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PEACEFUL AGGRESSIONbottom LAYERFreshwater

Ghost Shrimp

ScientificPalaemonetes paludosus

Ghost Shrimp
SPECIMEN SERIALAQ-SPC-GHOST-SHRIMPVERIFIED METRIC SHEET

Key Care Metrics

Min Tank Volume
5GGallons / 19 LitersCheck Stocking Capacity →
Temp Envelope
65°-80°F18° - 27° Celsius
60°F90°F
Calculate Heater Wattage →
Acidity Envelope
7.0-8.0pH Scale Boundary
pH 5.0pH 9.0
Adult Specimen Size
1.5"Inches / 3.8 cm

Comprehensive Ghost Shrimp Care Guide & Tank Setup

Providing proper Ghost Shrimp care begins with establishing an environment that mimics their natural freshwater habitat. To guarantee optimal health, the minimum Ghost Shrimp tank size should be at least 5 gallons. While some sources suggest smaller volumes, a larger tank provides water chemistry buffering and crucial swimming space.

Maintaining a stable water environment is critical. The ideal Ghost Shrimp temperature envelope ranges from 65°F to 80°F (approx. 18°C to 27°C) with an acidity level strictly bounded between 7.0 and 8.0 pH. Fluctuations outside of these parameters can compromise their immune system.

💡 Substrate Selection Note: As a bottom-dwelling species, this fish interacts directly with the tank bed. Peaceful bottom dwellers prefer soft sand beds. Use our Aquarium Sand & Substrate Calculator to calculate the exact pounds or kg of substrate needed for their tank footprint.

Fish Food & Nutrition: Providing high-quality fish food for Ghost Shrimp is vital to preserve their vivid colors and energy levels. Offer a varied diet consisting of high-protein tropical pellets or flakes, supplemented with live or frozen treats like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

Husbandry & Care Profile: Provide plenty of hiding spots like Java Moss, especially during molting when their soft shells make them vulnerable. They possess an exceptionally low bioload.

⏳ Ghost Shrimp Size & Lifespan Expectations

When planning your aquarium layout, understanding the expected Ghost Shrimp size is critical. The average Ghost Shrimp max size when fully grown reaches approximately 1.5 inches (approx. 3.8 cm). In some conditions, a particularly healthy, large specimen might grow slightly larger.

How long do they live? The typical Ghost Shrimp lifespan averages around several years. Specifically, These glass-like scavengers have a short lifespan of one to one and a half years. Their life expectancy is often cut short when kept with larger, predatory fish. Maintaining excellent water parameters, high-quality nutrition, and low stress will help maximize their longevity.

🧬 Ghost Shrimp Male vs Female Differences

Understanding sexual dimorphism is key for breeding projects and managing cohabitation. Comparing a Ghost Shrimp male vs female or female vs male Ghost Shrimp reveals clear biological and cosmetic differences.

Females grow larger, develop a green saddle of eggs on their back, and carry eggs under their tail. Males are smaller and remain entirely translucent.

Cohabitation & Breeding Notes: Can you put a female and male specimen together? Depending on their species behavior, housing female and male Ghost Shrimp specimens in the same tank requires careful setup. For highly territorial species, keep them separated. For peaceful community fish, maintain a breeding ratio of multiple females to each male to distribute attention and reduce stress.

🐠 Compatible Ghost Shrimp Tank Mates

Finding the right Ghost Shrimp tank mates is key to maintaining a peaceful community. Can this species live with other fish? The answer depends on their aggression rating (peaceful).

They can be kept in large groups without issue. They are peaceful scavengers that work together to clean up leftover food and organic waste.

When choosing companion fish, ensure they share similar temperature and pH requirements. Avoid housing them with slow-moving long-finned species if they are known fin-nippers, or with very large predatory fish that might view them as food. For a full compatibility breakdown, check the custom cross-checks and ideal matches listed on this page.

