19 Types of Aquarium Shrimp Ranked According to How Easy It Is to Rear Them

Aquarium shrimps have gained traction and become more popular over the last few years. They’re beautiful to look at, relatively easier to care for and require less maintenance as compared to other pets (though this also depends on their species!). 

With more than 2,000 species of shrimps known, they can be categorized into 2 groups – freshwater and saltwater. The main difference is the type of water that they thrive in. 

Take a look at these 19 types of aquarium shrimp to consider adding into your tank and learn about how to maintain an aquarium below!

Types of Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp

There are over 600 varieties of freshwater shrimp and they make great aquarium pets for various reasons:

1. Cherry Shrimp

These dwarf shrimps are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium shrimps for beginners thanks to their hardy nature, affordable prices and bright colors. They come in varying shades of red. However, aquarists have also selectively bred Cherry Shrimps of other colors. 

Cherry Shrimps are omnivores that can feed on any plant matter or microorganisms that are available to them. 

They’re generally peaceful, reserved, and tend to avoid confrontations. They’re also comfortable in groups.

2. Bloody Mary Shrimp

Selectively bred from Dwarf Chocolate Shrimps, they’re very similar to Cherry Shrimps (which belong to the same Neocaridina family as the Chocolate Shrimp). They’re equally easy to care for and are suitable for beginners. They’re also amicable in nature!

The Bloody Mary Shrimp has a deeper tone of red than all the dwarf shrimps. Also, they appear to have a transparent exoskeleton coupled with blood-red tissue. This is unlike the Cherry Shrimp, whose shells give them their red color.

As omnivorous scavengers, they help to clean up wastes in aquariums. They can feed on microorganisms, algae, and even decaying plant matter.

3. Rili Shrimp

Carefully bred from Cherry Shrimps, Rili Shrimps are known for their intense colors with transparent mid-body bands. They come in various stunning colors and you’ll be sure to find something for you!

These tropical shrimps are acclimated to stagnant water and can survive in a wider range of temperatures. Furthermore, they’re great inhabitants of nano tanks! 

While they can co-exist with various aquatic animals, do keep them away from predatory fishes and crabs. 

Rili Shrimps are great for beginner breeders, but caution should be taken when placing them with other Neocaridina shrimps as they may crossbreed. We don’t want a dull aquarium, do we?

4. Amano Shrimp

Amano Shrimps are one of the larger species of dwarf shrimps and are quite a popular choice among owners. They’re best known for consuming any sort of algae and keeping the aquarium clean. In fact, they’re able to devour the notoriously pesky thread, beard, and hair algae!

Despite this, they still require supplements on top of the existing algae in the aquarium. As omnivores, it’s imperative to include some animal-based protein for them to stay healthy. 

While they’re generally cordial with other creatures, it’d be best to rear them in groups of at least 6. This would prevent them from exerting dominance over each other.

5. Bamboo Shrimp

Nicknamed gentle giants, Bamboo Shrimps are non-aggressive despite their size. They have a stripe down their backs and are customarily thicker and more cumbersome than dwarf shrimps. 

They also have 4 pairs of fans that act like their hands. They grab and filter micro-particles in the water before feeding themselves with these fans.

Suited for beginner shrimp owners, they generally don’t care for much except for the water flow and velocity. As such, they’re unsuitable for nano tanks which are unable to supply a uniform water flow. 

Bamboo Shrimps can live harmoniously with other shrimps and small fishes. However, caution should still be taken especially during feeds, as small fishes may unintentionally bite on their fans if there are large-enough food particles. situs judi bola online sbobet

6. Ghost Shrimp

Ghost Shrimps are known for their transparent and ghost-like bodies. This makes it hard for their predators to see them. Their transparent bodies also allow owners to see what they’ve eaten and how they pass through their digestive systems. 

The males can typically grow to a maximum of 1.5 inches while the females can grow up to 2 inches, making them perfect for nano tanks.

Ghost Shrimp are a tenacious species and can live in a wider range of temperatures. They’re also great tank cleaners and can feed on algae, larvae, and leftover food. Hence, they’re usually found in the middle or bottom of the tank.

They can survive alone or in small groups and can be kept with other species of shrimp such as the Cherry Shrimp. However, it’s important to avoid putting too many of them in the same tank as they can get aggressive if there isn’t enough space.

7. Tiger Shrimp

Tiger Shrimps got their name for their resemblance to tigers. They’ve got stripes all over their bodies and come in different colors – from the common black ones to even blue and red! 

Suited for beginners, they’re generally easy to care for, just like Cherry Shrimps. However, they consume more food and can get quite aggressive when hungry (a hungry shrimp is an angry shrimp!). Hence, they should be kept away from Neocaridina species. 

Additionally, it’s advisable to keep them away from other Caridina shrimps as crossbreeding may occur and they may lose their colors.

Ghost Shrimp can be kept in small colonies to feel safe. Other tank mates that may be suitable for them include snails and various shrimps such as Red Nose Shrimp, Malwa Shrimp, and Amano Shrimp.

8. Vampire Shrimp

Vampire Shrimps are known for their ability to change colors due to various factors such as environmental conditions and diet. Physically, they’re bigger and thicker than their Bamboo Shrimp counterparts. 

