Green algae are a problem that all aquarium and shrimp keepers have to deal with at some point. However, no fish or shrimp can completely get rid of an algae growth, and you shouldn’t use live animals to help you clean your tank. However, there are some algae-eating shrimp that can make the job easier.
Read on to learn more about why shrimp love algae so much and to see a list of three algae-eating top fish.
Almost all freshwater aquarium shrimp are naturally detrivores. This is a type of omnivore that will eat anything it can find. The things they eat naturally are mostly biofilm that forms on rocks and plants, dead fish and other meaty foods, and, of course, many kinds of algae. Specific diets vary between species. Some shrimp, like the popular ghost shrimp, are more avid scavengers while others specialize in algae and biofilm.
We already talked about how you can’t always skip the scrubbing when you have a shrimp cleaning crew. Algae are a structural problem caused by a nutrient imbalance. This means they wont disappear entirely unless you figure out what exactly is going on and fix it.
Check your lighting (are the lights on for too long?), plants (fast-growing plants can beat algae at getting nutrients), and water levels (too much nitrate and phosphate can make algae grow like crazy). Once those things are under control, your shrimp can help by eating any algae that comes up, which they do very well.
Do Cherry Shrimp Eat Hair Algae? A Close Look at These Algae Eating Machines
As an avid aquarist and cherry shrimp enthusiast, I’m often asked if these colorful little critters can help control hair algae in home aquariums. After keeping cherry shrimp for many years and battling my fair share of algal invasions, I’ve learned firsthand whether these popular shrimp live up to their reputation as hair algae eaters.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at the algae eating abilities of cherry shrimp and find out if they really munch on hair algae or not. I’ll share my experience with keeping cherries in algae-prone tanks and provide some tips on how to get the most out of these intriguing shrimp.
So do cherry shrimp eat hair algae? Let’s jump in and find out!
An Introduction to Cherry Shrimp
Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are colorful and active freshwater dwarf shrimp originating from Taiwan. They are known for their bright red coloration, though selective breeding has produced varieties in blue, yellow, green, orange and more.
These shrimp reach an adult size of around 1 inch and have a lifespan of 1-2 years. They are generally peaceful, can be kept in groups, and breed readily in captivity.
Cherry shrimp are omnivores and scavengers by nature. In addition to hair algae, they eat algae wafers, blanched vegetables, biofilm, microscopic organisms and bits of dead plant matter.
The Algae Predicament
As an aquarium keeper, I’m sure you’re familiar with the headaches different types of algae can cause. Algae growth is often triggered by an imbalance in tank nutrients, light, and CO2.
While algae play an integral role in aquatic ecosystems, an algal bloom can quickly get out of control and smother our carefully aquascaped environments.
Troublesome varieties like hair algae, staghorn and black beard algae can be particularly difficult to eliminate. That’s why aquarists often turn to algae eating fish and invertebrates to help control these unwelcome invasions in a natural way.
Enter: The Cherry Shrimp
Cherry shrimp are commonly touted as one of the best natural hair algae eaters for planted aquariums. But just how effectively do these tiny shrimp tackle hair and other filamentous algae varieties?
Based on my experience, cherry shrimp do indeed directly consume certain hair algae types, including Cladophora and Spirogyra species. However, their small size prevents them from making a significant dent in large strands.
Instead, the main impact of cherry shrimp on hair algae comes from their ability to clean up fallen leaves and plant matter before it starts decaying and fueling algal growth. By acting as constant grazers, they help keep nutrient levels in check.
In my densely planted 20 gallon tank prone to hair algae outbreaks, a clean up crew of around 12 cherry shrimp helped reduce occurrences noticeably. But to fully eliminate it, I still needed to manually remove larger clumps and address underlying tank balance issues.
Cherry Shrimp versus Amano Shrimp
Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata) are often considered more efficient hair algae eaters compared to Neocaridina species like cherries.
The larger size and specialized fan-like hands of Amanos allow them to graze on filamentous algae more effectively. They actively consume even tougher varieties like staghorn algae and thick hair algae strands.
