Ever wondered how many ghost shrimp you can keep with your betta without turning your peaceful tank into an underwater battlefield? I’ve got you covered! After years of keeping both species, I’ll share everything you need to know about this interesting combo.
TL;DR You can keep 3-4 ghost shrimp per gallon of water with a betta fish in tanks 5 gallons or larger. For example in a 10-gallon tank, you could safely house 20-30 ghost shrimp with one betta provided there’s adequate hiding spots and proper tank conditions.
What You Need to Know Before Adding Ghost Shrimp
Before you rush to the pet store here are some crucial things to consider
- Tank size matters big time! Don’t even think about cramming ghost shrimp with a betta in anything smaller than 5 gallons
- Your betta’s personality is super important – some are chill, others are tiny underwater tyrants
- Ghost shrimp need lots of hiding spots to feel safe
- Water parameters must be suitable for both species
The Perfect Tank Size Formula
Here’s my tried-and-tested formula for ghost shrimp and betta stocking
| Tank Size | Recommended Ghost Shrimp | Betta Fish |
|---|---|---|
| 5 gallon | 10-15 | 1 |
| 10 gallon | 20-30 | 1 |
| 15 gallon | 30-45 | 1 |
| 20 gallon | 40-60 | 1 |
Setting Up Your Tank for Success
Essential Tank Requirements:
- Temperature: Keep it between 75-82°F (both species like it warm!)
- pH Level: Aim for 7.0-8.0
- Water Quality: Clean, filtered water with regular changes
- Hiding Spots: Lots of them! Think:
- Live plants
- Driftwood
- Rock caves
- Dense vegetation
How to Introduce Ghost Shrimp to Your Betta
Here’s my foolproof method:
- Remove your betta temporarily
- Add the ghost shrimp first
- Let them explore and find hiding spots
- Reintroduce your betta after a few hours
- Watch closely for any aggressive behavior
Signs Your Tank is Overcrowded
Watch out for these warning signs:
- Aggressive behavior from your betta
- Stressed ghost shrimp hiding constantly
- Poor water quality
- Increased algae growth
- Frequent deaths
Feeding Your Mixed Community
Both species need different foods, so here’s what works:
For Betta:
- High-quality betta pellets
- Frozen bloodworms
- Brine shrimp
For Ghost Shrimp:
- Algae wafers
- Bottom feeder pellets
- Tank debris (they’re great cleaners!)
Tips for Long-term Success
- Monitor water parameters weekly
- Do regular head counts of your shrimp
- Add new plants periodically
- Clean the tank regularly
- Watch for molting shrimp (they’re extra vulnerable then)
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Betta Attacking Shrimp
Solution: Add more hiding spots or separate if aggression continues
Problem 2: Missing Shrimp
Solution: Check for molts first, then consider if your betta’s having secret snacks
Problem 3: Stressed Shrimp
Solution: Improve water quality and add more cover
Final Thoughts
Keeping ghost shrimp with bettas can be super rewarding when done right. Start with the right tank size, add plenty of hiding spots, and monitor your tank closely. Remember, every betta has its own personality, so what works for one might not work for another.
We’d love to hear about your experiences! Have you successfully kept ghost shrimp with your betta? How many did you manage to keep together? Drop a comment below and share your story!
FAQ
Q: Can ghost shrimp kill my betta?
A: Nah, ghost shrimp are peaceful and won’t harm your betta.
Q: How do I know if my tank is too crowded?
A: Watch for aggressive behavior and check water quality regularly.
Q: What’s the minimum tank size needed?
A: At least 5 gallons, but bigger is always better!
Q: Do I need to feed ghost shrimp if they’re with my betta?
A: Yes, but they’ll also eat leftover food and algae.
Remember, successful fish keeping is about patience and observation. Don’t be afraid to adjust your setup if something isn’t working. Happy fish keeping!
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.
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.