What Do Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Eat?

what do freshwater aquarium shrimp eat

If you are planning to put shrimp in your aquarium, you may be wondering what they eat and what fish can co-exist with shrimp. The first thing to consider is their size. Live food is not easy to catch for shrimp. Unless you have a lot of room in your tank, you will probably have to purchase frozen food equivalents. These are high-quality and full of nutrients. A brine shrimp is one of the smallest live foods. Live foods are difficult to catch and shrimp will often eat the fish in the aquarium.

Chewy Online Pet Supplies


35% Off at Chewy.com

+ Free Shipping

Save Now

Species of freshwater aquarium shrimp

While there are countless species of shrimp, some are more popular than others. Neocaridina shrimp, crystal red shrimp, and Sulawesi shrimp are all easy to care for and breed. These shrimp will quickly populate your tank exponentially. To learn more about specific species, check out the links below. We’ve also included links to information about setting up a shrimp tank. Listed below are just a few of the many ways to keep shrimp in a tank.

The first thing you should know about freshwater aquarium shrimp is their nature. Some are peaceful and will hide in sand. They can also attack other shrimp in the tank. However, be careful when choosing the right shrimp for your tank. Make sure to choose a species that is known for its peaceful nature. Otherwise, you may end up with an aquarium full of aggressive shrimp. Here are a few tips for keeping freshwater aquarium shrimp.

Species of freshwater aquarium shrimp

Diet of freshwater aquarium shrimp

The diet of freshwater aquarium shrimp varies greatly depending on the species. Generally, these shrimp prefer algae, decaying plant matter, and meaty pieces. However, some species are specialized carnivores and require a particular diet. This makes choosing the right diet important for a freshwater aquarium shrimp. Saltwater cleaner shrimp are unique among freshwater shrimp in their feeding habits and require a special diet.

Algae wafers are also an excellent source of protein and calcium for your freshwater aquarium shrimp. Algae wafers are usually marketed for fish, but shrimp will also eat them. In addition to algae, shrimp also collect pollen dust on the water’s surface. Fortunately, most species of shrimp can survive on algae wafers. However, be sure to choose the right one for your shrimp before purchasing algae wafers.

Another easy way to increase the plant content of your shrimp’s diet is to add sliced vegetables. Green beans are a popular vegetable that shrimp love. They are rich in beta carotene, which helps enhance their red color. Other vegetables, such as cucumber, broccoli, and sweet potatoes, should be blanched before being given to your shrimp. Then, after the vegetables have cooled down, place them in feeding clips attached to the bottom of the aquarium. A vast portion of the shrimp’s diet should consist of algae. Algae provide them with major vitamins and proteins.

Fish species that can coexist with shrimp

There are several different types of fish species that can coexist with freshwater aquariums shrimp. The Japanese ricefish known as the Youkihi Medaka is compatible with cherry shrimp in freshwater aquariums. This colorful fish prefers the top part of the water column and can even hunt the baby shrimp. Clown Killifish is also compatible with freshwater aquarium shrimp, although they can become aggressive when fighting with each other.

For the most part, small fish can coexist with shrimp. Most shrimp prefer the company of smaller fish. Small tetras are excellent neighbors, while dwarf cichlids and rainbowfish aren’t the best choices for shrimp. Discus are aggressive predators that will clear out the shrimp from the tank, but amano shrimp can survive among them if they are hidden. Livebearers and spiny eels should also be avoided in the presence of shrimp.

A few other fish species can coexist with shrimp, including the sparkling gourami. These fish are less aggressive than other species, and don’t require special care. Because they’re small, Pygmy Cories can make excellent companions in small tanks. While they’re small, they’re also social, and should be kept in pairs or groups of at least six. If you’re worried about the shrimp’s aggression, you can try introducing a dwarf corydora.