As someone who’s kept aquariums for many years, I’ve noticed that ghost shrimp behavior is a common concern among shrimp keepers Let me share what I’ve learned about these fascinating creatures and whether they pose a threat to their tank mates
The Quick Answer
Yes, ghost shrimp can and will eat other shrimp especially smaller ones. While they’re generally peaceful, they can become opportunistic predators when hungry or territorial.
Understanding Ghost Shrimp Behavior
What Makes Ghost Shrimp Aggressive?
- Size advantage – Adult ghost shrimp (2-3 inches) are significantly larger than many other aquarium shrimp
- Territorial nature – They can become defensive of their space, especially in smaller tanks
- Opportunistic feeding – They’ll eat whatever fits in their mouths when hungry
Common Victims of Ghost Shrimp
- Baby shrimp of any species
- Smaller adult shrimp (like Cherry Shrimp)
- Weak or molting shrimp
- Other ghost shrimp (yes, they can be cannibalistic!)
Real Tank Experiences
I’ve seen many cases where ghost shrimp showed their predatory side. In my community tank, I witnessed a larger ghost shrimp attacking a smaller one during feeding time. This isn’t uncommon – many aquarists report similar experiences.
Ghost Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp Compatibility
Here’s what typically happens when keeping ghost shrimp with cherry shrimp
| Scenario | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Large tank (20+ gallons) | Better chance of peaceful coexistence |
| Heavily planted tank | Improved survival rates for smaller shrimp |
| Small tank | Higher risk of aggression |
| Limited hiding spots | Increased predation |
How to Reduce Ghost Shrimp Aggression
Tank Setup Tips
- Provide plenty of hiding places
- Add dense plant coverage
- Maintain proper feeding schedule
- Keep tank size appropriate (bigger is better)
- Control population density
Best Practices for Keeping Ghost Shrimp
- Feed them regularly to reduce hunting behavior
- Keep them in groups of 5-10 in a 10-gallon minimum
- Provide variety in diet (algae, plant matter, protein)
- Monitor behavior during feeding times
Alternative Tank Mates for Ghost Shrimp
If you’re worried about ghost shrimp aggression, here are better tank mates:
- Larger fish that won’t become prey
- Equal-sized invertebrates
- Snails
- Larger shrimp species
Myths vs. Facts about Ghost Shrimp
Common Myths
❌ “Ghost shrimp are always peaceful”
❌ “They only eat dead things”
❌ “They’re great with any shrimp species”
Facts
✅ They can be territorial
✅ They will hunt if hungry
✅ Size matters in their behavior
✅ Tank setup influences aggression levels
Warning Signs of Aggressive Ghost Shrimp
Keep an eye out for:
- Chasing behavior
- Missing smaller tank mates
- Aggressive feeding habits
- Territorial disputes
My Personal Experience and Recommendations
After keeping ghost shrimp for several years, I’ve learned that success depends largely on tank setup and maintenance. In my 30-gallon planted tank, ghost shrimp coexist peacefully with other species because there’s enough space and hiding spots.
Tips for Success:
- Start with a larger tank (20+ gallons)
- Add plants before introducing shrimp
- Feed varied diet regularly
- Monitor behavior closely first few weeks
- Remove aggressive individuals if necessary
Final Thoughts
While ghost shrimp can make interesting pets, they’re not always the peaceful creatures many assume them to be. If you’re planning to keep them with other shrimp species, make sure you provide proper conditions and be prepared to separate them if needed.
Quick Decision Guide:
Should you keep ghost shrimp with other shrimp?
Yes if:
- You have a large, planted tank
- Can provide plenty of hiding spaces
- Willing to monitor behavior
- Have backup plan if things go wrong
No if:
- Your tank is small
- You’re breeding valuable shrimp
- Tank has limited plants/coverage
- You want completely peaceful community
Remember, every tank is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Keep observing your shrimp and be ready to make changes if needed!
Wrapping Up
Ghost shrimp can be fascinating pets, but they require proper care and setup to coexist peacefully with others. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution and keep them separately from smaller shrimp species. Happy shrimp keeping!
Ghost Shrimp Like Live Aquarium Plants
Keeping Ghost Shrimp in a tank with hardy live plants can also be a good idea. Aquariums with lots of live plants are never “too clean” as the plants constantly shed plant matter into the water column. Ghost Shrimp seem to enjoy picking through the messiness and feasting on the parts they can eat. Keeping aquarium plants is also a good idea because they provide little places to explore and hide especially near the bottom of the tank. Other hiding places can be created with decorations or rocks built into caves and caverns. Either way, it’s important that Ghost Shrimp have places to sneak away to from time to time.
As far as water parameters go, Ghost Shrimp seem to be comfortable in the tropical community tank range. Water temperature can be 72 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with some suggesting that a slightly wider temperature range is also acceptable. Aquarium pH should be fine anywhere between 7.0 and 8.0 provided there are no sudden shifts, and the water should also be on the hard side. Standard aquarium lighting will do. And as with all freshwater aquarium shrimp, be very careful when treating the tank with medicines. Keep Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates in check. And most importantly, avoid copper as copper can be fatal to aquarium shrimp.
Ghost Shrimp Habitat & Water Parameters
Ghost Shrimp seem to enjoy establish planted aquariums with a moderate current of continuously moving water. An appropriately sized HOB power filter should do the trick and keep the water circulating properly. Additionally, an air pump with a fine air stone will create a wall of tiny bubbles to help keep water moving as well. With the bubbles, it’s fun to watch the shrimp get drawn up into the current and have to move their hind legs ferociously to swim out of it. Ghost Shrimp are great swimmers.
Will ghost shrimp go after your small fish? Watch this before keeping ghost shrimp.
FAQ
What shrimp can I put with ghost shrimp?
Live aquarium plants are also a good idea as they provide the shrimp with many places to hid and explore. Ghost Shrimp can co-exist with Amano Shrimp. It’s a good idea to make sure the Amano Shrimp are the larger of the two.
Can ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp be in the same tank?
Other dwarf shrimp, like amano and ghost shrimp, can do well with cherry shrimp because they are roughly the same size and have similar care requirements. However, crystal shrimp and other Caridina shrimp may not be a good fit because they often prefer drastically different water parameters than cherry shrimp.
Will shrimp eat shrimp?
Whisker shrimp are extremely territorial and will happily eat shrimp, small fish, or just about anything that gets close enough.
Can ghost shrimp live with cherry shrimp on Reddit?
I have 6 ghosts that live very peacefully with 20+ red cherry shrimp, a pom pom crab and some snails. I’ve heard they can be aggressive but I’ve never witnessed it. I think if everyone’s fed enough and there’s enough plants and space, you shouldn’t have any problems.