Hey fellow fish enthusiasts! Today we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of fish that eat shrimp. Whether you’re an aquarium hobbyist or just curious about marine life, understanding which fish species munch on these little crustaceans is super important. Let’s explore everything you need to know about shrimp-eating fish in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Quick Answer
Many fish species eat shrimp as part of their natural diet. In freshwater, common shrimp-eaters include cichlids, catfish, and perch. In saltwater, species like snapper, grouper, and tuna regularly feed on shrimp. The size of both the fish and shrimp often determines whether predation occurs.
Freshwater Fish That Love Shrimp
Aggressive Shrimp Hunters
- Cichlids (including Angelfish and Discus)
- Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)
- Goldfish (especially with smaller shrimp)
- Gourami (particularly larger species)
- Rainbow Fish
- Perch
Opportunistic Shrimp Eaters
- Catfish (most species)
- Loaches
- Tetras (larger species)
- Gouramis (smaller species)
Saltwater Fish That Eat Shrimp
Primary Shrimp Predators
- Snapper – Lightning-fast hunters
- Grouper – Ambush specialists
- Wrasse – Skilled crevice hunters
- Pufferfish – Crush shells easily
- Eels – Sneaky predators
- Jacks – Hunt in groups
- Tuna – Especially target larval shrimp
Aquarium Compatibility Guide
Safe Tank Mates for Shrimp
If you’re planning to keep shrimp in your aquarium, these fish are generally safe choices:
- Otocinclus – 100% shrimp-safe
- Pygmy Cory Catfish – Generally peaceful
- Boraras (Dwarf Rasboras) – Too small to harm adult shrimp
- Neon Tetras – When kept well-fed
- Small Guppies – Usually ignore adult shrimp
Never Keep with Shrimp
These fish will definitely eat your shrimp
- Angelfish
- Betta Fish
- Large Cichlids
- Discus
- Large Gouramis
Tips for Protecting Your Shrimp
We’ve learned through experience that these strategies help protect shrimp in community tanks:
-
Tank Setup
- Add lots of plants
- Create hiding spots
- Use rock caves
- Provide dense vegetation
-
Feeding Strategy
- Keep predator fish well-fed
- Feed at regular intervals
- Provide varied diet
-
Population Management
- Introduce adult shrimp only
- Start with larger shrimp species
- Maintain proper ratios
Natural Shrimp Defenses
Shrimp aren’t completely helpless! They’ve developed several cool adaptations
- Transparent bodies for camouflage
- Quick escape movements
- Burrowing behavior
- Nocturnal activity
- Protective spines
- Group living strategies
Impact on Ecosystems
The relationship between fish and shrimp plays a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems:
- Maintains population balance
- Promotes genetic strength
- Prevents overpopulation
- Distributes nutrients
- Supports food chain stability
Practical Considerations for Aquarists
When setting up a tank with both fish and shrimp, remember:
-
Tank Size Matters
- Bigger tanks = more hiding spots
- More space = less predation
- Better territory distribution
-
Water Parameters
- Match compatible species
- Maintain stable conditions
- Monitor water quality
-
Feeding Schedule
- Regular feeding times
- Appropriate portion sizes
- Varied diet options
Understanding what fish eat shrimp is crucial for both aquarium keeping and appreciating natural ecosystems. While many fish species will happily munch on shrimp, proper tank setup and species selection can help create a balanced community where both fish and shrimp thrive.
Remember, every tank is unique, and what works in one setup might not work in another. Keep observing your aquatic friends and adjust your approach based on their behavior. Happy fishkeeping, everyone!
Have you had any interesting experiences with fish and shrimp in your aquarium? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
Category #1: Small Invertebrates
Our first idea for shrimp-safe tank mates is to look at other nano invertebrates. For example, little snails — like nerite, mystery, bladder, and Malaysian trumpet snails — are mostly scavengers and detritivores that won’t eat living shrimp. They do like to eat the same types of foods as cherry shrimp though, so you may see fewer shrimp babies if the snail population outbreeds them. Larger filter-feeding shrimp, such as bamboo and vampire shrimp, are also a good choice because they predominantly eat tiny particles floating in the water. Similarly, Thai micro crabs use their hairy claws and legs to grab little crumbs, but they are quite shy and may be hard to spot in your aquarium.
Vampire or African fan shrimp (Atya gabonensis)
Other dwarf shrimp, like amano and ghost shrimp, can do well with cherry shrimp because they are roughly the same size and have similar care requirements. However, crystal shrimp and other Caridina shrimp may not be a good fit because they often prefer drastically different water parameters than cherry shrimp. While some hobbyists have kept them together, we often find that one shrimp colony tends to be happier and reproduce more than the other colony. Finally, avoid bigger crustaceans — such as long-arm shrimp, prawns, crayfish, and lobsters — because they are voracious creatures that will consume any source of protein they can find, including their smaller cousins.
Category #3: Peaceful Nano Fish with Tiny Mouths
Not all nano fish are shrimp-safe, but some species are so docile and diminutive that they pose little threat to full-grown cherry shrimp. Small tetras — such as the ember tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) and green neon tetra (Paracheirodon simulans) — are known for their brilliant colors and would look splendid with a group of complementary-colored shrimp. Nano rasboras — like the chili rasbora (Boraras brigittae) and neon green rasbora (Microdevario kubotai) — would also be stunning additions to a planted shrimp tank. As for bottom dwellers, dwarf cory catfish like pygmy catfish (Corydoras pygmaeus) are inclined to leave adult shrimp alone.
If you are looking to breed fish for profit and want to maximize your available space, we have successfully kept small livebearers (e.g., guppies and Endler’s livebearers) and cherry shrimp together with a giant mass of java moss in a 20-gallon tank. Any type of dense foliage, such as Pogostemon stellatus ‘octopus’ or water sprite, will do because they serve as hiding spots for the baby shrimp and fry so that the adult fish have a harder time catching them. If you build a good relationship with your local fish store, they may be willing to buy your plants as well, giving you an aquarium setup with three viable products.
Cardinal tetras, guppies, and nerite snails living with red cherry shrimp
Top 12 Tank Mates for Cherry Shrimp You Need to Try!
FAQ
What fish likes to eat shrimp?
Many other aquarium fish don’t belong with shrimp. These include goldfish, large rainbowfish, large gouramis, spiny eels, larger livebearers and most loaches. With any of these, it is not a matter of if but when they will eat your shrimp.
What fish will I catch with shrimp?
“I started throwing shrimp because my grandfather threw shrimp. It’s pretty much a given in the fall of the year,” says Dortch. “I’ve caught 3- and 4-pounders on a shrimp, and you can catch bass, redfish, speckled trout, white trout and maybe a drum all in the same day.”
What are the predators of shrimp?
What fish won’t eat shrimp?
Many fish will eat shrimp, but some peaceful, smaller species are generally shrimp-safe. Otocinclus catfish and Corydoras catfish are among the safest options as they primarily eat algae and are not inclined to prey on shrimp.