However, cherry shrimp make up for this with their ability to breed readily in freshwater tanks. Their growing colonies and non-stop activity help control algal growth through constant grazing.
Amanos on the other hand need brackish water conditions to breed, so their numbers remain limited.
Maximizing Algae Control with Cherry Shrimp
While cherry shrimp do eat some hair algae, most aquarists use a combined approach to fully control algal growth in tanks:
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Start with a heavily planted tank: Fast growing stem plants help soak up excess nutrients and outcompete algae. Floating plants shade and control light intensity.
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Add clean up crew: Shrimp, snails and algae eating fish help clean up decomposing matter and graze on algae. Aim for at least 1 cherry shrimp per 2 gallons.
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Address underlying causes: Control light duration to 6-8 hours. Reduce fertilizer dosing if needed. Use activated carbon or chemical filtrants to remove excess organics.
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Manually remove algae: Use an algae scraper, toothbrush or diluted peroxide solution to mechanically clear stubborn growth at least weekly.
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Test water parameters: Perform regular water changes and test for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Shoot for 0 ppm on the first two and <20 ppm nitrates.
This 5 step process helped me virtually eliminate all types of algae in my tanks, with cherry shrimp playing a key supporting role.
Can Cherry Shrimp Survive on Just Algae?
While cherry shrimp spend a considerable time grazing on algal surfaces, a diet comprised solely of algae is unlikely to meet their nutritional needs. They are omnivores and require protein, fiber and other nutrients.
In the wild, cherry shrimp consume biofilms, decaying plant matter, insect larvae and other organisms in addition to algae. In our aquariums, they need a varied diet to thrive.
Here are some supplemental foods I rotate to ensure my shrimp colony gets proper nutrition:
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Shrimp pellets and bottom feeder tablets to provide protein.
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Blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach and cucumber for fiber and nutrients.
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Algae wafers as an additional algal food source.
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BacterAE and Shrimp Baby powdered supplements to cover micro-nutrients.
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Calcium-rich foods like snail jello and cuttlebone to promote molting and exoskeleton growth.
By feeding a nutritious and varied diet, cherry shrimp can survive and breed successfully in a tank with minimal algae. However, they will always spend a good part of their day grazing on algal surfaces, biofilm and microorganisms around the tank.
Maximizing Algae Consumption in Cherry Shrimp
As primary consumers that feed on algae and other matter, cherry shrimp do need a good amount of algae and aufwuchs growth in our tanks. Here are some tips to promote healthy algae growth and shrimp grazing:
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Use an undergravel filter: This allows algae and microbes to accumulate on the substrate surface for shrimp to graze on. Add prefilters to prevent baby shrimp getting trapped.
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Create algae grazing stations: Attach algae wafers or blanched veggies to rocks or suction cups in prime grazing spots for shrimp.
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Use natural wood and rocks: These develop algae and biofilm coatings over time which shrimp will continuously nibble on.
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Let some algae grow: Having controlled hair or green algae growth on hardscape provides additional grazing area and nutrients.
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Add sinking pellets and veggies: Foods that fall to the bottom before fully decaying will grow algae and biofilm which attract grazing.
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Use a clip feeder: Position clip feeders with grazing foods in high shrimp traffic areas. The excess will contribute to aufwuchs growth.
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Increase surface area: Adding more rocks, driftwood, aquarium safe plastic or terracotta pots increases areas for algae to accumulate.
Following a balanced approach lets you enjoy the benefits of algae in moderation while keeping your tank aesthetically pleasing. With healthy plant growth and adequate algal grazing spots, your cherry shrimp will actively work as part of your tank’s clean up crew.
Top Algae Eating Shrimps for Aquariums
In addition to cherry shrimp, many shrimp species contribute to controlling algae in home aquariums. Some top choices include:
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Amano Shrimp – Efficient hair algae eaters due to their larger size. Need brackish water to breed.
