Yes, ghost shrimp can and do eat each other. I’ve kept these fascinating creatures for years, and while they’re usually peaceful scavengers, certain conditions can turn them into opportunistic cannibals. Let me break down everything you need to know about this behavior and how to prevent it in your aquarium.
The Real Deal: Why Ghost Shrimp Turn Cannibal
In my experience running a home aquarium store I’ve seen three main reasons why ghost shrimp might snack on their tankmates
1. Overcrowding Blues
- Too many shrimp + small tank = stressed out shrimps
- They need about 1 gallon per 2-3 shrimp (trust me on this!)
- Cramped spaces make them super territorial
2. The Hunger Games
- Not enough food makes them desperate
- They’ll eat literally anything when starving
- Even their besties become potential snacks
3. The Molting Moment
- Molting makes them super vulnerable
- Soft shell = easy target
- Other shrimp be like “Oh look, free dinner!”
How to Stop Your Shrimp from Becoming Little Cannibals
Here’s what’s worked for me and my customers:
Space Management
- Get a decent-sized tank (5+ gallons minimum)
- Don’t overstock (I learned this the hard way!)
- Create different levels with plants and decorations
Food Supply
- Feed small amounts 1-2 times daily
- Good foods include:
- Algae wafers
- Sinking pellets
- Blanched veggies
- Fish flakes (just a tiny bit)
Safe Hideouts
- Add lots of plants (Java moss is amazing!)
- Include some driftwood
- Create caves with rocks
- Add floating plants for extra cover
Quick Care Guide to Keep Your Ghost Shrimp Happy
Water Parameters
Temperature 65-80°FpH 65-80Hardness Moderate
Tank Setup Essentials
- Good filtration (but not too strong)
- Plants for hiding
- Fine substrate for foraging
- Regular water changes (20% weekly)
Common Questions I Get About Ghost Shrimp
Q How do I know if my shrimp are eating each other?A Missing shrimp finding partial remains or seeing aggressive behavior during feeding are dead giveaways.
Q: How often should I feed them?
A: Small amounts every 1-2 days. If food sits around for hours, you’re feeding too much!
Q: Can they live with fish?
A: Yep! But choose peaceful buddies like tetras or rasboras. Big fish might see them as tasty snacks!
Pro Tips from My Experience
- Keep an eye out during molting times – that’s when most cannibalism happens
- Separate pregnant females if possible
- Don’t panic if you see them eating a dead shrimp – that’s normal cleanup behavior
- Add Indian Almond leaves – shrimp love ’em!
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Aggressive chasing
- Shrimp populations declining mysteriously
- Lots of empty shells but no bodies
- Shrimp gathering in corners (usually means they’re stressed)
The Bottom Line
Look, ghost shrimp aren’t naturally evil cannibals – they’re just doing what they gotta do to survive! With proper care and attention, you can totally prevent them from snacking on each other. Just remember: good space, plenty of food, and lots of hiding spots are your best friends here.
Remember: Every aquarium is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Keep observing your shrimp and adjust their care accordingly!
Would you like me to explain anything in more detail?
Can ghost shrimp and Betta fish live together?
The short answer to this question is yes, ghost shrimp and Bettas can live together. However, pay attention, because things are a little more complicated in practice…
The long answer is that TRUE ghost shrimp and Betta fish can live together. However, not all shrimp sold as “ghost shrimp” in pet stores are actually true ghost shrimp. The term is a bit of a catch-all for transparent freshwater shrimp, not all of which are docile.
What youre after are freshwater species of the genus Palaemonetes. These are ACTUAL ghost shrimp, also called American glass shrimp or grass shrimp. What youre NOT after are species of the genus Macrobrachium, like Macrobrachium lanchesteri. These grow much too large and can attack your Betta fish.
True Palaemonetes ghost shrimp can co-exist peacefully with Betta fish. Your mileage may vary depending on your Bettas hunting instincts—some cant be kept with any tankmates, while others make great neighbors—but with the right measures, the combo could work well.
Do ghost shrimp make good “janitors”?
Yes. One of the reasons people keep ghost shrimp with Betta fish is that they can help maintain a healthy, tidy aquarium. Shrimp are detrivores, so your ghost will feed on things like leftover food, dead plant bits, algae, and micro-organisms. It might even pick at Betta poop!
Of course, you shouldnt rely on a shrimp to do your aquarium maintenance for you. Thats your job. Still, given their low bioload, a ghost shrimp can at least help you out.