🎨 Popular Ghost Shrimp Morphs & Varieties

In the aquarium trade, the Ghost Shrimp has been bred selectively to showcase a variety of eye-catching color morphs, tail shapes, and patterns. Some of the most notable strains and varieties include:

Standard Ghost ShrimpWild-type Ghost ShrimpSelectively bred Ghost Shrimp varieties

From deep blue and red shades to intricate koi, marble, or albino strains, choosing the right morph adds incredible visual character to your aquarium.

🏷️ Cost & Buying Guide

Are you looking to find a healthy Ghost Shrimp for sale or ready to buy a Ghost Shrimp online? Sourcing your fish from high-quality breeders is crucial to starting with healthy specimens.

Extremely inexpensive, often sold in bulk as cleanup crew members or live food. The average price of a Ghost Shrimp varies depending on the specific color morph, fins, and strain rarity. Common varieties are widely available and can easily be purchased for under $30. Rare import show-grade specimens can cost significantly more.

When searching for a supplier nearby, check their reviews and verify that their tanks are clean and free of diseases. Healthy specimens should be alert, active, and showing bright coloration with no signs of lethargy or clamped fins. Avoid purchasing "used" or neglected setups without sanitizing them thoroughly.

✨ Unique Ghost Shrimp Name Ideas

Choosing a unique name for your new companion is one of the best parts of the hobby. Here are 5 unique, thematic Ghost Shrimp names based on their biological traits:

  • 🐟Glimmer
  • 🐟Flash
  • 🐟Pip
  • 🐟Pixie
  • 🐟Sparky

📚 Media, Art & Aquarium Ornaments

Thanks to their popularity, Ghost Shrimp are frequently referenced in books, movies & TV shows, and cast into art sculptures or figurines. In the hobby, they are a beloved subject for custom aquarium decor, photo prints, and artificial ornaments.

If you want to purchase species-specific aquarium decor for a Ghost Shrimp, prioritize live plants, smooth river rocks, and clean driftwood. If you buy artificial resin ornaments, verify they have no sharp edges or narrow gaps that could trap or injure active fish.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Ghost Shrimp live?

These glass-like scavengers have a short lifespan of one to one and a half years. Their life expectancy is often cut short when kept with larger, predatory fish.

What size tank does a Ghost Shrimp need?

A Ghost Shrimp requires a minimum tank size of 5 gallons (approx. 19 liters) to ensure proper swimming space and stable water parameters.

Can you put two Ghost Shrimp together?

They can be kept in large groups without issue. They are peaceful scavengers that work together to clean up leftover food and organic waste.

Can a Ghost Shrimp live with other fish?

Yes, depending on their aggression level. The Ghost Shrimp has a peaceful aggression level. In general, peaceful tank mates that share the same temperature (65°F to 80°F) and pH (7.0 to 8.0) requirements make the best cohabitants.

Depth Profile

Strata Depth Profile

bottom Layer
Top Zone
0-10" Depth
Mid Zone
10-20" Depth
Bottom Zone
Active

Specimen biology dictates water column placement. The Ghost Shrimp primarily patrols the bottom zone, optimizing its ecological role and feeding strategies.

Ecosystem Bioload Footprint

0.2xWaste Factor

Larger values represent higher bio-waste output, requiring higher filtration volume.