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Bamboo Shrimp – Use fans to filter fine particles from the water column. Graze on soft green algae.
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Ghost Shrimp – Unfussy algae eaters suitable for beginners. Good for hair and soft green algae.
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Vampire Shrimp – Large shrimp that consume soft algae. Add hiding places as they are shy.
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Nerite Snails – These algae eating snails clean green spot algae and diatoms effectively.
When selecting algae eating species, ensure your tank size can accommodate adult sizes, and research compatibility with existing fish and water parameters. Combining shrimp along with snails and algae eating fish creates a balanced clean up crew.
FAQ about Cherry Shrimp and Algae Eating
Do cherry shrimp only eat algae?
No, cherry shrimp are omnivores requiring a varied diet. Algae should comprise part of their diet but not the only food.
What types of algae do cherry shrimp consume?
Cherry shrimp/Sakura shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
Cherry shrimp are probably the most popular aquarium shrimp in the hobby. They are liked for their bright red color, ability to breed quickly, and ability to eat algae well. Like Amano shrimp, they will eat various types of algae – and they do it quickly. Cherries spend their entire day foraging, eating algae and biofilm wherever they can find them.
Just put at least ten cherry shrimp into your aquarium and wait. They will quickly multiply, making an army that eats more and more algae. Overcrowding wont be an issue, as these shrimp have a low bioload. Most aquariums can sustain dozens or even hundreds of them, as long as youre offering additional foods regularly. Do you think your colony is growing too quickly? If so, just sell or give away a few shrimp to another hobbyist.
You can buy cherry shrimp at The Shrimp Farm! Order your cherries here.
Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata)
The Amano shrimp is so good at eating algae that one of its common names is “algae-eating shrimp.” This species isn’t the most interesting to look at because its body is clear. Dont let that fool you, though. Its extremely popular due to being the go-to algae exterminator throughout the aquarium and aquascape hobbies.
Amano shrimp don’t have a favorite type of algae; they’ll eat almost any kind. The only types they usually don’t eat are black beard algae and cyanobacteria. About five of them should be enough to keep algae in tanks less than 20 gallons in check. Ten or more should work well for larger setups. Keep in mind that Amano shrimp colonies usually can’t live on algae alone, so you’ll need to give them extra food at least a few times a week. Pretty much anything works for this: high-end shrimp pellets, simple fish flakes or even some simple blanched peas. Amano shrimp will happily eat it all.
You can buy Amano shrimp at The Shrimp Farm! Order your aquarium cleaning crew here.
Do Red Cherry Shrimp Eat Algae? (Black Beard, Hair, Green, Staghorn, Brown Diatom Algae)
Do cherry shrimp eat hair algae?
Yes, cherry shrimp will eat hair algae. Besides that, they will also eat green, brown, and black beard algae. However, they’re incapable of eating green spot algae and blue-green algae. Although cherry shrimps can eat a fair bit of algae, it’s entirely unrealistic to rely entirely on these little creatures to tackle the algae bloom.
What are the benefits of eating cherries for hair health?
Cherries are a good source of vitamin A, which helps to control the formation of retinoic acid. This plays an essential role in keeping your scalp hydrated and is important for hair follicles to grow properly. The vitamin B content in cherries also help to promote hair growth. Vitamin E plays a key role in blood circulation, this includes circulation in the scalp. This healthy blood circulation in the scalp will help to prevent hair damage. Vitamin C also helps to prevent hair damage by helping to reduce split hairs.
Do cherry shrimp eat black beard algae?
This type of algae appears in clumps resembling tufts, which is why some people say it looks like small shaving brushes. While cherry shrimp have no particular issues eating black beard algae, the problem lies in the growth rate of this algae. You see, black beard algae spread rapidly to the point that cherry shrimp have a hard time keeping up.
Do cherry shrimp eat green spot algae?
While cherry shrimps can munch on green algae, they tend to stay away from green spot algae. Green spot algae make your aquarium look like it’s covered in light green circular patches on the tank walls, plants, substrate, rocks, and decorations.