Ghost Shrimp care guide
Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) — minimum tank 20 L, temperature 20-28 °C, pH 6.5-8.
Overview
The Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) is a small palaemonid shrimp from the south-eastern United States, valued for an almost completely transparent body that exposes internal organs and a visible digestive tract. It is one of the most widely sold inexpensive freshwater shrimp.
Taxonomy
- Family: Palaemonidae
- Genus: Palaemonetes
- Scientific name: Palaemonetes paludosus
- Common synonyms: Glass Shrimp, Grass Shrimp
Habitat
Native to shallow vegetated freshwater habitats — swamps, ditches, ponds and slow streams — of Florida, Georgia, Alabama and other south-eastern states. Occurs over leaf litter and soft sediment among dense submerged vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 20 L (5.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 3-5 cm
- Temperature: 20-28 °C (68-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8
- GH: 3-15 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that scavenges plant material, detritus and small invertebrates. In aquaria it accepts sinking pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables and small portions of frozen bloodworm or brine shrimp.
Compatibility
Peaceful but more active than dwarf shrimp; can be kept in colonies of ten or more in planted tanks with small peaceful tank mates such as small rasboras, Pygmy Corydoras and Endlers. Avoid larger predatory fish; very small fry can themselves become snacks for the larger shrimp.
Breeding
Reproduces in fresh water without an obligate larval saltwater phase. Females carry green-grey eggs under the pleopods for about three weeks; larvae are tiny and free-swimming and require very small live food (infusoria, microworms) for the first days before metamorphosis.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Wild populations are abundant across the south-eastern United States.