Ghost Shrimp Care Guide
Palaemonetes paludosus · Easy care · 5 gallon minimum
A cheap, transparent scavenger shrimp; a fun cleanup crew (and sometimes feeder) for peaceful tanks.
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How big does a ghost shrimp get?
A ghost shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) reaches about 1.5 inches as an adult. Plan tank size and tank mates around the adult size, not the small fish you buy at the store.
Tank size & setup
Give a ghost shrimp a minimum of 5 gallons, with water at 65–82°F and a pH of 7–8. Keep them in groups of at least 3 — they are shoaling fish and become stressed and washed-out alone. As a easy-care, omnivore species, a stable, cycled tank with the right diet keeps them healthiest.
Good tank mates
Pair a ghost shrimp with peaceful species that share its temperature and pH range. Compatible options include:
- Neon Tetra — 1.5", 10g min
- Guppy — 2.0", 10g min
- Molly — 4.0", 20g min
- Platy — 2.5", 10g min
- Zebra Danio — 2.0", 10g min
About the ghost shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus, commonly known as ghost shrimp, glass shrimp, and eastern grass shrimp, is a species of freshwater shrimp from the southeastern United States. They can be considered a keystone species based on the services they provide to their habitat. They are also popular in the domestic aquarium business.
Recommended gear for ghost shrimps
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