are ghost shrimp aggressive

Are Ghost Shrimp Aggressive? What You Need to Know

Ghost shrimp are a popular addition to freshwater aquariums due to their unique appearance and reputation as tank cleaners. However, some aquarists have reported aggressive behavior from ghost shrimp raising the question – are ghost shrimp aggressive?

After extensive research into ghost shrimp aggression, I’ve found the answer isn’t so black and white. There are a few factors that contribute to aggression in ghost shrimp.

Ghost Shrimp Species

There are a few different species of ghost shrimp commonly available in the aquarium trade, including:

• Palaemonetes paludosus (North American ghost shrimp)

• Palaemonetes vulgaris (Mississippi grass shrimp)

• Palaemonetes kadiakensis (Alaska ghost shrimp)

Some species like P. paludosus tend to be more docile, while others like P. vulgaris can show more aggressive tendencies. The species itself plays a role in aggressiveness.

Tank Conditions

Like any aquarium inhabitant, less-than-ideal tank conditions can cause stress in ghost shrimp. Factors like poor water quality, overcrowding, and lack of hiding places are linked to increased aggression.

Ensuring proper water parameters like pH, temperature, and low nitrates are critical. Providing ample plant cover and caves gives timid shrimp a place to retreat.

Hunger

An inadequate diet can trigger predatory instincts in ghost shrimp. Though primarily scavengers, ghost shrimp will hunt live foods if hungry enough.

Be sure to supplement their diet with algae wafers, blanched veggies, shrimp pellets, or other quality foods. This reduces the need to hunt tankmates.

Molting Tankmates

Ghost shrimp are especially likely to attack tankmates that are molting. The shedding process leaves shrimp vulnerable for a day or two until their new shell hardens.

Ghost shrimp can smell the chemical cues of molting and take advantage of the opportunity for an easy meal. Separating ghost shrimp when housing molting shrimp like cherry shrimp can prevent this.

Misidentified Species

Perhaps the biggest cause of ghost shrimp aggression reports is mistaken identity. Oftentimes, more predatory shrimp are mislabeled as ghost shrimp by wholesalers and shops.

For example, macrobrachium or “whisker” shrimp look nearly identical but are much more aggressive. Ensure you’re purchasing true ghost shrimp, likely from a trusted local fish store. Big chain stores are more prone to mislabeled species.

The Bottom Line

While ghost shrimp have a reputation as aggressive tankmates, the reality is they are relatively peaceful scavengers under the right conditions.

By choosing the right ghost shrimp species, optimizing their habitat, preventing hunger, and isolating during molts, you can keep them with most calm community fish and invertebrates. Proper identification is also key to avoiding aggressive imposters.

With a little extra care, ghost shrimp make an excellent clean-up crew for planted tanks and bring an extra pop of color and activity with their translucent bodies and bubbly personalities. Give them a try in your next aquascape!