Ideal Cohabitants30 verified

Neon Tetra

Paracheirodon innesi

Cross-Check →
Guppy

Poecilia reticulata

Cross-Check →
Platy

Xiphophorus maculatus

Cross-Check →
Molly

Poecilia sphenops

Cross-Check →
Swordtail

Xiphophorus hellerii

Cross-Check →
Kuhli Loach

Pangio semiperfecta

Cross-Check →
Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

Cross-Check →
Nerite Snail

Vittina natalensis

Cross-Check →
Clown Loach

Chromobotia macracanthus

Cross-Check →
Bloodfin Tetra

Aphyocharax anisitsi

Cross-Check →
Blue Platy Fish

Xiphophorus maculatus

Cross-Check →
Ember Tetra

Hyphessobrycon amandae

Cross-Check →
Black Skirt Tetra

Gymnocorymbus ternetzi

Cross-Check →
African Dwarf Frog

Hymenochirus boettgeri

Cross-Check →
Bala Shark

Balantiocheilos melanopterus

Cross-Check →

Caution Cohabitants6 flagged

Angelfish

Pterophyllum scalare

Cross-Check →
Behavioral caution. Angelfish is semi-aggressive and may bully, chase, or nip the fins of the peaceful Ghost Shrimp. Ensure the tank is large and heavily decorated.
Tiger Barb

Puntigrus tetrazona

Cross-Check →
Behavioral caution. Tiger Barb is semi-aggressive and may bully, chase, or nip the fins of the peaceful Ghost Shrimp. Ensure the tank is large and heavily decorated.
Dwarf Gourami

Trichogaster lalius

Cross-Check →
Behavioral caution. Dwarf Gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully, chase, or nip the fins of the peaceful Ghost Shrimp. Ensure the tank is large and heavily decorated.
Serpae Tetra

Hyphessobrycon eques

Cross-Check →
Behavioral caution. Serpae Tetra is semi-aggressive and may bully, chase, or nip the fins of the peaceful Ghost Shrimp. Ensure the tank is large and heavily decorated.
Knight Goby Fish

Stigmatogobius sadanundio

Cross-Check →
Behavioral caution. Knight Goby Fish is semi-aggressive and may bully, chase, or nip the fins of the peaceful Ghost Shrimp. Ensure the tank is large and heavily decorated.
Behavioral caution. Assassin Snail is semi-aggressive and may bully, chase, or nip the fins of the peaceful Ghost Shrimp. Ensure the tank is large and heavily decorated.

Fish to Avoid Pairing With Ghost Shrimp13 conflicts

Aggression incompatibility. Male Betta Fish is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Ghost Shrimp cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Harlequin Rasbora

Trigonostigma heteromorpha

Conflict Report →
Water acidity (pH) parameters clash. Harlequin Rasbora prefers a pH of 6-6.8, while Ghost Shrimp requires a pH of 7-8. There is no overlapping safe pH range.
Pea Puffer

Carinotetraodon travancoricus

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Pea Puffer is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Ghost Shrimp cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Water acidity (pH) parameters clash. Ghost Shrimp prefers a pH of 7-8, while Chili Rasbora requires a pH of 5-6.5. There is no overlapping safe pH range.
Rainbow Shark

Epalzeorhynchos frenatum

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Rainbow Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Ghost Shrimp cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Ghost Shrimp cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
German Blue Ram

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

Conflict Report →
Water acidity (pH) parameters clash. Ghost Shrimp prefers a pH of 7-8, while German Blue Ram requires a pH of 5.5-6.5. There is no overlapping safe pH range.
Aggression incompatibility. Electric Yellow Cichlid is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Ghost Shrimp cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Discus

Symphysodon aequifasciatus

Conflict Report →
Water acidity (pH) parameters clash. Ghost Shrimp prefers a pH of 7-8, while Discus requires a pH of 5-6.5. There is no overlapping safe pH range.
High predation hazard. The size ratio between Oscar Cichlid (12") and Ghost Shrimp (1.5") exceeds 4:1, and the larger species has a aggressive temperament. The smaller species will likely be hunted or eaten.
Cardinal Tetra

Paracheirodon axelrodi

Conflict Report →
Water acidity (pH) parameters clash. Ghost Shrimp prefers a pH of 7-8, while Cardinal Tetra requires a pH of 4.6-6.2. There is no overlapping safe pH range.
Rummynose Tetra

Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Conflict Report →
Water acidity (pH) parameters clash. Ghost Shrimp prefers a pH of 7-8, while Rummynose Tetra requires a pH of 5.5-6.8. There is no overlapping safe pH range.
Water acidity (pH) parameters clash. Ghost Shrimp prefers a pH of 7-8, while Apistogramma Hongsloi requires a pH of 5.5-6.8. There is no overlapping safe pH range.

