Hey there fellow aquarium enthusiasts! I’ve been keeping ghost shrimp for years and one question keeps popping up in our community – can these little transparent critters survive in saltwater? Well I’ve done extensive research and experimented myself, so let me break it down for you in this comprehensive guide.
The Quick Answer
Yes, ghost shrimp can live in saltwater, but it’s not as simple as just dropping them in! These adaptable creatures need proper acclimation and care to survive the transition from fresh to salt water.
Why Would You Want Ghost Shrimp in Saltwater?
Let me share the main reasons why aquarists (including myself) consider keeping ghost shrimp in saltwater tanks
- Tank Clean-up Crew: They’re excellent scavengers that help keep your tank clean
- Live Food Source: Some use them as feed for larger marine fish
- Unique Display: Their transparent bodies look amazing in reef tanks
- Hardy Nature: They’re tough little creatures that can adapt to different conditions
- Cost-effective: Much cheaper than most marine shrimp species
The Truth About Ghost Shrimp in Different Waters
Here’s what you really need to know about ghost shrimp and water types:
- Natural Habitat: Originally freshwater creatures
- Adaptability: Can survive in:
- Freshwater
- Brackish water
- Saltwater (with proper acclimation)
- Survival Rate: Better in fresh/brackish than full marine conditions
How to Acclimate Ghost Shrimp to Saltwater
I’ve found this step-by-step method works best:
What You’ll Need:
- Airline tubing
- Small container
- Clip or tie wrap
- Timer
- Patience (lots of it!)
The Drip Method (My Preferred Technique):
-
Setup:
- Place shrimp in container with their original water- Position saltwater tank higher than container- Set up airline tubing for slow drip -
Acclimation Process:
- Start drip at 2-4 drops per second- Continue for 1-2 hours minimum- Monitor shrimp behavior closely -
Final Transfer:
- Net shrimp carefully- Move to main tank- Don't add original water
IMPORTANT: What Not to Do!
❌ Never dump ghost shrimp directly into saltwater
❌ Don’t rush the acclimation process
❌ Avoid feeding for 24 hours after transfer
Tips for Success
After keeping ghost shrimp in both fresh and saltwater setups, here are my top tips:
-
Water Parameters:
- Keep salinity stable
- Maintain proper temperature (72-82°F)
- Monitor water quality regularly
-
Tank Setup:
- Provide plenty of hiding spots
- Add live plants or decorations
- Ensure good filtration
-
Feeding:
- Wait 24 hours after acclimation
- Offer varied diet
- Don’t overfeed
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Stressed shrimp | Add more hiding places |
| Poor survival | Slower acclimation |
| Not eating | Try different foods |
| Molting issues | Check calcium levels |
My Personal Experience
I’ve kept ghost shrimp in both fresh and saltwater tanks, and lemme tell ya – it’s totally doable! But here’s the thing: they do better when acclimated gradually. Last year, I successfully transitioned a group of 10 ghost shrimp to my reef tank, and 7 of them survived and thrived for months!
Final Thoughts
While ghost shrimp can definitely live in saltwater, it’s not their ideal environment. If you’re gonna try it, just remember:
- Take your time with acclimation
- Provide proper care and maintenance
- Monitor them closely
- Be patient!
Remember, every tank is different, and what works in my setup might need tweaking in yours. Don’t be afraid to experiment (carefully!) and find what works best for your aquatic friends.
Got questions about keeping ghost shrimp in saltwater? Drop ’em in the comments below – I’d love to help out!
P.S. Don’t forget to share your own experiences too – we’re all learning together in this hobby!
#aquarium #ghostshrimp #marinelife #reeftank #aquariumhobby
Feeding regime[edit]
Ghost Shrimp do well in warmer temperatures, though they can survive in waters that are as cold as the upper 50 degree Fahrenheit range. It has been observed that in very warm temperatures, Ghost Shrimp become much more active, and they have been reported to become so aggressive as to attack fish in warm temperatures. In cooler temperatures, they are quite peaceful and it is the Ghost Shrimp who are in danger of fish attacks. Shrimp should have some plants to hide in, particularly if they are kept with fish that might eat them.
Alternative names[edit]
Ghost Shrimp are detrivores and will consume algae (although uncommon), detritus and leftover food. If insufficient food is present, supplement with a quality flake food or pellet. Its not an effective algae eater.[2]
Massive Salt Water Ghost shrimp
FAQ
Can you feed ghost shrimp to saltwater fish?
Freshwater Ghost Shrimp are an excellent food source for both fresh and saltwater fish.
Do ghost shrimp live in the ocean?
Four distinct species of Ghost shrimp have been identified as inhabiting the waters of the Gulf of America. Found at water’s edge, they burrow down in seafloor sediments, collecting bits of food. Though they are small, reaching up to three to four inches, Ghost shrimp can dig burrows that can be four feet deep.
Can I keep shrimp on a salt water tank?
Salting a tank with shrimp is generally not advisable, as most freshwater shrimp, such as cherry shrimp or ghost shrimp, are sensitive to salt. Salt baths can be harmful or even fatal to them.
How to acclimate ghost shrimp to saltwater?
Assuming you’ll get the shrimp in bags, float the bags without opening them in your aquarium for around 15-20 minutes to let the temperature equalize in the bag. After that, open the bag and start drip acclimating – slowly add your aquarium water into the bag a few drops at a time. Do that for around an hour.
Can ghost shrimp live in a saltwater refugium?
Ghost shrimp (unless you are talking about some other shrimp) are a freshwater species and will not live for very long in your saltwater refugium. Inverts like shrimp are very sensitive to salinity levels, and you won’t be able to acclimate freshwater shrimp to a saltwater environment. Well that sucks lol.
Can ghost shrimp live in freshwater?
Since two types of ghost shrimp can live in either or, you want to do your homework on what you are getting before you get home and dump a bunch of brackish water ghost shrimp in your freshwater tank, where you will watch them die over the coming days, one at a time.
Should ghost shrimps be kept in a saltwater tank?
Ghost shrimps are kept in the saltwater tank when the vet recommends doing so. Shrimps suffer from various diseases due to inadequate water parameters or poor diet. Therefore, the shrimps need to be quarantined and kept in the saltwater to kill off freshwater bacteria.
Can ghost shrimp acclimate to saltwater?
Inverts like shrimp are very sensitive to salinity levels, and you won’t be able to acclimate freshwater shrimp to a saltwater environment. Actually, ghost shrimp, which is a Palaemonetes species, are often found in estuaries and are very tolerant of changes in salinity.
Where do ghost shrimp live?
Their natural habitat would be freshwater rivers and lakes in North America. There are lots of features that make this an ideal habitat for the ghost shrimp. They interact with the environment to make it more hospitable for other species too.
What is a ‘ghost shrimp’?
Palaemon sp. – the marine ‘feeder’ “ghost shrimp” you most likely are referrring to; full saltwater – is capable of being bred in captivity (planktonic larvae are quickly consumed by other aquarium inhabitants, though).