The Palaemonetes paludosus, or ghost shrimp, is also known as the Glass shrimp, the Grass Shrimp, and the American Freshwater Glass Shrimp. Initially, they were found in North America. These days, they are sold as cheap food for bigger fish as well as being popular as a hobby for raising shrimp.
Ghost shrimp will be an excellent addition to the aquarium. They are amazingly hardy and can survive under conditions significantly better, compared to most other types of shrimp.
In addition, they are not shy. You can see them looking for food all over the aquarium. Unlike most other shrimp, they don’t hide during the day. Last but not least, Ghost shrimp is a great choice if you want to start this hobby.
Since a lot of different species are called “Ghost shrimp,” sometimes accidentally and sometimes not, it’s hard to find information that you can trust about them. There is a lot of confusion around the name of this shrimp.
The point is that Ghost shrimp is a collective name. It includes lots of other shrimp species in the Palaemonetes genus. As a result, we have chaos in names.
Palaemonetes sinensis is the Far Eastern Freshwater Shrimp, Palaemonetes Varians is the Atlantic Ditch shrimp, Palaemonetes Argentines is the Argentinean shrimp, Palaemonetes Antennarius is the popcorn shrimp, and Palaemonetes kadiakensis is the Mississippi grass shrimp. All of them look very similar to ghost shrimp.
In addition, it can be hard to distinguish Macrobrachium and Palaemonidae family. There are different kinds of ghost shrimp besides the American Ghost shrimp (Palaemonetes), such as the Indian Ghost shrimp (Macrobrachium ehemals) and the Whisker shrimp (Macrobrachium Lanchesteri). There are also freshwater river shrimp and some that live in brackish water.
The problem with all these shrimp is that they can also look the same to the untrained eye. If you get, say, a rather peaceful version of the Ghost shrimp (Macrobrachium ehemals) by accident, you should think of yourself as lucky.
Because, for example, Macrobrachium Lanchesteri are much more aggressive than other species. They can easily hunt down dwarf shrimp (like adult Red cherry shrimp), small fish, and snails.
Ghost shrimp are a fascinating freshwater species that have become quite popular in the aquarium hobby. With their translucent bodies and energetic behaviors, it’s easy to see why. However, there seems to be some confusion around exactly what type of shrimp they are. Specifically, questions arise about whether ghost shrimp belong to the Neocaridina genus.
As avid aquarists we decided to get to the bottom of this shrimpy identity crisis and uncover the truth. We’ll examine the taxonomy compare ghost shrimp to their close relatives the cherry shrimp, and reveal whether these common aquarium crustaceans are actually Neocaridina shrimp. Let’s solve the mystery!
What is the Neocaridina Genus?
First, a quick biology lesson. Neocaridina is a genus of dwarf freshwater shrimp in the Caridea infraorder. There are numerous Neocaridina species, many of which are bred for the aquarium trade. They are native to parts of Asia and Russia.
Some of the most popular aquarium shrimp in the Neocaridina genus include
- Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
- Blue pearl shrimp (Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis)
- Yellow shrimp (Neocaridina heteropoda)
- Red cherry shrimp (Neocaridina denticulate sinensis)
Neocaridina shrimp are characterized by their small size, reaching just 1-3 cm in length. They come in a spectacular array of colors like red, blue, yellow, green, orange, and more. Selective breeding has produced many brightly colored variations.
These dwarf shrimp thrive in planted aquariums and are generally peaceful, making them ideal community tank inhabitants. They are well-suited to soft, mildly acidic fresh water. Breeding Neocaridina shrimp is also relatively straightforward compared to other species.
Now that we know a bit about these colorful little characters, let’s see how ghost shrimp compare.
Unveiling the True Identity of Ghost Shrimp
Ghost shrimp is a common name used for certain nearly transparent freshwater shrimp species. They are frequently available at pet stores and used as feeder shrimp. But what exactly are they?
After some research, we discovered ghost shrimp do not actually belong to the Neocaridina genus. They come from an entirely different taxonomic family.
