The Best Shrimps for Freshwater Aquarium (Review)

Freshwater shrimps come in varied colors and sizes. These shrimps, just like other animals, have their natural habitats. Unfortunately, a lot of people do not see the need to put these delicate animals in their natural habitat.

There are a lot of advantages that are associated with keeping shrimps in the aquarium. Asides from the fact that the shrimps would feel more at ease in such an environment, it also improves its ability to live well and feel more comfortable. Many people seem to think that shrimps should be kept in a fish tank instead of an aquarium. This shows that there a lot of misconceptions about how shrimps should be maintained. While some species can survive in a fish tank, it is always advisable to keep them in their natural habitat, aquarium.

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Our TOP-3 Picks of Shrimp for Freshwater Aquarium

An aquarium is a suitable place for shrimps to live in. They are the right habitat for them and provide them the opportunity to feed on algae and other insects that appeal to them.

Products	Benefits	Links
Our #1 Rated	1. Cherry Shrimp It is easy to care for. To preserve the life of this shrimp, it should be kept with small fish. It consumes leftovers. It is a peaceful type of shrimp	Check Price
Our #2 Rated	2. Amano Shrimp It is useful for controlling algae. They are either reddish-brown or bluish-green	Check Price
Our #3 Rated	3. Crystal Red Shrimp This shrimp is capable of absorbing excess nitrate, which is necessary for completing the nitrogen cycle. It is also important that they are kept in freshwater with a pH of about 5.8-7.5 with constant water temperature.	Check Price

The Best Shrimp for Planted Aquarium Reviews

In this article, the 12 best shrimps for the freshwater aquarium will be extensively discussed, and insightful information will be given!

1. Cherry Shrimp

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This type is necessary to control the growth of algae. They feed on algae and also consume leftover foods. While this shrimp seems very peaceful, it should not be kept alongside bigger fishes to prevent a situation where they will be devoured. The best way to preserve the life of Cherry Shrimp is to house them with small fishes. Interestingly, it is easily taken care of.

2. Amano Shrimp

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Just like Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp is popular for controlling algae. Also, they are also a very popular specie of shrimp. They are not usually tall only about 2 inches (5.08 cm). Thus, they are regarded to be a dwarf species. They are capable of surviving in freshwater aquarium with a water temperature of about 70 — 80 degree Fahrenheit (26.67 °C). If you want them to breed properly, do not hold them in captivity.

3. Crystal Red Shrimp

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Crystal Red Shrimp also called Red Bee Shrimp. It is notable for having a white background alongside red patches along its body. It is always difficult for novice aquarists to handle this shrimp as they require a lot of maintenance. To get the best from this shrimp, they must be kept in the appropriate water temperature because they require lots of maintenance. They are an important part of the nitrogen cycle as well. When plants are planted close to the aquarium, these shrimps absorb excess nitrate in the plant.

4. Red Rili Shrimp

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Red Rili Shrimp is a breed of Red Cherries. It does not grow beyond one inch as such, they belong to the dwarf species of shrimps. They rely on the presence of some plants and ornaments to hide while also feed on algae. If you are desirous of specie, which you can breed without much difficulty, the red rili shrimp is the ideal for you. 

Key Features:

• It is a dwarf variety.
• They are regarded as a shy specie.
• It requires a complex aquarium habitat.
• Some plants and ornaments are an ideal place for them to seek cover.
• There is little or no difficulty in breeding this specie.

5. Blue Bolt Shrimp

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It is a blue and white variant of the bee shrimp. They can survive their environment so long as there are no bigger fishes to eat them up. If the aquarium is conducive for them, they will experience no problem or issue breeding. But to do this, they require the right water temperature.

Key Features:

• It is a variant of bee shrimp.
• It is a peaceful species.
• It breeds quickly when kept at an appropriate water temperature.

6. Blue Tiger Shrimp

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They are also known as an orange-eyed blue tiger. It is also known as the orange-eyed blue tiger. It is dark blue colored with black stripes adorning its body. For its survival, the pH of the water is to be kept at 6.0-7.5. Blue Tiger Shrimps are compatible with peaceful species just as they are. If they are to be kept with fishes, it is necessary to provide them with a lot of hiding places to ensure that it survives.

Key Features:

• The temperature of the water should be maintained for them to breed successfully.
• This specie does not experience difficulty in hiding.

7. Blue Pearl Shrimp

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It requires absolute maintenance and care for it to be at its optimum result. Blue Pearl Shrimp thrives well in a planted aquarium. Its feed should be filled with a sinking pallet and blanched vegetables.

Key Features:

• With the right diet and appropriate water temperature, they experience no difficulty in breeding.
• It enjoys feeding on Zucchini.

8. Snowball Shrimp

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Snowball Shrimp has a translucent color and is the ideal type for beginners. They are easy to care for but require a stable water temperature to function well. If they are kept in a conducive water environment, they will experience no difficulty in breeding.

Key Features:

•  As they age, they also shed their exoskeleton.
• It has a translucent color.

9. Vampire Shrimp

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This shrimp is quite similar to the freshwater crayfish. The only difference between the freshwater crayfish and the Vampire Shrimp are filter feeders. They have special fans for catching food particles as they float.

Key Features:

•  It can grow to about 6 inches (15.24 cm) and possesses fans for feeding. 
• Nonetheless, it sometimes experiences issues in feeding and requires a smaller size of food.

10. Bamboo Shrimp

It is also known as wood shrimp. It has a reddish-brown color and is slightly bigger than the dwarf species. It is easy to differentiate the males from the females. The appearance of their physical structure makes it easy for them to mate. They possess specialized fans for catching food particles and putting foods in their mouths. They can eat a variety of food.

Key Features:

• Presence of specialized fans for catching food and eating.
• They are larger than the dwarf variants.
• The females slightly differ from the male.

11. Ghost Shrimp

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Ghost Shrimp is transparent and relies on the planted aquarium to hide. It has a small size but is also capable of surviving in any type of environment where it is found. More so, it is capable of hiding with plants and appears unseen as a result of its color.

Key Features:

• This type is able to adapt to its environment without much difficulty as a result of its color.
• They are easily taken care of.

12. Indian Whisker Shrimp

Indian Whisker Shrimp is quite similar to the ghost shrimp, although it is quite larger than it can grow to a whole inch. It is an aggressive species that can attack other species that are kept with it in the same environment. Interestingly, they can survive different water parameters and not be affected in any way.

Key Features:

• It has a transparent color.
• It is larger than the dwarf species.
• Capable of tolerating different parameter of water.

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READ MORE: How to take care of freshwater aquarium

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