Ghost Shrimp

Overview

Ghost shrimp are small, transparent crustaceans that are popular in freshwater aquariums for their scavenging abilities and interesting behavior. Their translucent bodies allow you to see their internal organs, including their beating heart. They are excellent cleaners, consuming leftover food, algae, and detritus in the tank.

Taxonomy

Kingdom:

Animalia

Phylum:

Arthropoda

Class:

Malacostraca

Order:

Decapoda

Family:

Palaemonidae

Genus:

Palaemonetes

Species:

paludosus

Distribution

Natural range: North America, Southeastern United States

Sexual Dimorphism

Females larger with curved abdomen for carrying eggs

Habitat

Type: Freshwater, Slow-moving streams, Ponds, Marshes

Substrate: Sandy bottom, Plants, Leaf litter

Water Parameters

Tank Requirements

Minimum Volume:

10 L

Recommended Volume:

20 L

Water Flow:

Gentle

Filtration:

Sponge filter (to prevent sucking up shrimplets)

Aquascape:

Plants, Driftwood, Hiding places, Leaf litter

Diet

Type: Omnivore, Scavenger

Staple foods: Algae, Decaying plant matter, Detritus

Supplements: Sinking pellets, Blanched vegetables, Commercial shrimp food

Feeding frequency: 1 times per day

Will continuously graze throughout the day

Behavior

Temperament:

Peaceful

Social:

Semi-social; can be kept in groups

Territorial:

No

Compatibility

Suitable tankmates: Small peaceful fish, Other peaceful shrimp, Snails

Avoid: Larger fish, Aggressive fish, Crayfish, Most cichlids

Breeding

Type:

Egg-bearer

Spawning Behavior:

Females carry eggs under their abdomen until hatching

Difficulty:

Moderate

Egg Care:

Females fan eggs with pleopods to provide oxygen

Notes:

Larvae go through planktonic stage in freshwater. Higher survival rate in well-established tanks with biofilm.

Health

Treatments: Avoid medications containing copper, Regular water changes

Price & Availability

Price range: 1 - 3 USD

Availability: Very Common

Conservation Status

IUCN:

Not Evaluated

References

• Ghost Shrimp Care Guide (Accessed: 2023-05-15)