Freshwater Shrimp Keeping Guide
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Guide to keeping freshwater shrimp including Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and Crystal Red Shrimp. Covers tank setup, parameters, and breeding.
Housing and Enclosure
Freshwater shrimp can thrive in tanks as small as 5 gallons, though 10+ gallons provides more stable water parameters. Use a sponge filter to prevent shrimplets from being sucked in. Maintain species-appropriate water parameters — Neocaridina thrive in 65-80°F with pH 6.5-8.0, while Caridina require softer, more acidic water.
Diet and Nutrition
Feed a variety of foods including shrimp-specific pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, kale), dried mulberry or Indian almond leaves (for biofilm), and occasional protein sources like frozen bloodworms. Shrimp graze on biofilm continuously — a mature tank with biofilm reduces the need for supplemental feeding.
Health and Veterinary Care
Common shrimp health issues include bacterial infections, parasitic infections (Scutariella, Vorticella), and failed molts (usually from mineral deficiency). Maintain stable water parameters and provide mineral supplementation with products like Salty Shrimp. Copper is lethal to shrimp — check all medications and fertilizers.
Common Health Issues
- Failed molts: Usually linked to water that is too soft or to sudden swings in hardness. Keep GH stable and change water in small amounts.
- Ammonia and nitrite: Shrimp are more sensitive than most fish. Add them only to a fully cycled, stable tank.
- Copper poisoning: Copper is toxic to invertebrates. Read the label of every fish medication, plant fertilizer, and snail treatment before it goes in.
- Parasites and bacterial infections: Usually arrive with new shrimp. Quarantine newcomers before adding them to an established colony.
Source: Merck Veterinary Manual: Management of Aquarium Fish.
Stocking and Stress Reduction
- Acclimate new shrimp slowly, by drip if possible; sudden changes in hardness or temperature are the usual cause of losses in the first days.
- Keep them away from fish big enough to eat them, or give shrimplets dense moss to hide in.
- Do not mix Neocaridina and Caridina in the same tank; their water needs differ.
- Wash hands before working in the tank; lotion and soap residue can harm shrimp.
Common Questions
Is shrimp keeping good for beginners?
Neocaridina such as cherry shrimp are a good start. They do well in a cycled tank of 10 gallons or more with a sponge filter, at 65 to 80°F and pH 6.5 to 8.0. Caridina need softer, more acidic water and more experience.
Why are my shrimp dying after a medication or fertilizer dose?
Copper is lethal to shrimp. Check every medication and fertilizer label before dosing, and never use copper-based fish treatments in a shrimp tank.