Many people wonder what do feeder shrimp eat, but few people understand exactly what they ingest. As scavengers, shrimp enjoy dead fish, algae, and decaying plant matter. These shrimp also like boiled vegetables and raw animal protein. If you aren’t sure what shrimp eat, you can read our article on the subject for more information. Listed below are some facts about feeding shrimp. Read on to discover the basics.
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Freshwater shrimp are omnivorous scavengers
Although they may appear to be a small creature, freshwater shrimp are actually omnivorous scavenger fish. Their main food source is algae and decomposing plant matter. As such, their diet is diverse. They also eat scraps of other food such as dead fish. However, because shrimp can eat other fish, live foods may not be suitable for them. Fortunately, freshwater shrimp are generally tolerant of a wide variety of foods.
They eat dead fish, other shrimp, worms, decaying plant matter, and algae
As a feeder shrimp, you can add a variety of food items. Most species eat uneaten fish food, including fish fragments, dead shrimp, and other types of decaying plant matter and algae. But feeder shrimp have a unique role to play in the environment. They control algae and plankton populations and eat dead fish, other shrimp, and worms, as well as decaying plant matter.
They also eat boiled vegetables
Aside from fish food, feeder shrimp can be fed boiled vegetables and fresh veggies. The veggies provide an added plant-based supplement for your shrimp, while the pellets they can eat are very popular. For those new to shrimp keeping, pellets are the perfect starter food. Boiled vegetables are also great for shrimp as they contain all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. These foods are available at most pet stores.
They love raw animal protein
If you have an aquarium full of feeder shrimp, one of the best foods to give them is raw animal protein. While shrimp are omnivores, they can also enjoy plant-based food. As their shell grows, they will need calcium for a strong carapace. Additionally, they will be happy to eat decayed matter, as it is also rich in essential nutrients. However, you should consider feeding them a more varied diet if you want your shrimp to stay healthy.
They graze on algae
A good way to avoid an algae outbreak is by feeding your shrimp bee pollen balls. Bee pollen balls contain natural goodies for your shrimp, like calcium, iron, potassium, and protein. As a bonus, shrimp love to nibble on pollen dust that settles to the bottom. Aside from the benefits of bee pollen balls, they’re great for preventing algae outbreaks in your tank!
They eat boiled vegetables
Boiled vegetables are a great food source for feeder shrimp. They prefer soft, cooked vegetables and don’t mind a little veg in their diet. Generally, boiled vegetables should be peeled, sliced, and placed in boiling water for a few minutes. They should be removed from the water and allowed to cool before feeding. If you don’t have time to boil the vegetables, you can store them overnight in the tank and remove them in the morning.
They eat algae
If you have a tank filled with algae, you should feed your feeder shrimp the best algae eaters: the Amano and ghost shrimp. These shrimp will eat any algae, including hair algae, brush algae, and even black beard algae. However, it’s important to note that these shrimp don’t eat the algae that is growing on the tank walls. That being said, you can feed your ghost shrimp whatever you feel like giving them.
They graze on catappa leaves
Catappa leaves provide nutrients to your shrimp. As the leaves decompose, they form biofilms that serve as a rich food source. These film-like structures contain sugars and other substances and are anchored to leaf surfaces. The shrimp will graze on these biofilms. When the leaves are cleaned, they’re free of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. They also attract ornamental shrimp, which flock to the leaves.
