Ghost Shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
2 inches
Temperature
65-82°F (18-28°C)
pH Range
7.0-8.0
Lifespan
1 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Ghost Shrimp
Ghost shrimp, also known as glass shrimp, are nearly transparent freshwater shrimp found throughout the waterways of the southeastern United States. Their clear bodies allow observers to watch food moving through their digestive tract and see females carrying developing eggs. Ghost shrimp are commonly sold as feeder shrimp but are fascinating aquarium inhabitants in their own right, displaying active foraging behavior and social interactions. They are among the least expensive and most readily available freshwater shrimp. Multiple species from several genera are sold under the ghost shrimp name, which accounts for some variation in size, behavior, and temperament among individuals from different sources.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 65-82°F (18-28°C)
- • pH: 7.0 - 8.0
- • Category: Shrimp
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Ghost shrimp are extremely affordable and hardy, making them ideal for beginners interested in keeping freshwater shrimp. They tolerate a wide range of conditions at 65-82°F. Keep them in groups of at least five in a tank with some plants and hiding spots. They are enthusiastic scavengers that help clean up leftover food and decaying plant matter. While generally peaceful, some individuals can be semi-aggressive toward smaller shrimp species. They breed readily in freshwater, unlike Amano shrimp. Feed a mix of shrimp foods, blanched vegetables, and algae wafers. Ghost shrimp have short lifespans of about one year, so expect regular turnover. They are sensitive to copper and ammonia.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
5cm
Adult Size (2")
1yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Ghost Shrimp
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Tank Mates for Ghost Shrimp
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Malaysian Trumpet Snail
Melanoides tuberculata
easy · 5+ gal
Mystery Snail
Pomacea bridgesii
easy · 10+ gal
Least Killifish
Heterandria formosa
easy · 5+ gal
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
easy · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Ghost Shrimp need?
A Ghost Shrimp needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Ghost Shrimp need?
Ghost Shrimp thrive in water between 65-82°F (18-28°C) with a pH of 7.0-8.0.
Are Ghost Shrimp easy to care for?
Ghost Shrimp are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 1 years.
How big do Ghost Shrimp get and what do they eat?
Ghost Shrimp reach about 2 inches and are omnivores. Ghost shrimp are extremely affordable and hardy, making them ideal for beginners interested in keeping freshwater shrimp. They tolerate a wide range of conditions at 65-82°F. Keep them in groups of at least five in a tank with some plants and hiding spots. They are enthusiastic scavengers that help clean up leftover food and decaying plant matter. While generally peaceful, some individuals can be semi-aggressive toward smaller shrimp species. They breed readily in freshwater, unlike Amano shrimp. Feed a mix of shrimp foods, blanched vegetables, and algae wafers. Ghost shrimp have short lifespans of about one year, so expect regular turnover. They are sensitive to copper and ammonia.