Ghost Shrimp
Palaemon paludosus
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A see-through, inexpensive shrimp that scavenges leftovers and algae, and a fascinating first invertebrate. Watch out when buying, because the name covers several species, some of them larger and aggressive. Hide spots matter, and it can harass slow, long-finned fish when large enough to reach them.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 10 US gal
- Temperature
- 65–82 °F
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Hardness
- No figure published
- Swim zone
- Bottom
- Min group
- 3 or more
- Lifespan
- 1–1.5 years
Ghost Shrimp tank mates
Paracheirodon innesi
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Poecilia reticulata
Ghost shrimp may pick at slow, long-finned fish like Fancy Guppy, especially at night.
Betta splendens
True ghost shrimp can work, but bettas may eat them, especially young or freshly molted ones. Similar shrimp sold under this name can grow large enough to attack a betta.
Trichogaster chuna
Ghost shrimp may pick at slow, long-finned fish like Honey Gourami, especially at night.
Trichopsis pumila
Ghost shrimp may pick at slow, long-finned fish like Sparkling Gourami, especially at night.
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Bolivian Ram will usually eat small shrimp like Ghost Shrimp.
Common tank-mate questions
Ghost Shrimp feeding and care
How to feed
- Let them scavenge algae, biofilm and leftover food.
- Add algae wafers or small sinking pellets a few times a week.
- Offer frozen foods occasionally for extra protein.
Ghost Shrimp care mistakes to avoid
- Confirm the species when buying, because the name covers larger, aggressive shrimp too.
- Do not trust them with slow, long-finned fish like bettas, which they may pick at.
- Add plants and hide spots, which protect them while molting.
- Keep copper out of the tank, because it is fatal to shrimp.
Ghost Shrimp tank setup
The essentials for a small, gently filtered tank.
TankAt least 10 US gal (38 L)
The smallest tank our sources give for Ghost Shrimp. We list only tanks that hold this volume (allowing 10%, so a standard size counts).
Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium 10 Gallon US
Tetra Complete LED Aquarium Kit 10 Gallon US
Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium 20 Long US
Eheim clearTank 73 Spain
Why we chose these (Best 10-Gallon Fish Tank: What to Look For). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Starter kitA kit with the tank, filter and light in one box
We list only kits whose tank fits Ghost Shrimp, up to twice its minimum volume. A kit whose heater has a fixed setting shows only when that setting is inside Ghost Shrimp's temperature range.
Tetra Complete LED Aquarium Kit 10 Gallon US
No heater included
Tetra Complete LED Aquarium Kit 20 Gallon US
Check the heater's setting
Tetra Starter Line LED Aquarium 54 L Spain
Heater preset to 25 °C
Why we chose these (Best Aquarium Starter Kit: What to Look For). Nobody here has used or tested them.
FilterAir-driven sponge filter
Gentle flow that small fish and long fins can handle, plus a safe home for good bacteria.
Aquarium Co-Op Coarse Sponge Filter (Small) US
Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter US
Tetra Brillant Filter Spain
Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter Spain
Why we chose these (Best Filter for a 10-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
HeaterKeep it at 65–82 °F (18–27 °C)
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 25 W at 5 gallons, 50 W at 10. Keeps a small tank stable. Adjustable models let you set the temperature your species needs. Size up for a cold room.
Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater US
Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater 50 W US
Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater Spain
Eheim Thermocontrol e 50 Heater Spain
Why we chose these (Best Heater for a 10-Gallon Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Water conditionerDechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es · Maker's details
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test kitLiquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
See it at The Shrimp Farm (a retailer; affiliate link) · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply · Maker's details
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
SubstrateAny substrate works.
We are still choosing products for this.
Hiding places and decorPlenty of aquatic plants for shelter, plus hides such as shrimp tubes, driftwood and natural rocks.
We are still choosing products for this.
PlantsSafe with live plants
Browse all aquarium plants.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.
Where to buy Ghost Shrimp
We have not found a store that sells Ghost Shrimp under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Ghost Shrimp FAQ
What size tank do Ghost Shrimp need?
Our sourced minimum is 10 US gallons (38 liters). A bigger, mature tank is always easier to keep stable.
What can live with Ghost Shrimp?
Good matches on our list include Neon Tetra, Cardinal Tetra and Ember Tetra. Avoid Gold Barb and Swordtail.
How long do Ghost Shrimp live?
Care guides report about 1–1.5 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.
Why do my ghost shrimp keep dying?
Many are sold as cheap feeders and arrive stressed. Acclimate slowly, keep the water stable, and buy from a seller that treats them as pets.
Ghost Shrimp facts and sources
- Type
- Shrimp
- Native to
- Southeastern United States
- Adult size
- 2 in (5 cm)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Live plants
- Yes - Loves Plants
- Breeds in freshwater
- Yes
Sources
- The Shrimp Farm: Care and water figures
Spotted something wrong? Report a parameter correction.