There are a few species that get labeled as ghost shrimp. Most commonly they are:
- Palaemonetes paludosus (Eastern grass shrimp)
- Palaemonetes kadiakensis (Mississippi grass shrimp)
These ghost shrimp species belong to the Palaemonidae family. Unlike Neocaridina, they are native to North America and parts of the Caribbean. Their natural habitat consists of freshwater marshes, ponds, and streams.
While they look somewhat similar to Neocaridina dwarf shrimp, ghost shrimp have key differences that set them apart:
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Larger size – Ghost shrimp grow up to 2 inches long, much larger than dwarf shrimp.
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Greater aggression – Ghost shrimp tend to be more aggressive than most Neocaridina species. They may prey on smaller tank mates.
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Higher activity level – Ghost shrimp are constantly on the move, swimming about actively. Neocaridina shrimp move slower.
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Brackish water to breed – Ghost shrimp larvae require brackish water to fully mature. Neocaridina breed readily in freshwater.
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Shorter lifespan – Ghost shrimp generally live 1 year, while dwarf shrimp can survive 2-3 years.
So in terms of taxonomy, habitat, and behavior, ghost shrimp are quite distinct from Neocaridina dwarf shrimp. The genus Neocaridina contains only dwarf shrimp, not ghost shrimp. This solves our shrimpy mystery!
Can You Keep Ghost and Cherry Shrimp Together?
Now that we know ghost shrimp aren’t Neocaridina, what about keeping them together with cherry shrimp? Cherry shrimp are one of the most popular species of Neocaridina aquarium shrimp. Will they get along with ghost shrimp?
The answer is maybe. Ghost and cherry shrimp can coexist peacefully under the right conditions. But there are also potential challenges:
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Aggression – Ghost shrimp are more likely to harass or attack smaller tank mates, including dwarf shrimp.
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Competition – Both species will compete for food and territory, especially in crowded tanks.
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Predation – There is some risk of ghost shrimp preying on baby cherry shrimp.
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Crossbreeding – Ghost and cherry shrimp cannot interbreed. But misidentified “ghost shrimp” like whisker shrimp may crossbreed with Neocaridina.
To make cohabitation succeed, we recommend:
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A large tank (20+ gallons) to minimize aggression and provide adequate territory
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Plenty of plants and hiding spots
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Supplemental feeding to reduce competition
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Carefully monitoring shrimp interactions
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Maintaining ideal water parameters for both species
With careful precautions, ghost and cherry shrimp may live together harmoniously. But be prepared to separate them if issues arise. We advise having backup tank space available.
Breeding Behaviors: Ghost vs. Cherry Shrimp
Assuming they are content tankmates, how do ghost and cherry shrimp compare in their breeding habits?
Cherry shrimp are prolific breeders that readily multiply in captivity. Females carry fertilized eggs until they hatch into tiny shrimp larvae. The larvae mature quickly into miniature versions of the adults. Providing hiding spots with plants aids the survival of the vulnerable young.
Ghost shrimp can also reproduce in freshwater aquariums. However, achieving complete success is more difficult. The larvae often require brackish water to fully develop. While some hobbyists report managing to breed ghost shrimp in freshwater, the larvae survival rate tends to be low.
When breeding, the male shrimp fertilizes the female’s eggs using a sperm packet. This reproduction process is very similar in both species. But factors like ideal water parameters and larval development differ.
If your goal is easily breeding shrimp in a home aquarium, cherry shrimp have a clear advantage. Their breeding process aligns better with typical freshwater tank conditions. Ghost shrimp require extra steps to optimize reproductive success.