Verified Compatibility Profiles for Ghost Shrimp

Systematically explore algorithmic compatibility reports comparing the Ghost Shrimp against other common freshwater species:

Neon TetraParacheirodon innesi
compatibleCross-Check →
GuppyPoecilia reticulata
compatibleCross-Check →
Male Betta FishBetta splendens
incompatibleCross-Check →
AngelfishPterophyllum scalare
warningCross-Check →
Cherry ShrimpNeocaridina davidi
compatibleCross-Check →
Bristlenose PlecoAncistrus cirrhosus
compatibleCross-Check →
Fancy GoldfishCarassius auratus
compatibleCross-Check →
Zebra DanioDanio rerio
compatibleCross-Check →
Harlequin RasboraTrigonostigma heteromorpha
incompatibleCross-Check →
PlatyXiphophorus maculatus
compatibleCross-Check →
MollyPoecilia sphenops
compatibleCross-Check →
SwordtailXiphophorus hellerii
compatibleCross-Check →
Corydoras CatfishCorydoras aeneus
compatibleCross-Check →
Kuhli LoachPangio semiperfecta
compatibleCross-Check →
Pea PufferCarinotetraodon travancoricus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Otocinclus CatfishOtocinclus vestitus
compatibleCross-Check →
Amano ShrimpCaridina multidentata
compatibleCross-Check →
Mystery SnailPomacea bridgesii
compatibleCross-Check →
Nerite SnailVittina natalensis
compatibleCross-Check →
Tiger BarbPuntigrus tetrazona
warningCross-Check →
Cherry BarbPuntius titteya
compatibleCross-Check →
Dwarf GouramiTrichogaster lalius
warningCross-Check →
Honey GouramiTrichogaster chuna
compatibleCross-Check →
Pearl GouramiTrichopodus leerii
compatibleCross-Check →
Celestial Pearl DanioDanio margaritatus
compatibleCross-Check →
Chili RasboraBoraras brigittae
incompatibleCross-Check →
White Cloud Mountain MinnowTanichthys albonubes
compatibleCross-Check →
Clown LoachChromobotia macracanthus
compatibleCross-Check →
Rainbow SharkEpalzeorhynchos frenatum
incompatibleCross-Check →
Red Tailed Black SharkEpalzeorhynchos bicolor
incompatibleCross-Check →
Bloodfin TetraAphyocharax anisitsi
compatibleCross-Check →
German Blue RamMikrogeophagus ramirezi
incompatibleCross-Check →
Electric Yellow CichlidLabidochromis caeruleus
incompatibleCross-Check →
DiscusSymphysodon aequifasciatus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Oscar CichlidAstronotus ocellatus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Siamese Algae EaterCrossocheilus oblongus
compatibleCross-Check →
Blue Platy FishXiphophorus maculatus
compatibleCross-Check →
Cardinal TetraParacheirodon axelrodi
incompatibleCross-Check →
Rummynose TetraHemigrammus rhodostomus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Ember TetraHyphessobrycon amandae
compatibleCross-Check →
Black Skirt TetraGymnocorymbus ternetzi
compatibleCross-Check →
Serpae TetraHyphessobrycon eques
warningCross-Check →
Croaking GouramiTrichopsis vittata
compatibleCross-Check →
Featherfin SynodontisSynodontis eupterus
compatibleCross-Check →
African Dwarf FrogHymenochirus boettgeri
compatibleCross-Check →
Knight Goby FishStigmatogobius sadanundio
warningCross-Check →
Assassin SnailClea helena
warningCross-Check →
Bala SharkBalantiocheilos melanopterus
compatibleCross-Check →
Apistogramma HongsloiApistogramma hongsloi
incompatibleCross-Check →