Hey there, fellow aquarium enthusiasts! I’ve been keeping ghost shrimp for years, and one question I get asked all the time is whether these transparent little creatures help with algae control. Let me break down everything you need to know about ghost shrimp and their algae-eating habits.
The Quick Answer
Yes, ghost shrimp do eat algae, but they’re not the most efficient algae eaters compared to other shrimp species. While they’ll pick at algae as part of their natural scavenging behavior, they shouldn’t be your primary solution for algae control.
Understanding Ghost Shrimp’s Diet
Ghost shrimp are what we call detrivores – they’re like the vacuum cleaners of your tank! Here’s what they typically eat:
- Biofilm growing on surfaces
- Decaying plant matter
- Dead fish and other meaty foods
- Various types of algae
- Leftover fish food
- Plant debris
Ghost Shrimp vs. Other Algae-Eating Champions
When it comes to algae control, here’s how ghost shrimp stack up against other popular shrimp species:
Amano Shrimp
- The ultimate algae-eating champion
- Eats almost all types of algae
- Much more efficient than ghost shrimp
- Recommended: 5 shrimp for tanks under 20 gallons
Cherry Shrimp
- Better algae eaters than ghost shrimp
- Breed quickly, creating larger cleaning crews
- Constantly forage for algae
- Great for long-term algae control
Ghost Shrimp
- Will eat algae, but not their primary food source
- Better as general tank cleaners
- More focused on scavenging other foods
- Need supplemental feeding
Setting Up Your Ghost Shrimp Tank
If you’re planning to keep ghost shrimp for algae control, here’s what you need to know:
Tank Requirements
- Minimum 5-gallon tank
- Temperature: 65-82°F
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- Plenty of hiding spots
- Live plants (optional but beneficial)
Feeding Tips
Since ghost shrimp aren’t primarily algae eaters, you’ll need to provide additional food:
- Commercial shrimp pellets
- Fish flakes
- Blanched vegetables
- Algae wafers
- Feed small amounts 2-3 times per week
The Truth About Algae Control
Here’s something I learned the hard way – no shrimp species can completely eliminate algae problems Algae growth is usually caused by
- Excessive lighting
- Nutrient imbalances
- Poor plant growth
- Overfeeding
- Irregular water changes
To effectively control algae, you’ll need a multi-pronged approach:
-
Fix the Root Cause
- Adjust lighting duration
- Test water parameters regularly
- Maintain proper plant nutrition
- Regular tank maintenance
-
Create a Cleanup Crew
- Mix different types of algae-eating shrimp
- Consider adding snails
- Include algae-eating fish
-
Maintain Regular Care
- Weekly water changes
- Clean filter media
- Remove uneaten food
- Trim dead plant matter
My Personal Experience
I’ve kept ghost shrimp in my planted tanks for years, and while they do nibble on algae, I wouldn’t rely on them as my primary algae control solution. In my experience, they’re much more interested in hunting down leftover fish food and detritus than tackling serious algae problems.
Common Questions About Ghost Shrimp and Algae
How many ghost shrimp do I need for algae control?
While ghost shrimp aren’t the best algae eaters, I’d recommend starting with 5-10 shrimp per 10 gallons if you want them to help with general tank maintenance.
Will ghost shrimp eat hair algae?
They might pick at it occasionally, but they’re not very effective at controlling hair algae. Amano shrimp are much better for this purpose.
Can ghost shrimp survive on algae alone?
Nope! They need a varied diet including protein sources and plant matter. Don’t expect them to live off algae alone.
Final Thoughts
While ghost shrimp will eat some algae, they’re better viewed as general tank cleaners rather than dedicated algae eaters. If you’re specifically looking for shrimp to help with algae control, I’d recommend going with Amano or Cherry shrimp instead.
Remember, the key to algae control isn’t just about adding cleaning crews – it’s about maintaining proper tank conditions and addressing the root causes of algae growth. Ghost shrimp can be part of your maintenance team, but they shouldn’t be your only solution!
Have you tried keeping ghost shrimp in your aquarium? What’s been your experience with their algae-eating habits? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your stories!
Looking for more aquarium tips? Check out our other articles on shrimp keeping and algae control. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates and care tips!
Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata)
The Amano shrimp is such an effective algae eater that one of its common names is actually “algae eating shrimp”! With its transparent body, this species is not the most exciting to look at. Dont let that fool you, though. Its extremely popular due to being the go-to algae exterminator throughout the aquarium and aquascape hobbies.
Amano shrimp arent picky when it comes to algae and will eat almost any type, with black beard algae and cyanobacteria being the only common exceptions. A group of five or so should be enough to keep algae under control in tanks smaller than 20 gallons. Ten or more should work well for larger setups. Do keep in mind that a colony of Amano shrimp usually cant survive off algae alone, so youll have to provide them with additional food at least a few times a week. Pretty much anything works for this: high-end shrimp pellets, simple fish flakes or even some simple blanched peas. Amano shrimp will happily eat it all.
You can buy Amano shrimp at The Shrimp Farm! Order your aquarium cleaning crew here.
Cherry shrimp/Sakura shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
Probably the absolute most popular aquarium shrimp in the hobby, cherry shrimp are appreciated for their red coloration, fast breeding and efficiency when it comes to eating algae. Like Amano shrimp, they will eat various types of algae – and they do it quickly. Cherries spend their entire day foraging, eating algae and biofilm wherever they can find them.
Just introduce a colony of at least ten cherry shrimp into your aquarium and sit back! They will multiply quickly, creating a larger and larger algae eating army. Overcrowding wont be an issue, as these shrimp have a low bioload. Most aquariums can sustain dozens or even hundreds of them, as long as youre offering additional foods regularly. If you do feel like your colony is expanding a bit too fast, just sell or give away a few shrimp to a fellow hobbyist.
You can buy cherry shrimp at The Shrimp Farm! Order your cherries here.