Care specifications
| Type | Shrimp |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Max size | 2 in |
| Lifespan | 1–2 years |
| Temperature | 68–80 °F |
| pH | 7–8 |
| General hardness | 5–15 dGH |
| Calcium needs | Medium |
| Minimum tank size | 5 gallons |
| Diet | Detritus, Leftover fish food, Algae, Carrion, Shrimp pellets |
| Roles | Scavenger |
| Plant safe | Yes |
| Betta compatible | With caution |
| Breeds in freshwater | Yes |
| Population growth | Slow |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
Get Ghost Shrimp
Ghost Shrimp is not currently stocked at AquaticMotiv.
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Frequently asked questions
Why did my ghost shrimp die so soon after I bought them?
Feeder-tank stress. Ghost shrimp are mass-shipped and kept in poor water before sale, so early losses reflect their history more than your tank. Acclimate slowly, expect some attrition in week one, and judge your husbandry by the survivors — they often live a year or more.
Will ghost shrimp breed in my aquarium?
They can — true Palaemonetes paludosus larvae develop fully in freshwater — but the larvae are free-floating and almost always get eaten by fish or pulled into the filter. In a dedicated shrimp-only tank with sponge filtration you may raise a few; in a community tank, effectively never.
Are ghost shrimp safe with cherry shrimp and fish fry?
Mostly, with an asterisk. A hungry adult ghost shrimp is an opportunist that can catch newly hatched fry or tiny shrimplets. Adult cherry shrimp and fish are safe; if you are breeding either, keep ghost shrimp in a different tank.
Ghost Shrimp appears in
Plants that pair well with Ghost Shrimp
Planting the same tank?
Browse the aquarium plant database — verified light, CO2, and height data for every species — or let the plant finder rank them against your exact setup.