They’re fan feeders, which means that they catch food particles from the water current with their little fan-like claws. Their diet includes plant matter, microorganisms, and even uneaten fish food. 

Vampire Shrimps are nocturnal and more active at night. Even then, they can be quite shy and tend to hide. 

Despite their menacing appearance, they’re actually quite docile and retreat from hostility. They also tend to be a little anxious and are easily startled. Hence, they’re not the most suitable for beginners. 

While they can live amicably with other invertebrates, they need to retreat to their own space, making them unsuitable for nano tanks.

9. Whisker Shrimp

Often mistaken for the Ghost Shrimp, Whisker Shrimps also have transparent bodies and their organs can be seen. However, they’re slightly bigger and have longer feelers. 

Moreover, their temperaments are complete opposites. Whisker Shrimp are known for their voracious appetites – they won’t spare any tiny tank mates that can fit into their mouths. In fact, their aggression becomes apparent when hungry. 

To avoid such situations, keep them away from small aquatic creatures like fishes and snails.

10. Crystal Shrimp

Crystal Shrimps are selectively bred from Bee Shrimps and cannot be found in the wild. 

These dwarf shrimps are highly-prized for their beautiful colors and can be slightly expensive depending on their grades (which are dependent on their colors). In general, the more opaque and white they are, the more costly they’ll be.

This type of shrimp requires more care and experience as they can be quite sensitive due to their inbred nature. They don’t react well to sudden changes in their environment. Dietary-wise, they only need to be fed once daily due to their small sizes. 

Similar to Neocaridina shrimps, they can be kept with other shrimps but not with predatory and aggressive fishes.

11. Sulawesi Shrimp

First discovered in 2007, Sulawesi Shrimps are one of the most underrated species despite their resplendent colors. This may be due to their availability and price as there aren’t many active breeders of this species. 

Additionally, they aren’t suitable for beginners as they can be challenging to care for. While these dwarf shrimps can be kept in nano tanks, this is often not advisable as they require very specific conditions to survive and there’s little to no room for errors. 

Their pliant nature allows them to live cordially with other species. However, most fishes are unable to live in such alkalic environments. Some tank mates that can be introduced are Neocaridina shrimps and Sulawesi snails.

Types of Saltwater Aquarium Shrimp

Saltwater shrimps, also known as marine shrimps, are much larger than freshwater shrimps. Their shapes, colors, and sizes add greater dynamics and help to spiff up your home.

Additionally, they form symbiotic relationships with other creatures in the same tank. This means that they’re able to benefit from each other’s existence.

12. Cleaner Shrimp

Cleaner Shrimps are terrific additions to your existing aquariums, especially if there are fishes in them already. A large portion of their diet consists of dead tissues and parasites that they remove from fish.

They usually set up a “cleaning station” to welcome their clients (fishes) to get “cleaned”. They usually perform a dance routine by rocking from side to side to signify that they’re open for business.

This species is suitable for beginners as they’re generally easy to care for and are quite hardy.

They’re usually found in pairs and can be kept with reefs, non-predatory fishes like clownfishes and wrasses, and Peppermint or Fire Shrimps. However, they should be kept away from Coral Banded Shrimps as they’re known for their aggressive tendencies.

13. Coral Banded Shrimp

Coral Banded Shrimps are known for their vibrant colors with white stripes and long white antennae. They first gained popularity for being great at keeping pesky Bristle worms at bay. 

Nocturnal by nature, they prefer dark corners and are often hiding during the day. However, they’re able to change their habits to function during the day as well. 

Their omnivorous diet allows them to eat just about anything. However, they do have a preference for meaty food. Also, their aggression heightens when they’re hungry, so do remember to feed them regularly or they’ll go after their tank mates. 

While they aren’t big in size, Coral Banded Shrimps require a larger tank due to their territorial nature. They can get defensive even with their own species if they get too close. 

Their unyielding disposition can cause them to fight until one dies. Hence, they’re not suitable to share a tank with other species of shrimp.

14. Fire Shrimp

The vibrant colors of the Fire Shrimp make them pop and add colors to your aquarium. 

This species is generally quiet and calm unless threatened. They can get aggressive, even with their own species, if the tank is too small. However, this problem can be avoided if they’re placed in large enough tanks.

Fire Shrimps are omnivorous and feed on almost anything, though they tend to prefer meat. Like Cleaner Shrimps, they help get rid of dead skin and scales from fishes and consume them. Using their antennae, they signal nearby fishes to approach.

It’s recommended to place them in separate tanks from corals as they have a tendency to nibble on them, eventually damaging them. However, they’re affable with other shrimps (except the Coral Banded Shrimp) and small fishes.

If you’re planning to house fish with these shrimp, they should be even-tempered and non-aggressive or the Fire Shrimp may be intimidated.

15. Peppermint Shrimp

These bright orange, semi-transparent shrimps are highly adaptable to various water conditions and are great for beginners. 

In addition, they help to clean your aquarium and rid it of pests so you won’t need aquarium pesticides. Besides devouring pests, they also feed on leftovers, dead tissues from fishes, and even dead skin particles from your hands!

