As a long-time shrimp keeper, I’ve noticed there’s a lot of confusion about whether ghost shrimp and Neocaridina shrimp (like Red Cherry Shrimp) can coexist peacefully in the same tank. Let me break down everything you need to know about these fascinating creatures and whether they make good tankmates
The Key Differences
Before we dive deeper, let’s understand the basic differences between these shrimp species:
| Characteristic | Ghost Shrimp | Neocaridina (Cherry Shrimp) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Usually larger (1.5-2 inches) | Smaller (1-1.5 inches) |
| Behavior | Can be territorial/aggressive | Generally peaceful |
| Price | Very inexpensive | More expensive |
| Breeding | More challenging | Easy to breed |
| Lifespan | 1-1.5 years | 1-2 years |
The Truth About Ghost Shrimp Species
Here’s something many folks don’t know – “ghost shrimp” is actually a generic term that can refer to several different species:
- Palaemonetes kadiakensis (Mississippi Grass Shrimp)
- Palaemonetes paludosus (Eastern Grass Shrimp)
- Palaemonetes vulgaris (Marsh/Common Grass Shrimp)
- Palaemonetes atrinubes
Can They Really Live Together?
From my experience and based on numerous aquarist reports, the answer is… it’s complicated! Here’s why:
The Good News
- In larger tanks (15+ gallons), they might coexist
- Heavy planted tanks provide enough hiding spots
- Some people report successful mixed colonies
The Bad News
- Ghost shrimp can become aggressive
- They often outcompete Neocaridina for food
- Baby cherry shrimp might become ghost shrimp snacks
Setting Up a Mixed Tank (If You Really Want To)
If you’re still determined to keep both species together, here’s what you’ll need:
-
Tank Size
- Minimum 20 gallons
- Lots of open swimming space
- Multiple feeding areas
-
Plants and Decorations
- Dense plant coverage
- Multiple hiding spots
- Different vertical levels
-
Population Control
- Start with smaller groups
- Monitor breeding
- Remove aggressive individuals
Common Myths Debunked
Let me clear up some misconceptions I’ve seen floating around:
❌ Myth: Ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp can crossbreed
✅ Truth: They’re completely different genera and can’t interbreed
❌ Myth: All ghost shrimp are peaceful
✅ Truth: Their behavior varies widely depending on species
My Personal Experience
I’ve tried keeping these shrimp together in my 30-gallon planted tank, and lemme tell you – it’s been quite a journey! While some of my ghost shrimp were chill, others turned into little predators real quick. I ended up having to separate them after watching one of my ghost shrimp chase down a smaller cherry shrimp.
Better Tank Mates for Your Neocaridina
Instead of ghost shrimp, consider these safer tankmates for your cherry shrimp:
- Amano Shrimp
- Crystal Red/Black Shrimp (in similar parameters)
- Bamboo Shrimp
- Small peaceful fish like:
- Chili Rasboras
- Ember Tetras
- Celestial Pearl Danios
Final Thoughts
While it’s technically possible to keep ghost shrimp and Neocaridina together, I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners or those serious about breeding cherry shrimp. The risks usually outweigh the benefits, and there are better community tank options available.
Tips for Success If You Try
If you’re still gonna give it a shot (hey, we’ve all been there!), here’s what worked for me:
- Start with young ghost shrimp
- Feed regularly to reduce predatory behavior
- Provide multiple feeding stations
- Monitor closely for the first few weeks
- Have a backup tank ready just in case
Remember every tank is different, and what works in one setup might not work in another. The key is careful observation and being ready to separate them if things go south.
Expert Recommendations
Most experienced shrimp keepers I’ve talked to recommend keeping these species separate. The stress on the cherry shrimp alone can affect their color and breeding habits, even if no direct aggression is observed.
While mixing ghost shrimp and Neocaridina isn’t impossible, it’s definitely risky. If you’re new to the hobby or want to breed cherry shrimp successfully, it’s better to keep them separate. Trust me, your cherry shrimp will thank you with brighter colors and more babies!
Remember, successful shrimp keeping isn’t about cramming different species together – it’s about creating the best environment for each species to thrive. Sometimes, that means making tough choices about who gets to be tankmates and who doesn’t.
Have you tried keeping these species together? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Whisker shrimp vs ghost shrimp: Physical differences
So: whisker shrimp and ghost shrimp are not the same, and its important to know the difference so you dont end up buying the wrong shrimp. Unfortunately, whisker shrimp in particular are often mislabeled as ghost shrimp, which can cause trouble in your aquarium. So how do you tell them apart?
No worries, its easy once you know what to look for.
Between whisker shrimp vs ghost shrimp, its the whiskers that grow the largest. They can reach a length of up to 2.5″, whereas ghost shrimp rarely grow to 2″. If the shrimp in question looks very chunky, its probably a whisker shrimp!
Unsure whether youre dealing with a ghost or whisker shrimp? Take a look at its claws or arms. All shrimp have a pair of special arms with claws on the end they use to pick up food, but given that ghost shrimp are mostly scavengers, theirs are pretty small.
Its different in whisker shrimp, which will catch small prey if they get the chance. Their arms are significantly longer and feature larger claws. So if your shrimp has long grabby hands that surpass the length of its legs, its likely a member of the genus Macrobrachium rather than Palaemonetes.
Both ghost and whisker shrimp are mostly translucent, which is one of the main reasons theyre so commonly mixed up! However, there are some differences that allow you to easily assess which shrimp youre dealing with.
Most importantly, if your shrimp sports bright orange bands on its legs and/or antennae, its a true ghost (Palaemonetes paludosus). In addition to this, ghost shrimp will usually have a fine dotted pattern, as if they were sprinkled with ground pepper. Whisker shrimp, on the other hand, lack this sprinkling. They usually have a few more solid, uneven lines behind the head. Both species are translucent and have back humps, but there are some differences! Ghost shrimp photo © Tristan Packard,
What is a whisker shrimp?
“Whisker shrimp” is a common name for Macrobrachium lanchesteri, a hump-backed, medium-sized freshwater shrimp or prawn naturally found in Southeast Asia. Its also sometimes used for another species in the genus, Macrobrachium lamarrei, although that ones usually called the Indian whisker shrimp.
Whisker shrimp are considered semi-aggressive. They can make a fascinating addition to your aquarium, but its important to make sure theyre compatible with the rest of your fish and invertebrates.
Will ghost shrimp go after your small fish? Watch this before keeping ghost shrimp.
FAQ
What type of shrimp are ghost shrimp?
Ghost shrimp are a type of freshwater shrimp, often referred to as glass shrimp, and belong to the genus Palaemonetes. Specifically, the most common species sold as ghost shrimp is Palaemonetes paludosus.
Are cherry shrimp the same as Neocaridina?
Their natural coloration, or wild type, is a mottled brown, but N. davidi has been selectively bred to produce a diverse array of color morphs including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, white, clear, and more. The popularity of the red morph has led to N. davidi also being known as “cherry shrimp”.
Can ghost shrimp be kept with other shrimp?
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.