6 Aquarium Shrimp Facts You Should Know

Aquarium shrimp are popular aquarium additions because they help clean tanks and come in a wide variety of colors and sizes.

Although some people assume shrimp are difficult to care for, many aquarium shrimp species are relatively easy to maintain once proper tank conditions are established.

Here’s what you need to know about keeping aquarium shrimp healthy.

1. Some Aquarium Shrimp Clean Other Fish

Some aquarium shrimp act as cleaner species by removing parasites and debris from fish.

One example is Lysmata amboinensis, also known as the Pacific cleaner shrimp. These shrimp attract fish by waving their antennae in a “dancing” motion before removing parasites, dead tissue, and other debris from the fish’s body. They may even enter a fish’s mouth to clean hard-to-reach areas.

Because of this unique behavior, Pacific cleaner shrimp are among the most popular aquarium shrimp species.

2. Aquarium Shrimp Will Eat Almost Anything

Aquarium shrimp are opportunistic omnivores that feed on a wide variety of plant and animal matter. As scavengers, they spend much of their time searching for food along the bottom of the tank or waterbed.

Shrimp larvae drift with water currents and feed primarily on plankton, including microscopic plants and animals. While they mature, their diet expands to include many different foods, including:

• Algae
• Dead and living plants
• Worms, including decaying worms
• Fish
• Snails
• Other dead shrimp

In aquariums, shrimp commonly eat algae and leftover fish food, helping keep tanks cleaner.

3. Aquarium Shrimp Carry Their Eggs

Unlike many fish species, aquarium shrimp carry their eggs attached underneath their bodies until they hatch. Shrimp carrying eggs are commonly called “berried shrimp.”

When ready to breed, female shrimp release hormones into the water to attract males. After mating, the female transfers fertilized eggs beneath her tail, where they remain until hatching.

Shrimp continuously fan their eggs to provide oxygen and help prevent mold or bacterial growth. The eggs are often visible, making breeding behavior fascinating to observe in aquariums.

Some species, such as cherry shrimp, breed easily in captivity, while others, including amano shrimp, are more difficult to breed successfully.

4. Some Aquarium Shrimp Are Nocturnal

Some aquarium shrimp species are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.

One example is Lysmata wurdemanni, also known as the peppermint shrimp. Peppermint shrimp typically hide within aquarium decor during the day and emerge at night to feed.

Although nocturnal shrimp may be less visible in aquariums, they can still provide useful benefits. Peppermint shrimp are especially well known for eating nuisance aiptasia anemones, which can spread quickly and sting other tank inhabitants.

5. Aquarium Shrimp Molt As They Grow

Aquarium shrimp grow by regularly shedding their exoskeletons in a process known as molting.

Beginner aquarists often mistake shed exoskeletons for dead shrimp. In many cases, the shrimp is alive and has simply molted. Dead shrimp are usually pinkish in color, while a shed shell often appears nearly identical to a healthy shrimp.

Molting is a normal and necessary process that allows shrimp to grow. Young shrimp may molt as often as once per week.

After molting, shrimp are especially vulnerable because their new exoskeleton is still soft. During this time, they often hide for several days until the shell hardens.

6. Aquarium Shrimp Are Excellent Swimmers

Although aquarium shrimp spend much of their time walking along surfaces, they are also capable swimmers.

Shrimp are especially skilled at swimming backward. They propel themselves by rapidly flexing the muscles in their abdomen and tail, which pushes them quickly through the water.

Shrimp can also swim forward more slowly using the small limbs on the underside of their bodies.