Shrimp are fascinating and beautiful aquatic creatures that have become increasingly popular in the aquarium hobby. While they can be sensitive to water conditions and other factors, with the right care and attention, they can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium. Here are some tips for keeping shrimp happy and healthy in your tank.

Choose the Right Shrimp

There are many different species of shrimp available in the aquarium trade, each with their own unique requirements and personalities. There are three species available in the aquarium hobby, Neocaridina, Caridina, and Sulawesi, although the latter is not yet available in Australia.

The Neocaridina davidi is a species of freshwater shrimp native to Taiwan. Although their natural color is green-brown, they have been selectively bred into different color variations such as red, yellow, orange, green, blue, violet, black, among others. However, the red variation is the most prevalent. These shrimp are omnivorous and have an average lifespan of 1 to 2 years.

Caridina shrimp is a type of freshwater atyid shrimp that are commonly found in tropical or subtropical waters across Asia, Oceania, and Africa. These shrimp closely resemble Neocaridina shrimp and are usually distinguished by their intricate color patterns. Caridina shrimp are known to thrive in water with relatively softer parameters.

Sulawesi Shrimp, also known as Cardinal Shrimp, are a recent addition to the aquarium hobby. These shrimp are indigenous to the distinct Sulawesi lake system in Indonesia. While they belong to the Caridina genus, they have specific water parameter requirements. Their species name, Caridina dennerli, is derived from the German company Dennerle, which sponsored the expedition that led to the scientific description of the species. Unfortunately, this species is at risk due to various factors such as pollution from nickel mining, the introduction of invasive species like the flowerhorn cichlid, and hydroelectric power plants on the southern shore of Lake Matano. Despite being previously abundant, no Caridina dennerli have been observed in the wild since 2013, and the species may have gone extinct in the wild. However, they are being bred and kept in captivity.

Set Up a Suitable Aquarium

Shrimp require a well-maintained aquarium with the right water parameters and conditions. The ideal conditions vary between species (we'll cover that later). A heavily planted tank with plenty of hiding places and cover will help shrimp feel secure and provide a natural environment for them to graze and explore.

In a shrimp aquarium, filtration plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy nitrogen cycle. However, special attention must be given to the filter intake. Since freshwater shrimp are small, they can easily get sucked into the filter intake, which can be harmful or even fatal for them.

To prevent this, several measures can be taken, such as using fine intakes, covering intakes with mesh or stockings, or installing a sponge filter. The most suitable sponge filter for shrimp should have a sponge with 25 PPI (pores per inch) or higher to ensure their safety.

Provide the Right Food

Shrimp are omnivores and require a varied diet that includes both plant-based and protein-based foods. High-quality shrimp pellets and flakes, as well as algae wafers, can form the basis of their diet, while blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and carrots can provide additional nutrients. Some shrimp species also enjoy live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

Keep Water Clean and Healthy

Shrimp are sensitive to changes in water conditions and can be easily stressed by poor water quality. Make sure to perform regular water changes to keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels in check. A good rule of thumb is to change 10-20% of the water in your tank every week, using a water conditioner to remove any chlorine or chloramine. Avoid using any chemicals or medications in your aquarium that can harm shrimp.

Experienced shrimp enthusiasts often rely on Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) to gauge the frequency of water changes. TDS not only assesses mineral content but also organic waste. This means the TDS level will rise as the organic waste accumulates.
Aim for the lower limit of your TDS parameter range and maintain desired General Hardness (GH) and Carbonate Hardness (KH). When TDS approaches the upper limit of the specified range, it's time to perform a water change. GH and KH should stay stable as TDS increases through organic waste.

Consistency is key. Monitor your paramaters, but don't chase numbers and inadvertantly cause large fluctuations your chemistry. The most successful shrimp tanks are typically in the 2ft (60cm) sizes because of their water parameter stability.

Avoid Predators

There are typically two types of shrimp aquariums: those dedicated to keeping shrimp and those focused on breeding them. In tanks designed for shrimp keeping, small fish are often mixed with the shrimp. On the other hand, breeding tanks usually exclusively house shrimp because the presence of fish can pose a threat to juvenile shrimp.

Shrimp, being small in size, are susceptible to predation by larger fish, snails, and other aquarium inhabitants. The challenge arises when baby shrimp, measuring only 2-3 millimeters in length, become targets for most fish. To create a secure environment, it is crucial to provide ample hiding places and cover for the shrimp. Dense plants serve as ideal hiding spots for baby shrimp until they grow large enough to avoid being consumed by small fish. It's important to consider that certain shrimp species may be more vulnerable than others, necessitating additional protective measures. To ensure the safety of the shrimp, it is advisable to refrain from keeping aggressive fish or other predators in the same tank.

Breeding

Shrimp have distinct sexual differences: males are smaller and less colorful than females, with narrower tails. Females are larger and have richer, opaque coloring, but males can be bred to look similar. Transparent females show eggs on their ovaries, which depend on the breed for color. A saddle-shaped ovary indicates a female ready to mate. Shrimp reach sexual maturity at 4-6 months, and breeding requires stable conditions and food. Females lay and then carry 20-30 eggs that hatch in 2-3 weeks, with colors ranging from green to yellow. The young shrimp are miniature adults and hide among plants for a few days before emerging to graze on algae. Baby shrimp diet and behavior is the same as adult shrimp. Female shrimp can breed again quickly under ideal conditions.

Observe Behavior

Shrimp are fascinating to watch, and observing their behavior can provide insight into their health and well-being. Look for signs of aggression, stress, or illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or abnormal behavior. If you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms, take action immediately to address the issue and prevent further problems.

Having an abundance of moss, plants, and driftwood is advantageous in increasing the survival chances of the shrimp. This provides a larger surface area for the growth of biofilm that the shrimp can feed on. The presence of plants and moss also provides hiding places for the shrimp, which promotes breeding and protects them from being eaten by fish. However, some aquarists have experienced issues with certain plant supplements due to copper content. While this is uncommon, it is worth considering. Using a "shrimp safe" fertiliser is a good practice as a precaution.

Feeding a high-quality supplement food is also crucial in maintaining a healthy shrimp colony.

In conclusion, keeping shrimp in an aquarium can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By providing the right conditions, food, and care, you can help your shrimp thrive and live long, healthy lives. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful and vibrant aquatic environment that your shrimp will love to call home.