Hey there, fellow aquarium enthusiasts! Today, I’m gonna share everything you need to know about where ghost shrimp lay their eggs and how to successfully breed these fascinating little creatures. As someone who’s kept ghost shrimp for years, I’ve learned quite a bit about their breeding habits through both successes and failures.
Quick Answer
Ghost shrimp typically lay their eggs in 5 surprising locations
- Behind aquatic plants
- Clinging to tank decorations
- Hidden in substrate
- Camouflaged on tank walls
- Among live plants
Understanding Ghost Shrimp Egg-Laying Behavior
The Breeding Process
Before we dive into specific locations, let’s understand how ghost shrimp actually lay eggs:
- Molting Stage: The female molts her exoskeleton first
- Egg Development: Eggs form in the “saddle” behind her head
- Fertilization: Male fertilizes the eggs
- Egg Transfer: Fertilized eggs move to female’s swimmerets (back legs)
- Carrying Period: She carries eggs for about 2-3 weeks
How to Spot a Pregnant Ghost Shrimp
Here’s what to look for
- Green dots under the tail
- Increased leg fanning behavior
- Noticeable weight gain
- More attention from male shrimp
Detailed Look at Egg-Laying Locations
1. Behind Aquatic Plants
- Provides natural protection
- Offers good oxygen flow
- Keeps eggs hidden from predators
2. Clinging to Decorations
- Stable surface for attachment
- Easy to monitor
- Protected from water current
3. Hidden in Substrate
- Natural camouflage
- Temperature stability
- Protection from other tank mates
4. Tank Walls
- Good visibility for monitoring
- Steady water flow
- Easy access for the mother
5. Among Live Plants
- Natural environment
- Constant oxygen supply
- Food source nearby for babies
Setting Up a Breeding Tank
Essential Equipment
Tank Size: 5-10 gallonsTemperature: 70-80°FpH Level: Around 7.0Required Items:
- Sponge filter
- Air pump
- Fine substrate
- Live plants
- Hiding spots
Caring for Pregnant Ghost Shrimp
Diet Requirements
- High-quality shrimp food
- Algae wafers
- Crushed fish flakes
- Fresh vegetables
Water Parameters
Temperature: 72-82°FpH: 7.0-8.0Ammonia: 0 ppmNitrites: 0 ppmTaking Care of Baby Ghost Shrimp
Once the eggs hatch, here’s what you need to do:
- Remove the mother (yeah, she might eat her babies!)
- Cover tank walls with paper (babies are attracted to light)
- Feed appropriately:
- Infusoria
- Powdered fish food
- Crushed algae wafers
Growth Timeline
Week 1-2: No legs visibleWeek 2-3: Legs developWeek 4-5: Ready for main tankCommon Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Missing Eggs
- Usually means they’ve been eaten
- Could be stress-related dropping
- Might be filter accidents
Problem 2: Black Eggs
- Usually means they won’t hatch
- Remove to prevent water quality issues
- Check water parameters
Pro Tips from Experience
- Don’t panic if you can’t see the babies right away – they’re TINY!
- Keep the breeding tank simple – less decoration means easier monitoring
- Use a turkey baster to target feed the babies
- Be patient – breeding success takes practice
Breeding ghost shrimp isn’t rocket science, but it does require attention to detail and proper setup. By understanding where they lay eggs and providing the right environment, you’ll increase your chances of success significantly
Remember, every tank is different, and what works for me might need tweaking for your setup. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t successful – keep trying and adjusting your approach.
Got any questions about ghost shrimp breeding? Drop them in the comments below! I’d love to help out and hear about your experiences too.
Happy Shrimp Keeping!
How do you tell the difference between male and female ghost shrimp?
In addition to the equipment, youll need a few ghost shrimp to start your colony. If you get 6-10, you can be pretty sure there are both males and females in the batch. It can be difficult to tell the difference between them at first, especially if the females arent carrying eggs yet, but youll soon get a feel for it.
Female ghost shrimp are larger than males. They will have a colored fleck behind the head, called a saddle, which are eggs developing in the ovaries. Alternatively, they might carry fertilized eggs in their swimmerets.
How do ghost shrimp breed?
Most shrimp breed in a similar manner, and ghosts are no exception. Once the female is ready to mate, shell molt and release pheromones that attract the males. Youll usually know this is happening because the entire tank seems to go a little crazy, with the shrimp zooming all over the place.
After mating, the female moves the fertilized eggs from her “saddle” (the colored patch behind the head) to her pleopods (back legs). She is now “berried”. Shell keep the eggs in her pleopods, gently waving them for oxygenation and regularly cleaning her brood, for up to 2 weeks.
If you set up a separate rearing tank as we recommended, you can transfer the female at around the 1-week mark (dont do it after hatching, as the larvae are very difficult to catch). Move her back once shes dropped the eggs.
The eggs will be carried in the females pleopods until they hatch. Theyre small, oval, and greenish to yellowish in color. When theyre almost ready to hatch, youll actually be able to see the tiny eyes of the larvae.
pregnant ghost shrimp (hatching eggs)
FAQ
Where do shrimp carry their eggs?
Shrimp carry their eggs on the underside of their abdomen, specifically attached to structures called pleopods or swimmerets. These are small, leg-like appendages used for swimming and carrying eggs.
Will ghost shrimp breed in my tank?
Ghost Shrimp are easy to breed. Ensure the tank is stocked with both males and females. Females are much larger than males, usually about 1.5x the length.
How often do ghost shrimp lay eggs?
If you’ve cared for your ghost shrimp properly, the females should produce eggs every few weeks at least. These are bunches of 20–30 tiny green-grey eggs attached to the females’ legs.
Do ghost shrimp burrow in an aquarium?
Yes, ghost shrimp will burrow in an aquarium, particularly if provided with a suitable substrate like sand or fine gravel.