Look, I know you’re probably worried about adding those cute little ghost shrimp to your betta’s tank. As someone who’s kept both species for years, I’ll give you the straight answer – yes, bettas can and sometimes will eat ghost shrimp. But don’t click away just yet! The full story is a bit more complicated.
The Quick Answer
Your betta might eat ghost shrimp, especially smaller ones, but it’s not guaranteed. Many bettas live peacefully with ghost shrimp when introduced properly. Success depends on:
- Your betta’s individual personality
- Tank size and setup
- How you introduce them
- Size of the ghost shrimp
Understanding Betta Behavior
Let’s get real about betta fish – they’re predators by nature. In the wild, they munch on insects, larvae, and small crustaceans. So yeah, a tiny transparent shrimp looks like a tasty snack to them!
But here’s the thing – not all bettas are super aggressive I’ve had some chill bettas who completely ignored their shrimpy tankmates, while others turned into tiny hunting machines. It really depends on the individual fish’s personality.
Signs Your Betta Might Attack Ghost Shrimp
Watch out for these warning signs
- Stalking behavior
- Circling around shrimp repeatedly
- Flaring fins when near shrimp
- History of attacking other tank mates
How to Make It Work
1. Tank Size Matters
Don’t even think about trying this in anything smaller than 10 gallons! Trust me I learned this the hard way. Bigger tanks = more hiding spots = happier shrimp.
2. Setup for Success
Your tank needs:
- Lots of live plants (java moss works great!)
- Driftwood or rocks for hiding
- Soft substrate
- Multiple hiding spots
Here’s my tried-and-true method:
- Add ghost shrimp first
- Let them establish territories
- Remove betta temporarily
- Redecorate tank slightly
- Reintroduce betta
- Monitor closely
Tank Conditions Both Species Need
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| pH | 7.0-7.5 |
| Tank Size | 10+ gallons |
| Plants | Required |
| Hiding Places | Multiple |
Alternative Tank Mates
If you’re nervous about ghost shrimp, consider these alternatives:
- Amano shrimp (larger and harder to eat)
- Red cherry shrimp (breed quickly to maintain population)
- Nerite snails
Feeding Tips
Ya know what’s funny? Sometimes bettas that are well-fed are less likely to snack on shrimp. I always make sure my bettas get:
- High-quality betta pellets
- Frozen bloodworms
- Live food occasionally
- Regular feeding schedule
My Personal Experience
I’ve kept ghost shrimp with bettas many times, and honestly, it’s hit or miss. My most successful setup was in a heavily planted 20-gallon tank with lots of moss and driftwood. The shrimp population actually grew over time!
Final Thoughts
Will your betta eat ghost shrimp? Maybe. But with proper setup and care, they can often live together successfully. Just remember:
- Always have a backup plan
- Monitor closely at first
- Provide plenty of hiding spots
- Be ready to separate if needed
The biggest thing I’ve learned? Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t work out. Every betta has their own personality, and sometimes it takes a few tries to find the right match.
Remember, if your betta does end up snacking on ghost shrimp, they’re at least getting some good protein! And at a few bucks per shrimp, it’s not the end of the world. Just make sure to monitor your betta for any signs of choking (super rare, but possible).
Have you tried keeping ghost shrimp with your betta? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Need more specific advice about your setup? Drop me a comment, and I’ll help you figure out the best approach for your particular situation.
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.
Will Bettas Eat Shrimp? Here’s How To Keep Both
FAQ
Can you put ghost shrimp in with a betta?
Yes, but you want one with duller colors like Ghost or Amano shrimp. Bettas can be territorial, and do not seem to be fond of brightly colored tank mates. Shrimp and Nerite snails do well with Bettas.
Will my betta eat my shrimp?
Yes, bettas will sometimes eat shrimp, but it’s not a guarantee. It often depends on the betta’s personality, the size and type of shrimp, and the environment of the aquarium.
What shrimp do bettas not eat?
Ghost shrimp aren’t as exciting as red cherry shrimp, but do grow to a larger size (2 inches), meaning your betta isn’t likely to pick them up as a meal. They also have a transparent body, so bettas have a hard time seeing them.
How to stop betta from eating shrimp?
Does a betta fish eat ghost shrimps?
Some betta fish eat ghost shrimps as soon as they are introduced into the tank, while others witness a slow disappearance of their ghost shrimps over time. However, there are also hobbyists who have kept ghost shrimps with betta fish for years without any problems.
Can Betta fish and Ghost shrimp live together?
Ghost shrimp and Betta fish can live together as pets. You can also feed your Betta fish Ghost shrimp. However, several factors determine their compatibility. Ghost shrimp are an underappreciated aquarium addition that may be as interesting as watching a fish move around.
Can ghost shrimp live safely in a Betta fish tank?
Ghost shrimp can live safely in a Betta fish tank as they love to hide and heavily planted tanks with lots of hiding places throughout the aquarium provide them with safety. Not only will plants look beautiful against the colors of your betta, but the ghost shrimp may find safety in areas where bettas can’t easily reach.
Where do ghost shrimp hide in a betta fish tank?
Ghost shrimp prefer to hide in thickly planted aquariums with plenty of hiding places. Plants not only contrast beautifully with a betta fish’s hues but also help keep the betta healthy. If your betta fish is very aggressive, placing a mirror next to the tank’s side every couple of weeks may be beneficial for the ghost shrimp.
Can bettas eat shrimp?
Bettas do not attack shrimp when they live together. However, bettas housed in small containers are more likely to harm shrimp and have shorter lifespans than those kept in large tanks.
Do ghost shrimps eat fish poop?
In the wild, ghost shrimps do not consume fish poop as a regular part of their diet. However, they are known to feed on fish faeces that accumulates at the tank’s bottom. In a well-matured tank, Betta Fish waste turns into bio-film instead.