While they’re easy to maintain, it’s important to keep them happy and healthy. When stressed, these shrimp can lose their colors and may even turn completely transparent. 

It’s recommended against housing Peppermint Shrimp in the same aquarium as corals and reefs as they may gnaw on them and destroy them over time. Do also keep in mind not to overcrowd the tanks with these shrimp as they can get territorial when their space is compromised.

16. Sexy Shrimp

Sexy Shrimps are great for those who are looking to start a saltwater pico or nano tank due to their small size. These shrimp are peaceful, fun to watch, and easy to care for.

They tend to hang out in groups and are generally less stressed and more confident when together. They have a one-of-a-kind dance where they repeatedly raise and lower their bellies. 

Dietary-wise, Sexy Shrimps enjoy eating tiny organisms and slime off anemones. These anemones also shield these shrimps from predators, showcasing their symbiotic relationship.

Sexy Shrimps are harmless and can be kept with coral reefs and other shrimps with the exception of Coral Banded Shrimps due to their aggressive nature. However, they should be kept away from bigger territorial fish and clownfish.

17. Mantis Shrimp

Despite their name, Mantis Shrimps aren’t actually shrimp – they’re stomatopods. However, they’re an equally popular choice of aquarium pets. Notorious for their predatory nature, these shrimps are also known for their quick reflexes and strong strike velocity.

While there are more than 500 varieties of Mantis Shrimps, they can primarily be categorized into 2 groups – “smashers” and “spearers”. The difference between these two groups is the way they attack their prey.

Smashers possess a club-like claw that’s powerful enough to bludgeon and smash the calcified shells of crabs and snails. Meanwhile, spearers are endowed with spiny claws that can be wielded to stab soft-bodied prey like worms and fishes.

As such, Mantis Shrimps shouldn’t be kept with other aquatic creatures unless they’re meant to be feed for them.

In spite of its aggressive nature, this species is actually quite easy to care for and great for beginners.

18. Pistol Shrimp

Pistol Shrimps are known for their ability to create loud sounds using their snapping claws. They have two asymmetrical claws – a normal claw and a snapping claw. 

The snapping claw is noticeably larger. When snapped, it also creates an immeasurable force that’s capable of taking out small fishes and invertebrates and warding off predators.

While these shrimps are easy to care for and suitable for beginners, it’s important to note that they’re socially monogamous and can be territorial.

Hence, they shouldn’t be kept in overcrowded tanks or they may get aggressive. If space permits, they can live peacefully with various species of shrimps like Cleaner Shrimps, reefs, corals, and non-aggressive fish.

19. Harlequin Shrimp

The magnificent appearance of these shrimps appeals to many aquarium owners. However, they aren’t suitable for beginners due to various reasons.

Harlequin Shrimps (or should they be called Harle-queen Shrimps) are extremely picky eaters that only feed on starfishes. Furthermore, they have enormous appetites and the cost of getting the starfishes can amount to a fair bit.

As they don’t consume the entire starfish, regular cleaning is required. Otherwise, the starfish will be left to rot and cause pollution.

While they can be kept with reefs, smaller fishes, and various crabs, they should be separated from other shrimps and starfishes. Shrimps are typically territorial and can get aggressive towards one another if there is insufficient space.

In addition, they prefer to be alone or with a partner for mating purposes.

Maintaining an Aquarium

It’s crucial to maintain aquariums according to your pets’ needs so they can thrive. These environments should also closely mimic their natural habitats for them to feel safe.

One of the most important steps of maintaining an aquarium is to change the water regularly. By doing so, it: 

However, the water shouldn’t be changed all at once. It’s recommended to remove and replace about 20% of the volume to avoid completely resetting the water conditions. 

Sudden changes in the water parameters can stress your shrimp. For example, unsuitable pH levels can cause problems like algae and coral growth, affecting their health.

It is also imperative to read up on your pets’ natural habitats and what’s required to help them assimilate into their new homes. For instance, shrimps require hiding spots and some may feed on biofilm growth. In such cases, it would be good to introduce aquatic plants. 

These plants will have to be cared for as well by providing them with supplements. This ensures that they are able to provide optimal nutrients and help stabilize nitrate levels.

In addition, various natural ornaments or accessories can be included to provide more hiding spots for them.

Freshwater Aquarium

Freshwater aquariums are generally easier to maintain and are best suited for beginners. They require less equipment and freshwater fishes and shrimps are generally cheaper and easily available. There are various aqua pets to include in nano tanks as well. 

While owners don’t have to monitor salinity, it’s important to regularly check and ensure that the water conditions such as the pH and temperature are suited for their pets.

The water should also be clean and aerated so as to prevent the accumulation of germs.

Saltwater Aquarium

Saltwater aquariums are more difficult and expensive to maintain as compared to freshwater aquariums. They require more equipment such as powerheads and protein skimmers. Live rocks are also required to act as biological filtration systems.

These aquariums have to be checked multiple times a day to ensure that water conditions remain consistent. Furthermore, the salinity has to be monitored closely and adjusted accordingly. 

FAQs About Aquarium Shrimps