As an experienced aquarium keeper, I’ve seen this question pop up countless times in our community. The short answer? Yes, shrimp will eat fish eggs – but there’s more to this story than meets the eye.
The Truth About Shrimp and Fish Eggs
Let me break down what I’ve learned from years of keeping shrimp and breeding fish:
The Good, The Bad, and The Shrimpley
- Cherry shrimp and Amano shrimp are known egg-eaters when given the chance
- Shrimp will especially target undefended or unfertilized eggs
- Some aquarists actually USE shrimp to keep fish eggs clean from fungus
- Different shrimp species have different behaviors around eggs
Real-World Examples
In my 10-gallon planted tank, I’ve witnessed firsthand how shrimp interact with fish eggs. Here’s what typically happens
Otocinclus Breeding Experience
- Eggs often disappear overnight when left unprotected
- Survival rates drop significantly in tanks with high shrimp populations
- Eggs laid on plant undersides (especially Cryptocoryne wendtii) are common targets
Corydoras Breeding Scenario
- Cherry shrimp have been observed actively eating Corydoras eggs
- Some hobbyists use breeder boxes to protect eggs
- Unfertilized eggs are particularly vulnerable
The Double-Edged Sword: Shrimp as Egg Caretakers
Here’s something interesting – shrimp aren’t always the bad guys! Some benefits include:
-
Fungus Prevention
- Shrimp clean eggs of harmful fungus
- They remove dead or unfertilized eggs
- This can actually increase overall survival rates
-
Controlled Environment
- Many breeders use cherry shrimp specifically for egg maintenance
- Works best when shrimp are well-fed
- Requires careful monitoring
How to Protect Your Fish Eggs
Wanna breed fish successfully with shrimp around? Try these tips:
Prevention Methods
- Use breeding boxes or separate tanks
- Keep your shrimp well-fed
- Remove eggs to dedicated hatching tanks
- Monitor egg locations carefully
Feeding Schedule
- Offer food every 1-2 days
- Include variety:
- Algae wafers
- Sinking shrimp pellets
- Blanched vegetables
- Commercial fish food
Species-Specific Behavior
Different shrimp types show varying tendencies
Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina)
- Generally opportunistic egg-eaters
- More likely to eat eggs if underfed
- Can be useful for egg maintenance if managed properly
Amano Shrimp
- More aggressive egg-hunters
- Should be kept separate from breeding fish
- Excellent algae eaters but risky around eggs
Success Stories and Warnings
From my experience running a community tank:
What Works:
- Dedicated breeding tanks
- Regular feeding schedule
- Proper hiding spots for eggs
- Monitoring water parameters
What Doesn’t:
- Mixing breeding fish with hungry shrimp
- Leaving eggs unprotected
- Irregular feeding schedules
- Overcrowded tanks
Final Thoughts
Look, keeping shrimp with breeding fish ain’t always easy. But with proper planning and management, it’s totally doable. Just remember
- Keep your shrimp well-fed
- Use breeding boxes when necessary
- Monitor your tank regularly
- Consider separate breeding tanks for valuable spawns
I’ve learned these lessons the hard way, and I hope sharing them helps you avoid the same mistakes. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced aquarist, understanding these dynamics is crucial for successful breeding.
Remember, every tank is different, and what works in one setup might not work in another. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your aquatic friends!
Pro Tip
If you’re serious about breeding fish, consider setting up a dedicated breeding tank. It’s easier than trying to manage complex relationships between different species in a community tank.
Stay fishy, friends!
From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Email Address 1
ErrorEmail field is required
ErrorInclude a valid email address
We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email.
Why the Mediterranean diet?
Diet is known to have an effect on long-term diseases. These include heart and blood vessel problems known as cardiovascular disease. Observations from a study in the 1960s found that cardiovascular disease was linked to fewer deaths in some Mediterranean countries, such as Greece and Italy, than in the U.S. and northern Europe.
More-recent studies linked the Mediterranean diet with lower risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Today, the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthy eating plans that American nutrition experts recommend. Its also recognized by the World Health Organization as a healthy-eating pattern.
Many cultures have eating patterns similar to the Mediterranean diet, including Japan, for example.
And other diets have some of the same recommendations as the Mediterranean diet. Two examples are the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Research suggests that its key to follow the Mediterranean diet over the long term for your heart to benefit.
Do Shrimp REALLY Eat Fish Eggs? Here’s What You Need To Know!
FAQ
Will shrimp eat rice fish eggs?
They can also live with adult Neocaridina cherry shrimp, but the Medaka may eat baby shrimp and the adult shrimp may eat rice fish eggs.
What eats fish eggs?
Will shrimp eat baby fish in a tank?
Under really bad circumstances like if you put them in a tiny breeder tank and don’t feed the shrimp, they will eat them.