias are great beginner-friendly plants for ghost shrimp tanks.
3. Ghost Shrimp Diet and Feeding
Ghost shrimp are scavengers and will eat leftover fish food, algae, and biofilm. However, they still need targeted feeding to stay healthy.
🍤 What to Feed Ghost Shrimp
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Algae wafers
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Shrimp pellets
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Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber)
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Frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia – feed occasionally)
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Fish flakes (as supplements)
Feed once a day in small portions. Remove uneaten food after a few hours to prevent ammonia spikes.
🧠 Tip: If you keep ghost shrimp in a community tank, make sure they get access to food — faster fish might outcompete them!
4. Tank Mates for Ghost Shrimp
Ghost shrimp do best in peaceful community tanks. Avoid aggressive or large fish that might view shrimp as snacks.
✅ Compatible Tank Mates
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Neon tetras
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Guppies
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Corydoras catfish
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Otocinclus
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Mystery snails
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Cherry shrimp, Amano shrimp
❌ Avoid These
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Betta fish (can be hit or miss)
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Angelfish
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Cichlids
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Large barbs
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Goldfish
If you’re unsure, observe interactions closely during the first few days and be ready to relocate shrimp if necessary.
5. Molting and Hiding
Ghost shrimp molt regularly — shedding their old exoskeleton to grow. During this time, they become vulnerable to predators, so having plenty of hiding spots is essential.
Don’t remove molted shells immediately. Shrimp will often eat them to reabsorb calcium, which is vital for their next molt.
6. Breeding Ghost Shrimp
Breeding ghost shrimp in a home aquarium is possible, but not always easy. Unlike cherry shrimp, ghost shrimp larvae go through a free-swimming planktonic stage that’s difficult to manage in a community tank.
To increase your chances:
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Set up a dedicated breeding tank
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Provide gentle filtration
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Feed baby brine shrimp or powdered food
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Watch for females carrying greenish eggs under their abdomen
Even if you’re not breeding them, watching the ghost shrimp lifecycle can be very rewarding!
7. Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
❗ Sudden Deaths
Usually caused by poor water quality. Always cycle your tank before adding shrimp, and monitor parameters with a test kit.
❗ Copper Toxicity
Avoid using fish medications or plant fertilizers that contain copper, as it’s deadly to shrimp.
❗ Overcrowding
Don’t overload your tank — even though ghost shrimp are small, overstocking can lead to high waste levels and stress.
FAQ: Ghost Shrimp Care
Q: Can ghost shrimp live with betta fish?
A: It depends on the individual betta. Some bettas ignore shrimp, while others may hunt them. Add hiding spots if you try this combo.
Q: How long do ghost shrimp live?
A: Most live around 1 year, though with ideal care, they can survive slightly longer.
Q: Do ghost shrimp clean tanks?
A: Yes! They’re natural scavengers and help clean up leftover food and algae. However, they’re not a replacement for regular tank maintenance.
Q: Can ghost shrimp live alone?
A: While one shrimp can survive alone, they’re social creatures and thrive better in groups of 5 or more.
Conclusion: Are Ghost Shrimp Right for You?
Ghost shrimp are ideal for aquarists looking for low-maintenance, fun-to-watch additions to their freshwater tank. With the right tank setup, regular feeding, and good water quality, ghost shrimp will thrive and even help keep your aquarium clean.
Looking to start your own ghost shrimp tank?
👉 Visit Micro Aquatic Shop for high-quality shrimp, tank accessories, and expert aquascaping services!
