Quick Stats
| Adult Size | 5 cm |
| Minimum Tank | 5 gal |
| Temperature | 18–29°C |
| pH Range | 7.0–8.0 |
| Hardness (GH) | 5–12 dGH |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Scavenger — algae, leftover food, shrimp pellets |
| Schooling | Groups of 5+ |
Tank Setup
The Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) requires a minimum tank size of 5 gal. For a species this size, a larger tank is always better — more water volume means more stable parameters and a healthier environment.
Water parameters should be maintained within the following ranges: temperature 18–29°C, pH 7.0–8.0, and hardness 5–12 dGH. These are relatively tolerant fish that adapt to a range of conditions.
Provide appropriate hiding places, a suitable substrate, and open swimming space to match the natural behaviour of this species.
Tank Mates
Ghost Shrimp are peaceful fish. They work well in community tanks with similarly-sized peaceful species.
Compatible tank mates include: Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, Corydoras, Tetras, Nerite Snail. Avoid housing with aggressive or much larger fish.
Schooling requirements: Groups of 5+. Keeping them in adequate numbers is essential for their wellbeing.
Diet & Feeding
Ghost Shrimp are Scavenger. Their diet should reflect their natural feeding habits.
Scavenger — algae, leftover food, shrimp pellets
Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily. Only provide what the fish can consume within 2–3 minutes to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues.
Common Health Issues
Like all aquarium fish, Ghost Shrimp can be susceptible to common diseases including ich (white spot disease), fin rot, and bacterial infections. This species is generally hardy and disease-resistant when kept in good conditions.
Prevention is always better than treatment. Maintain stable water parameters, avoid overfeeding, quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank, and perform regular water changes. A regular maintenance routine will prevent most health issues.
If disease does occur, isolate affected fish in a quarantine tank and treat appropriately. Always research medication compatibility before use — some treatments are toxic to invertebrates and scaleless fish.
Breeding
Breeding Ghost Shrimp is possible in the home aquarium.
Provide appropriate breeding conditions — planted areas with fine-leaved plants. Condition breeding pairs with high-quality foods before attempting to spawn them.
Many Ghost Shrimp will breed readily without intervention. Be prepared to remove eggs or fry if you want to raise them — adult fish may eat their own young.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Ghost Shrimp need?
A Ghost Shrimp needs a minimum tank size of 5 gal. However, larger is always better — more water volume means more stable water parameters and healthier fish.
Are Ghost Shrimp easy to keep?
Ghost Shrimp are rated as Easy difficulty. Beginners can keep them successfully with proper research and a cycled tank.
What do Ghost Shrimp eat?
Ghost Shrimp are Scavenger. Feed a varied diet including algae, leftover food, shrimp pellets.
Can Ghost Shrimp live with other fish?
Ghost Shrimp are peaceful. Compatible tankmates include: Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, Corydoras, Tetras, Nerite Snail. They work well in community tanks with similarly-sized peaceful fish.