Ever wondered if those transparent little ghost shrimp could be buddies with your feisty betta fish? Well, I’ve got good news – they can! But before you rush to add these guys together, there’s some important stuff you need to know.
As someone who’s kept both species for years, I’ll share everything about making this unique pairing work. Let’s dive into the details of keeping ghost shrimp and bettas together successfully!
The Quick Answer
Yes ghost shrimp and bettas can live together. but it depends on
- Your betta’s personality
- Proper tank setup
- Getting true ghost shrimp (not aggressive imposters!)
- Having enough space and hiding spots
Why Consider Ghost Shrimp as Betta Tank Mates?
Ghost shrimp make awesome tank mates for bettas because
- They’re natural tank cleaners
- Eat leftover food
- Consume algae
- Help keep the tank tidy
- Low bioload
- They’re peaceful
- Don’t bother bettas
- Mind their own business
- Stay near the bottom of tank
- They’re interesting to watch
- Transparent bodies
- Active scavengers
- Fun swimming patterns
Setting Up the Perfect Tank
Tank Size Requirements
While both species can survive in small tanks, we recommend:
- Minimum 10 gallons
- More space = less aggression
- Room for hiding spots
- Better water stability
Essential Water Parameters
Both species are pretty adaptable, but aim for:
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| TDS | 100-300 |
Creating Safe Spaces
Your tank needs:
- Live plants (java fern, anubias)
- Driftwood pieces
- Rock caves
- Shrimp tubes/hides
- Dense vegetation
- Leaf litter
- Add ghost shrimp first
- Let them establish territories
- Find hiding spots
- Get comfortable
- Add betta later
- Monitor behavior
- Watch for aggression
- Be ready to separate if needed
- Feed separately
- Drop shrimp food to bottom
- Feed betta at surface
- Prevent competition
Common Problems & Solutions
Aggressive Betta
If your betta shows aggression
- Add more plants/hiding spots
- Consider dividing tank
- Have backup tank ready
- Try different betta
Shrimp Disappearing
This might happen because:
- Betta eating them
- Poor acclimation
- Wrong species
- Not enough cover
Important Things to Remember
- Get true ghost shrimp
- Avoid Macrobrachium species
- Look for Palaemonetes genus
- Ask seller to verify species
- Watch molting periods
- Shrimp are vulnerable
- Need extra hiding spots
- Monitor closely
- Regular maintenance
- Weekly water changes
- Check parameters
- Clean uneaten food
My Personal Experience
I’ve kept ghost shrimp with several bettas over the years. Some bettas totally ignored them, while others… well, let’s just say I needed that backup tank! The key is knowing your betta’s personality and being prepared for either outcome.
FAQ
Q: How many ghost shrimp per gallon?
A: I recommend 2-3 ghost shrimp per gallon in a betta tank.
Q: Will baby ghost shrimp survive?
A: Probably not – bettas usually eat baby shrimp.
Q: Can I feed ghost shrimp to my betta?
A: Yes, they’re nutritious, but it’s more rewarding to keep them as cleaners.
Conclusion
Ghost shrimp and bettas CAN live together successfully with proper setup and care. Remember:
- Get true ghost shrimp
- Provide plenty of hiding spots
- Monitor behavior
- Have backup plan
The combo might not work for every betta, but when it does, it creates an awesome, dynamic tank ecosystem. Just take it slow, watch carefully, and be ready to adjust if needed.
Want more info about other betta tank mates? Check out our other guides about compatible fish and inverts for your betta’s home!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
What to Feed Betta and Shrimp Together?
Since bettas and shrimp have different dietary needs, providing the right fish food is crucial.
Bettas require a high-protein diet that mimics their natural insect-based diet. Feed them:
- High-quality betta pellets
- Freeze-dried bloodworms (as an occasional treat)
- Live or frozen brine shrimp
See more details about Care Guide for Betta Fish here.
Shrimp are scavengers and need a mix of protein and plant matter. Offer them:
Tip: Drop shrimp food in hidden areas so bettas don’t steal it! Visit this blog for more information on How to Care for Freshwater Shrimp.
Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
Cherry shrimp or Neocaridina shrimp are one of the most visually striking shrimp species, available in red, blue, yellow, and orange varieties. They reproduce quickly, so even if a betta eats some, the colony can sustain itself.
- Bright colors make them an attractive tank addition
- Reproduce easily, creating a self-sustaining population
- Adapt well to community tanks
- Small size (1-1.5 inches) makes them more vulnerable to predation
- Bettas may chase them if hungry or aggressive