Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) - Live Freshwater Feeders

Ghost Shrimp (also known as Glass Shrimp or Glass Ghost Shrimp) are small, translucent freshwater shrimp that are popular in aquariums for their interesting appearance and useful role in tank maintenance. They are known for their clear, almost see-through bodies, which give them a "ghostly" look, hence the name.

Key Characteristics of Ghost Shrimp:

1. Appearance:

   • Translucent Body: Ghost Shrimp are known for their transparent bodies, making their internal organs, exoskeleton, and movements visible. This gives them a ghost-like or glassy appearance.
   • Size: They typically grow to 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) in length, although some can grow slightly larger.
   • Color: While their bodies are usually clear, they may have slight tints of white, beige, or gray. Some may develop faint orange or greenish hues depending on their diet or environment.

2. Behavior:

   • Peaceful: Ghost Shrimp are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them suitable for community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish.
   • Bottom-Dwellers: They primarily live at the bottom of the tank, scavenging for food and interacting with the substrate.
   • Active: These shrimp are quite active, constantly moving around, picking up food particles from the substrate and water.

3. Diet:

   • Omnivorous: Ghost Shrimp are scavengers and will eat a variety of food, including algae, detritus, and leftover food in the tank. They are useful in a tank because they help clean up excess food and organic matter.
   • They will also eat plant matter, small invertebrates, and frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia.
   • Algae: Ghost Shrimp help keep tanks clean by consuming algae and biofilm that grows on tank surfaces, decorations, and plants.

4. Tank Requirements:

   • Size: Ghost Shrimp do not require a large tank, but they should be kept in tanks that are at least 5 gallons in size, especially if they are kept with other species. They tend to do best in groups of 5 or more.
   • Water Conditions:
     • Temperature: They prefer water temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C - 27°C).
     • pH: Ghost Shrimp thrive in water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
     • Water Quality: Like many shrimp species, Ghost Shrimp are sensitive to poor water conditions, so the water must be kept clean, with regular water changes and proper filtration. High levels of ammonia or nitrates can be harmful to them.
   • Tank Setup: They appreciate a planted tank with plenty of hiding spots, such as rocks, caves, or plants, which give them places to retreat and feel safe. Smooth substrate (such as sand or fine gravel) is preferred to prevent injury to their delicate exoskeletons.
   • Lighting: They can tolerate low to moderate lighting conditions, which are ideal for both them and any plants in the tank.

5. Lifespan:

   • Ghost Shrimp usually live for 1 to 2 years in captivity, although with excellent care, they can sometimes live longer.

6. Reproduction:

   • Ghost Shrimp are egg-layers. Females will carry fertilized eggs in their abdomen until they hatch into tiny larvae. The larvae will then drift in the water column before settling on the tank substrate and developing into juvenile shrimp.
   • It can be difficult to raise the larvae in a community tank since the young shrimp are tiny and might be eaten by other tankmates. If you're looking to breed them successfully, a separate breeding tank with gentle filtration may be required.

Tank Mates:

• Peaceful Fish: Ghost Shrimp are best kept with small, peaceful fish like guppies, tetras, or bettas (although bettas may sometimes nip at their antennae).
• Avoid Aggressive Fish: They should not be kept with larger or aggressive fish, such as cichlids or large predatory species, as they may be eaten.
• Other Shrimp: Ghost Shrimp can also be housed with other small, non-aggressive shrimp species, like Amano shrimp or Cherry shrimp, provided there’s enough space and hiding places.

Benefits in the Aquarium:

• Tank Cleaners: Ghost Shrimp are great tank cleaners and will help maintain water quality by eating leftover food, algae, and detritus. This makes them an excellent choice for aquascapes and low-maintenance tanks.
• Peaceful Community Member: Due to their small size and peaceful nature, they are a fantastic addition to a community aquarium with compatible species.

Summary of Care Tips:

• Keep water clean and perform regular water changes.
• Provide plenty of hiding spots and a gentle filtration system.
• Feed a varied diet of algae, detritus, and occasional live/frozen foods.
• Keep in groups for social interaction and security.
• Monitor for any aggressive tankmates that might harm them.

Ghost Shrimp are a great addition to community tanks, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits by helping to clean up algae and leftover food. They are easy to care for as long as water conditions are kept optimal, and they can live harmoniously with other peaceful species. Their transparent bodies and scavenger habits make them an engaging and useful choice for aquarium enthusiasts.