It’s easy to overlook shrimp when choosing creatures for your tank. They may be small, but they are incredibly beneficial. Not only do they add color to an aquarium, but they are also highly entertaining and dedicated tank cleaners. Shrimp are low-maintenance creatures with bags of personality, and there are over 2,000 species. So, to find the best one for your needs, dive into the list below.
1. Amano Shrimp Are Great Algae Eaters
Size: 2 – 3 inches
Lifespan: 2 – 3 years
Care Level: Beginner
The Amano Shrimp, also called the Japanese Swamp Shrimp, is one of the most common species in home aquariums because it’s among the best freshwater algae eaters. Most shrimp are omnivores and spend the day actively looking for algae and leftover food particles to eat. The Amano is particularly good at removing decomposing organic matter from the aquarium’s water.
While tank debris comprises most of shrimps’ diet, you still have to feed them several times weekly. Shrimp enjoy algae wafers, fruits, and veggies and species-specific powder or pellets.
The Amano Shrimp is peaceful and shy, so they get on with most tankmates, but you must provide plenty of hiding spaces. They are challenging to breed in captivity, and you must keep them in groups of at least six to prevent them from bullying each other.
2. Bamboo Shrimp Get Along with Other Tankmates
Size: 2 – 4 inches
Lifespan: 1 – 2 years
Care Level: Beginner
The Bamboo Shrimp is the next entry on our list of the best shrimp for freshwater fish tanks. It’s also called the Wood or Fan Shrimp. It’s a striking creature covered in woody shades of green, brown, white, and yellow and is one of the larger species on our list. They have a heft shell and are called gentle giants because of their peaceful nature. An interesting feature of the Bamboo Shrimp is that they have fans (which they use like hands), and it’s captivating to watch them scavenge for food. They also molt every two months.
Wood Shrimp live in harmony with most freshwater fish and other shrimp but need more space than other species due to their size. If you’re looking for a tank cleaner, be aware that the Bamboo Shrimp will scavenge leftover food and dirt but doesn’t eat algae.
3. Blue Dream Shrimp Have Electrifying Colors
Size: 1.2 inches
Lifespan: 1 – 2 years
Care Level: Beginner
The Blue Dream Shrimp is an eye-catching addition to any freshwater tank, and it comes in many shades of striking blue colors. Some are bright electric blue, while others are dark blue and almost black. Blue Dream Shrimp are hardy, easy to care for, and help keep the aquarium clean. They are also super active, fun to watch, and peaceful with other shrimp and tankmates.
Adding shrimp to an aquarium promotes a thriving ecosystem and helps maintain a well-balanced freshwater aquarium. Yet, you should only add the Blue Dream, or any other shrimp, to a well-established tank. Shrimp can perish in new set-ups because there isn’t enough algae and microorganisms to eat. You should wait until a tank is around 12 weeks old before you add shrimp.
4. Cherry Shrimp Breed Easily in Captivity
Size: 1.5 inches
Lifespan: 1 – 2 years
Care Level: Beginner
The Cherry Shrimp is among the best beginner species because they are super hardy and have basic care needs. They are distinctive creatures with thick shells and have a translucent body with red markings. Cherry Shrimp are among the best freshwater tank cleaners. They are super active and entertaining, and they breed effortlessly in captivity. These cute little guys are peaceful and happily live in groups, and like most shrimp, they have a low bioload. A low bioload means they produce little waste and won’t contribute much to water pollutants.
5. Ghost Shrimp Have Translucent Bodies
Size: 1.5 – 2 inches
Lifespan: 1 year
Care Level: Beginner
The Ghost Shrimp is the most fascinating entry on our list because it has a clear body. It’s also called the “Glass Shrimp.” Their transparent bodies help them camouflage and escape predators because they “disappear” into the background. Ghost Shrimp are fascinating to watch because you can see their insides and watch their bodies digest food. These unique little guys eat almost everything and usually dwell at the bottom of the tank. You shouldn’t keep too many together as they can be aggressive toward each other, but they cohabit well with other shrimp and freshwater fishtank snails.
6. Orange Pumpkin Shrimp Have Brilliant Colors
Size: 1.5 inches
Lifespan: Up to 3 years
Care Level: Beginner
The Orange Pumpkin Shrimp is closely related to the Cherry Shrimp and has similar care needs. The main difference between them is their color. As the name suggests, Pumpkin Shrimp come in several shades of orange rather than red. Orange Pumpkin Shrimp make any tank stand out and are outstanding algae eaters.
You must provide plenty of environmental enrichment for the Orange Pumpkin Shrimp. Live and fake aquarium plants and decorations are essential to any shrimp set-up. They provide hiding places, climbing frames, and a food source because algae will grow on them. Some shrimp also eat live aquarium plants. Pumpkin Shrimp are most active at night and are super passive, so you should only keep them with peaceful tankmates.
7. Rili Shrimp Suit Nano Aquariums
Size: 1 – 1.5 inches
Lifespan: 1 – 2 years
Care Level: Beginner
The Rili Shrimp is closely related to the popular Cherry Shrimp and is the final entry on our list. These freshwater crustaceans make great pets and are largely translucent but have colored markings. The most common is the Red Rili, but there are also carbon, orange, and blue varieties. These shrimp are hardy and adaptable and the perfect choice for nano tanks. Rili Shrimp are generally peaceful and live happily in groups. You should never keep shrimp with large, predatory fish because they will be an easy meal. As a rule, if a shrimp can fit in a fish’s mouth, it has a high chance of being eaten.
