Ghost Shrimp, also known as Glass Shrimp, are transparent freshwater shrimp often used as feeder shrimp or as a clean-up crew in aquariums. They are inexpensive and easy to care for, making them suitable for beginners. Ghost Shrimp can coexist with small, non-aggressive fish, but they may become prey to larger or aggressive tank mates.
Out of Stock
Ghost Shrimp, also known as Glass Shrimp, are transparent freshwater shrimp often used as feeder shrimp or as a clean-up crew in aquariums. They are inexpensive and easy to care for, making them suitable for beginners. Ghost Shrimp can coexist with small, non-aggressive fish, but they may become prey to larger or aggressive tank mates.
Ghost Shrimp are translucent with a glass-like appearance, making internal organs and food visible. They have long antennae and small claws for scavenging. Some may show light speckles or bands on their bodies.
1-2 years
Omnivorous. They consume algae, detritus, and small food particles. Provide them with sinking pellets and blanched vegetables.
Ghost Shrimp are an excellent cleanup crew for freshwater tanks and offer unique visual appeal with their see-through bodies. Though short-lived and difficult to breed, they’re entertaining and useful additions to peaceful aquariums.
Beginner to Intermediate
5 gallons
6.5 to 8.0
3–15 dGH
65–82°F (18–28°C)
1.5 inches
Peaceful community fish like Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Snails, Non-aggressive shrimp
Large or aggressive fish like Cichlids, Bettas, Loaches, Goldfish
Palaemonetes paludosus
Palaemonidae
North America
Peaceful, active scavenger, somewhat shy
Feed once daily with a mix of sinking pellets, flakes, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables. They also consume leftover food and algae in the tank. Avoid overfeeding.
Difficult in home aquaria; females carry greenish eggs under abdomen; larvae require brackish water to survive
Breeding Ghost Shrimp is difficult in freshwater tanks. Eggs hatch into free-swimming larvae that require brackish water to develop into juvenile shrimp, making successful captive breeding uncommon without specialized setups.
pH: 6.5–8.0, Temp: 65–82°F, GH: 3–15 dGH, KH: Moderate, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: < 20 ppm, Copper: 0 ppm
Sensitive to copper and ammonia spikes. Can be prone to failed molts and predation. Always ensure clean, stable water and avoid copper-based treatments.
Peaceful but may become territorial during feeding times. Avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive fish that may prey on them.
Ghost Shrimp are peaceful and make excellent scavengers in community tanks. They spend most of their time foraging. They may hide when threatened but are active when in groups and in secure environments.
Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus), also known as Glass Shrimp, are popular freshwater invertebrates known for their transparent bodies. Native to North America, they are hardy, inexpensive, and valued for algae control and scavenging. While breeding in freshwater setups is rare due to their larval brackish water requirements, they’re easy to care for and ideal for beginner aquarists. Provide plenty of hiding spaces, gentle filtration, and stable, copper-free water to keep them healthy. Ghost Shrimp thrive in peaceful communities and should not be housed with aggressive or large fish that might see them as prey.