Bettas are predatory fish that will attempt to consume anything they can get their hands on, including shrimp.
Female bettas tend to hunt down shrimp more readily due to their smaller size compared to males.
Bettas can eat most types of shrimp, except cherry shrimp, ghost shrimp and crystal shrimp which do not fit inside their mouths.
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Amano shrimp
The Amano shrimp is a small crustacean that has become immensely popular among aquarium hobbyists for its ability to consume algae and keep tanks clean.
Amano shrimp make excellent tankmates, thriving alongside bettas, ghost shrimps and cherry shrimp alike.
Their diet primarily consists of algae, but they will also consume meaty protein, frozen foods and other nutrients from plants and animals. Be mindful not to overfeed them as this could result in dangerously high ammonia or nitrite levels.
Female Amano shrimp lay up to 3,000 green eggs beneath their abdomens over a five week period. Those eggs hatch into larvae that require brackish water in order to survive.
These shrimp can be difficult to breed, so if you plan on keeping them in your tank, patience is a must. They do best with nonaggressive fish such as tetras and danios.
Cherry shrimp
Cherry shrimp are a small, red-colored species that has become very popular with freshwater aquarium enthusiasts. Not only do they have an endearing appearance, but they make great additions to any tank as well.
Omnivores, they eat both plant and animal sources of food. Due to their preference for algae, providing them with a variety of plants and driftwood is essential for their wellbeing.
Their ideal environment includes a warm, well-established tank with plenty of plants and crevices to hide in. Furthermore, these aquatic mammals are prone to molting, so make sure your water conditions are ideal for optimal growth.
Cherry shrimp typically molt every one to two weeks for young specimens and three to four weeks for adults. During this process, their shell breaks off and a new one grows beneath. If your shrimp molts too often or has trouble with their molt, discuss potential treatments with your veterinarian. Adding calcium supplements to their diet may help prevent issues with this process as well as maintaining clean water conditions.
Ghost shrimp
Ghost shrimps make great additions to betta tanks as they are peaceful and straightforward to care for. While they don’t require much attention, they do need a nutritious diet in order to thrive.
Betta tank algae wafers can be beneficial, but it’s important to make sure they don’t get fed daily as this could increase their aggression.
Ghost shrimps face a major risk during their molting period, as they are highly vulnerable to predators during this time. Fortunately, their shells provide them with plenty of nutrition which allows them to survive the process.
It is essential to make sure both betta fish and ghost shrimp are contented in their tank, as this will increase their likelihood of getting along well. Both species thrive best when kept in warm water with a neutral pH level.
Crystal shrimp
Bettas are voracious carnivorous fish that will consume any live foods they come across, including shrimp. If your tank contains a large number of shrimp, it could be easy for your betta to accidentally consume some if they’re smaller in size.
However, this is very uncommon and only occurs when a betta is introduced to an unfamiliar shrimp. Therefore, keeping a larger shrimp than your betta and one compatible with them is recommended for optimal care.
Crystal shrimp typically reach 1 to 1.5 inches in adult size, making them an ideal addition for small tanks. Furthermore, these hardy creatures thrive in a healthy aquarium environment.
Unlike some other shrimp species, these ones tend to not be aggressive and will get along just fine with most non-aggressive tank mates. Furthermore, they’re relatively easy to breed in captivity as well.