Setting Up the Perfect Home for Shrimp
If you want to create an ideal habitat for keeping ghost, cherry, or other shrimp species, here are some top tips:
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Use a 10-20 gallon tank or larger to provide adequate space
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Include plenty of live plants like java moss, anarchis, java fern, etc. These help maintain water quality and give shelter
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Add driftwood and rocks to diversify surfaces and territory
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Test water weekly and perform partial water changes to keep parameters stable. Target a pH around 7 and soft water
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Use a gentle sponge filter for water circulation and surface agitation
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Supplement their diet with specialty shrimp foods, blanched veggies, etc. beyond algae
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Maintain a water temp between 70-80°F
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Use sandy substrate to allow natural grazing behaviors
Following these best practices will lead to happy, healthy shrimp that may even breed new generations in your aquarium!
Frequently Asked Questions about Ghost vs. Cherry Shrimp
We’ve covered a lot of ground exploring the biology of ghost and cherry shrimp. Let’s wrap up by answering some commonly asked questions:
Are ghost shrimp aggressive toward cherry shrimp?
Yes, ghost shrimp tend to be more aggressive and may prey on smaller cherry shrimp, especially in crowded tanks. Take precautions when housing them together.
Can ghost and cherry shrimp crossbreed?
No, they are incompatible species that cannot interbreed. Any offspring would be infertile.
Which species lives longer in aquariums?
Cherry shrimp typically live 2-3 years with proper care. Ghost shrimp average around a 1 year lifespan.
Do ghost and cherry shrimp have the same water requirements?
Their requirements are similar but not identical. Both prefer softer, more acidic fresh water in the 6.5-7.5 pH range. But ghost shrimp are a little more adaptable.
Should I get ghost or cherry shrimp for a beginner aquarium?
Cherry shrimp are a better choice for beginners thanks to their hardiness, easy breeding, and peaceful temperament. Ghost shrimp are more sensitive and require some experience.
The Verdict: Captivating Crustaceans for Aquariums
Our investigation reveals that ghost shrimp are not in the Neocaridina genus alongside cherry and other dwarf shrimp. While they make interesting aquarium inhabitants, ghost shrimp have different biology and care needs.
Yet whether you opt for ghost, cherry, or a mix, adding these tiny shrimp can bring activity and dazzling colors to planted freshwater tanks. Their behaviors are intriguing to observe. By understanding their taxonomy and characteristics, we can better meet the needs of these amazing aquatic creatures.
Now that you know the key differences,
Difference Machrobrachium Ghost shrimp vs Palaemonidae Ghost shrimp
Machro means “long”, and brachium means “arm”.
| Machrobrachium Ghost shrimp (Whisker shrimp) | American Ghost shrimp (normal Ghost shrimp) |
| Longer front legs | |
| Larger front claws
(almost as long as the body) |
Their claws are much smaller |
| Many will develop a darker color. | |
| 2 small red dots on the tail. | |
| Do not have the red color. | Red to orange bands in the legs and feelers. |
| Often develop faint patterning on their bodies like vertical bars. | |
| Larger (~3 inches or 7.5 cm) | Smaller (~2 inches or 5-6cm) |
Life Span of Ghost shrimp
(“Those who are about to die salute you, Caesar!”) Ghost shrimp are meant to be kept as farm fish. That is why they do not live very long. Due to conditions, they are in when they arrive at the store. Under good conditions, they can live up to 3 years in the aquarium.
A set up similar to a cherry shrimp tank should do fine for them.
Actually, it is quite easy to keep Ghost Shrimp. They like water that is between 20 and 27 ° C, with kH levels between 3 and 12 and pH levels between 6 and 7. 5 – 8. However, they will also feel great in water with parameters that are different from optimal.
Provide them with basic shelter, plants and they will be doing OK. They are excellent to be kept in both soft and hard water. Apparently, it does not matter much to them.
The only problem is the size of the aquarium. Females can sometimes grow up to 60 mm. Therefore, small aquariums (less than 5 gallons – 20 liters) are not suitable for them. Getting to 20 mm of size takes about two to three months when the water temperature is above 26C and four to five months when the temperature is lower.
They mostly ate algae, vascular plants, detritus, and aquatic insects in the wild, with the last two being the least important.
Tip: Remember that keeping the water conditions stable can be even more important for shrimp keeping as a hobby than making sure the shrimp are in the best conditions.