Where to Buy Ghost Shrimp: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding These Transparent Treasures

Looking to add some see-through swimmers to your aquarium? I’ve spent years keeping ghost shrimp and know exactly where to snag these fascinating little creatures. Let me share my personal experiences and top spots for buying healthy ghost shrimp!

Online Ghost Shrimp Shopping: My Top Picks

Aquatic Arts

As someone who’s ordered countless times from them, I can tell ya Aquatic Arts is my go-to source. Here’s why I love them:

• Super reasonable prices ($20-40 for 10-20 shrimp)
• Live arrival guarantee (saved my butt a couple times!)
• Awesome selection including fancy blue velvet varieties
• Professional packaging with insulated 1-2 day shipping

Amazon Prime

Believe it or not, Amazon’s got some great ghost shrimp deals! Some tips from my experience:

• Look for sellers with 4.5+ star ratings
• Expect to pay $20-30 for 10 shrimp
• Choose Prime shipping for fastest delivery
• Check seller reviews specifically mentioning live arrivals

The Shrimp Farm

These folks really know their stuff

• Professional breeding facility
• Sells 1-inch sized shrimp
• Excellent live arrival guarantee
• Current price: $23.99 per batch
• Ships via next-day air for safety

Local Store Options

PetSmart & Petco

I regularly check both chains for ghost shrimp. Here’s what to expect:

• Prices: $1-3 per shrimp
• Stock varies by location
• Best to call ahead
• Great for small quantities
• Perfect for nano tanks

Local Fish Stores (LFS)

Don’t forget your neighborhood aquarium shops! My experiences

• Often higher quality stock
• Prices around $2-3 each
• Can special order
• More personalized service
• Staff usually more knowledgeable

Pro Tips for Buying Healthy Ghost Shrimp

After years of trial and error, here’s what I’ve learned:

What to Look For

• Active swimming behavior
• Clear, transparent bodies
• No visible parasites
• Smaller specimens (under 1 inch)
• Recently arrived shipments

Red Flags to Avoid

• Lethargic movement
• Cloudy bodies
• Visible injuries
• Overcrowded tanks
• Dying tankmates

Setting Up Your Ghost Shrimp Home

Before buying, make sure you’ve got the right setup:

Tank Requirements

• Minimum 10 gallons
• Water temp: 70-78°F
• pH: 7.0-7.8
• Plenty of hiding spots
• Established substrate

Compatible Tank Mates

• Small peaceful fish
• Other dwarf shrimp
• Snails
• Avoid: Large fish
• Avoid: Aggressive species

Caring for Your New Ghost Shrimp

Feeding Tips

• Omnivorous diet
• Accept most fish foods
• Love blanched vegetables
• Feed small amounts daily
• Remove uneaten food

Health Monitoring

• Watch for successful molting
• Check water parameters weekly
• Look for active behavior
• Monitor for aggression
• Observe eating habits

Breeding Possibilities

If you’re interested in breeding:

• Keep groups of 10+
• Provide plenty of plants
• Maintain stable parameters
• Separate pregnant females
• Feed high-quality foods

My Personal Experience

I’ve been keeping ghost shrimp for over 5 years now, and lemme tell ya, they’re fascinating little creatures! Started with just 10 from my local Petco and now maintain several thriving colonies. They’re amazing cleanup crew members and super entertaining to watch.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose online or local sources, ghost shrimp are totally worth adding to your aquarium! Just remember to:

• Research sellers thoroughly
• Check reviews and ratings
• Ensure proper shipping methods
• Have your tank ready
• Acclimate properly

Ready to get your own ghost shrimp? Start with smaller quantities to test your setup, then expand once you’re comfortable. Trust me, these little transparent friends will bring endless entertainment to your aquatic world!

Got questions about ghost shrimp? Drop ’em in the comments below! I’d love to help fellow shrimp enthusiasts succeed with these cool critters.

Ghost shrimp, also known as glass shrimp, are found in various locations depending on the species. Freshwater ghost shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) are common in the southeastern United States, thriving in areas with abundant aquatic vegetation. Marine ghost shrimp, like the bay ghost shrimp, inhabit bays, sloughs, and intertidal flats along the Pacific coast. They can be found burrowing in the sediment, often near the water’s edge.