Hey there fellow shrimp enthusiasts! I’ve been keeping aquariums for over a decade now and let me tell you – finding reliable sources for live shrimp can be tricky. But don’t worry, I’m here to share my experience and guide you through the best places to buy healthy, vibrant shrimp for your aquarium.
Top Online Retailers for Live Shrimp
1. Flip Aquatics
As America’s largest online retailer of aquatic livestock, Flip Aquatics has earned their reputation through
- 100% live arrival guarantee
- 30-day quarantine process
- Extensive selection of:
- Neocaridina shrimp
- Caridina shrimp
- Hard water shrimp
- Soft water shrimp
- Oddball varieties
2. Shrimpy Business
What makes them special:
- Live arrival guarantee policy
- Works with ethical breeders
- Quarantines all shrimp before shipping
- Popular varieties include:
- Blue Dream Shrimp ($37.50)
- Orange Pumpkin Shrimp ($24.50)
- Green Jade Shrimp ($40.00)
- Crystal Red Shrimp ($27.50)
3. Aquatic Arts
Standout features:
- Next-day US delivery
- 100% live arrival guarantee
- Bred-by-Aquatic Arts collection
- Notable offerings:
- Blue Green Emerald Shrimp
- Tangerine Tiger Shrimp
- Red Onyx Shrimp
- Sakura Red Cherry Shrimp
What to Look for When Buying Live Shrimp
Quality Indicators
-
Health Guarantees
- Live arrival guarantee
- Quarantine procedures
- Health certification
-
Shipping Methods
- Temperature-controlled packaging
- Fast shipping options
- Proper acclimation instructions
-
Vendor Reputation
- Customer reviews
- Years in business
- Response to DOA claims
Price Comparison Table
| Shrimp Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Cherry Shrimp | $4.49 – $28.50 |
| Blue Dream | $29.50 – $40.00 |
| Crystal Red | $27.50 – $37.50 |
| Amano Shrimp | $15.50 – $27.50 |
Tips for Successful Shrimp Buying
-
Tank Preparation
- Cycle your aquarium properly
- Test water parameters
- Add appropriate plants and hiding spots
-
Timing Your Purchase
- Check weather conditions
- Order during moderate temperatures
- Avoid holiday shipping delays
-
After Arrival Care
- Follow acclimation instructions
- Monitor behavior
- Keep water parameters stable
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the acclimation process
- Mixing incompatible species
- Ignoring water parameters
- Skipping quarantine procedures
My Personal Experience
I remember my first time ordering shrimp online – I was super nervous! But after trying different vendors and learning from both successes and mistakes, I’ve found that reputable online sellers often provide healthier shrimp than local pet stores. They typically specialize in shrimp keeping and take better care of their stock.
Additional Considerations
Best Times to Buy
- Spring and fall are ideal
- Avoid extreme summer heat
- Plan around holidays
Quantity Discounts
Most vendors offer better prices when you buy:
- 5+ shrimp
- 10+ shrimp
- Breeding colonies
Getting Started
If you’re new to shrimp keeping, here’s what I recommend:
-
Start with hardy varieties:
- Red Cherry Shrimp
- Blue Dream Shrimp
- Amano Shrimp
-
Essential supplies:
- Appropriate food
- Water conditioner
- Testing kit
- Plant coverage
Final Thoughts
Finding quality live shrimp doesn’t have to be complicated. With these trusted vendors and our comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to start or expand your shrimp colony. Remember to take your time, research thoroughly, and don’t be afraid to ask questions – we’ve all been beginners!
P.S. – Don’t forget to check for seasonal sales and promotions. Many vendors offer special deals during certain times of the year, and you might snag some awesome deals if you’re patient!
Quick Checklist Before Ordering
- ✓ Tank is fully cycled
- ✓ Water parameters are stable
- ✓ Temperature control is reliable
- ✓ Hiding places are ready
- ✓ Compatible tankmates (if any)
- ✓ Shipping weather is appropriate
Now you’re ready to start your shrimp-keeping journey! Happy shrimping, everyone!
What is the difference between Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp?
Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp are essentially very similar in biology, but not enough to make them reproduce with each other. Check out our article on the difference.
Breeding Live Shrimp – Freshwater Shrimp
Freshwater shrimp are prolific breeders. Red Cherry Shrimp are considers some of the fastest to breeding. Providing optimal water quality is important. High quality food with a diet of 70% vegetable and 30% proteins is equally important.
Live plants aid in breeding. Live plants provide mico-organisms for the baby shrimp to eat as well as cover for hiding as they grow.
Blanched vegetables are a great to use along with food like Ebita Breed Quatro 2.
Freshwater shrimp will reproduce more quickly when fed high quality diets. Watching your females saddle and then become berried is the pinnacle of shrimp keeping. Find articles on breeding freshwater shrimp at Shrimp Farm University. Once mastering the easy to breed shrimp, people move onto breeding ghost shrimp, bamboo shrimp or breeding Amano shrimp as more of a challenge.
I Bought Live Shrimp on AMAZON???!!!
FAQ
How much do live shrimp cost?
Live Shrimp & More
Live Shrimp are the easily the most sought after live bait for inshore fishing. We operate our shrimp boats in year round in order to stock live bait shrimp in every month of the year. We charge $4.55 for a dozen live shrimp which is $5 per dozen including taxes.
Does PetSmart sell live shrimp?
Yes, PetSmart does sell live shrimp. They offer various types of shrimp, including ghost shrimp, cherry shrimp, and others, depending on the specific store location.
Can I buy live shrimp online?
Start your freshwater aquarium hobby with confidence, from America’s largest online retailer of shrimp, fish and aquatic livestock, with a 100% live arrival guarantee, fast, secure shipping and expert care guides.
Where can I catch live shrimp?
Shrimping is typically done in coastal areas, estuaries, and tidal creeks using various methods such as cast netting, trapping, or even hand-picking in shallow waters. Shrimp tend to congregate in areas with marshes, seagrass beds, and sandy or muddy bottoms.