In this article, we will be discussing shrimp, a fascinating and growing part of the aquarium hobby. Shrimp can range in price from as low as 15 cents to as high as 150 bucks each, but regardless of their cost, they make wonderful pets for your aquarium. Let's dive into the world of shrimp and explore some of the different species and their characteristics.
Ghost Shrimp: The Affordable Decorative Shrimp
Let's start with the more affordable options. Ghost shrimp, also known as paleomonetes, are wild-caught in Florida and are commonly used as feeder shrimp in the fish trade and saltwater aquarium hobby. However, they can also serve as lovely additions to your aquarium. While they may not be the centerpiece of a shrimp tank, they can add a nice touch to a peaceful community fish tank. Additionally, they can be fun to feed to needlefish, gars, and other small monster fish.
Filter Shrimp:
Moving on to filter shrimp, we have the Singapore flower shrimp and the vampire shrimp. Singapore flower shrimp, also known as bamboo shrimp, are about three inches long and have a rusty color to their body. They are safe to keep with other creatures in the fish tank and are excellent at filtering particles from the water. While they may not be the best algae eaters, they are great at removing debris from the water.
Vampire shrimp, on the other hand, come from Nigeria and are called vampire shrimp because of their unique appearance. They have little tiny hands and a big hunched body, which makes them look like they could go after anything in the tank. However, they are harmless and are excellent at filtering out debris from the water. These shrimp can grow up to four inches long and are a striking addition to any aquarium.
The Amano Shrimp: The Queen of Algae Eaters
Now, let's move on to the more fancy and popular shrimp species. The Amano shrimp, also known as the Japonica shrimp or Caridina multidentata, is considered the queen of all algae eaters. Discovered by Takashi Amano, this shrimp is highly regarded for its ability to eat various types of algae, from filamentous to film algae. Amano shrimp are small to medium-sized and can sometimes be hard to spot in the aquarium as they like to hide and are nocturnal. However, they are excellent at keeping algae under control and are a great addition to community tanks. They can even be kept with cichlids as long as there are hiding places available.
Cherry Shrimp: Easy and Affordable
Moving on to the more affordable fancy shrimp, we have the cherry shrimp. These shrimp are known for their vibrant colors and are bred in Taiwan for their color variations. Cherry shrimp are easy to care for and breed quickly, making them a popular choice for shrimp enthusiasts. They come in various colors, such as red, blue, orange, and black. These shrimp can be kept together in the same tank, and their offspring will continue to populate the aquarium. Cherry shrimp are a great option for beginners and are readily available in pet stores for around five dollars.
Other Fancy Shrimp Varieties
In addition to cherry shrimp, there are several other fancy shrimp varieties that are slightly more expensive but equally beautiful. Some of these include:
- Snowball Shrimp: These shrimp have a white body and are a variation of the Neocaridina species.
- King Kong Shrimp: The King Kong shrimp comes in red and blue variations and is a step up in terms of price and difficulty to care for.
- Fancy Tiger Shrimp: The fancy tiger shrimp comes in black and red variations and is known for its striking patterns.
These shrimp are more expensive, ranging from 12 to 20 dollars, but they are worth the investment for their unique colors and patterns.
Crystal Red Shrimp: A Stunning and Delicate Species
One of the more expensive shrimp species is the Crystal Red shrimp. These shrimp belong to the Caridina species and are bred for their color in Taiwan. Crystal Red shrimp have a white body with red striping and are a beautiful addition to any aquarium. However, they require specific water conditions, including soft water and a lower pH level. Crystal Red shrimp can live for four to five years and breed readily, making them a popular choice for experienced shrimp keepers.
Galaxy Shrimp: A Unique and Striking Species
Galaxy shrimp are a unique and striking species that have become increasingly popular in the aquarium hobby. These shrimp have a fishbone pattern on their back and come in a variety of colors, making them a great addition to any shrimp tank.
Initially, Galaxy shrimp were very expensive and difficult to find. However, as their popularity has grown, their price has become more reasonable, and they can now be found in pet stores for around 25 to 30 dollars.
Galaxy shrimp are relatively easy to care for and can be kept with other shrimp species. They prefer a planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places and require a temperature between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, they prefer slightly acidic water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
In terms of diet, Galaxy shrimp are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods. They enjoy algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and commercial shrimp food. It's important to avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to poor water quality and health issues for the shrimp.
One of the most striking features of Galaxy shrimp is their unique fishbone pattern on their back. This pattern can come in a variety of colors, including blue, red, and yellow. Additionally, some Galaxy shrimp have a solid-colored head and tail, while others have a transparent tail.
Overall, Galaxy shrimp are a great addition to any shrimp tank. Their unique pattern and striking colors make them a standout species, and they are relatively easy to care for. If you're looking to add some diversity to your aquarium, consider adding Galaxy shrimp and enjoy the beauty and charm they bring.
Conclusion
Shrimp are a fascinating and growing part of the aquarium hobby. From affordable options like ghost shrimp and filter shrimp to more fancy and popular species like Amano shrimp and cherry shrimp, there is a shrimp for every aquarium enthusiast. The vibrant colors and unique patterns of fancy shrimp varieties like snowball shrimp, King Kong shrimp, and fancy tiger shrimp make them a beautiful addition to any tank. For those looking for a more delicate and stunning species, Crystal Red shrimp and Galaxy shrimp are excellent choices. However, it's important to note that Crystal Red shrimp require specific water conditions, while Galaxy shrimp have a unique fishbone pattern on their back. Regardless of the species you choose, shrimp can make wonderful pets for your aquarium. They are not only visually appealing but also serve important roles in maintaining the health of the tank. So, why not consider adding some shrimp to your aquarium and enjoy the beauty and charm they bring?