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 Shrimp Really Eat Algae? A Closer Look at Their Algae-Rich Diets
Algae can be the bane of many aquarium owner’s existence. The green menace seems to creep up when you least expect it, covering your tank’s surfaces and muddying up the water. As an aquarist myself, I know the struggle all too well. I’ve spent many frustrating hours scrubbing and siphoning, trying in vain to get those pesky algae under control.
That’s when I started looking into natural solutions, which led me to a question that many aquarium hobbyists have pondered: do shrimp eat algae? The answer, it turns out, is a resounding yes! Shrimp aren’t just adorable critters – they can also be part of an effective algae clean up crew.
In this article we’ll take a closer look at the algae-rich diets of various shrimp species. We’ll also cover some tips on how to best leverage our tiny friends in the battle against aquarium algae.
Why Are Shrimp Such Avid Algae Eaters?
Algae make up a substantial part of many shrimp species’ natural diets. In the wild, shrimp feed on whatever they can find, including decaying plants, small invertebrates, and biofilm – a bacteria colony that adheres to surfaces. Algae are a principal component of biofilm and provide an excellent food source.
The reason shrimp gravitate towards algae has to do with their digestion. Shrimp have a short, relatively simple digestive tract designed to extract nutrition from plant matter. They lack the more complex organs required to derive much benefit from meatier fare. Algae, on the other hand, are rich in the proteins, vitamins and minerals that shrimp need to stay healthy.
Types of Algae That Shrimp Will Eat
Not all algae are created equal when it comes to palatability for shrimp. Some species have more discerning tastes than others. However, there are certain types of algae that are widely accepted:
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Diatoms – Also called brown algae, diatoms have characteristic brownish or greenish color. They are usually the first type of algae to appear in new tanks. Shrimp find them quite tasty.
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Green Algae – This broad category includes both stringy hair algae and sheet-like green spot algae. Most shrimp will readily graze on these common aquarium algae types.
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Blue-Green Algae – Though frequently referred to as algae, cyanobacteria are technically photosynthetic bacteria. Still, shrimp don’t discriminate and will eat most blue-green algae.
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Soft Green Spot Algae- Unlike regular green spot algae which adheres tightly, this variant has a soft, almost fuzzy texture that shrimp can easily nibble on.
Other Algae Considerations
While the algae types listed above are certainly shrimp-safe, there are a few caveats:
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Toxic Algae – Some blue-green algae species produce toxins harmful to both humans and animals. Shrimp should not be exposed to these.
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Firm Algae – Algae that are tightly attached to surfaces, such as black beard algae, are more difficult for shrimp to eat. Their consumption will be limited.
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Hair Algae – Long strands of hair algae don’t pose any issues for shrimp. Just be sure it doesn’t become excessive, as it can entangle and trap shrimp if left unchecked.
3 Top Algae Eating Shrimp Species
While most shrimp are generally open to eating algae, some species are particularly voracious algae grazers. Here are a few of the best algae eating shrimp:
- Amano Shrimp
The Amano shrimp boasts a legendary reputation for devouring all kinds of algae, especially troublesome types like hair algae. Their larger size and constant grazing makes them one of the most efficient algae eaters out there.
However, Amanos do have high water quality standards. Make sure to provide pristine, stable conditions if you want success with this species.
- Red Cherry Shrimp
Cherry shrimp are a beginner-friendly dwarf shrimp with bright red coloration. They are capable algae removers and will nibble away at algae in established tanks. Hair algae and soft green spot algae are favorites.
Being more adaptable than Amano shrimp, cherries can thrive in typical community aquarium setups. Just give them some plant cover and pick tankmates that won’t bully or prey on them.
- Ghost Shrimp
Ghost shrimp are excellent scavengers. Though small, they will work diligently to clean algae off of hardscape and devour any accumulated detritus. Their nearly transparent bodies also make it fun to observe them in action.
Hardy and inexpensive, ghost shrimp make a great “clean up crew” addition to community tanks with bigger fish. Just be aware that they may get eaten!
Tips for Leveraging Shrimp to Control Algae
While shrimp can certainly help pare down algae growth, don’t expect them to eliminate algae on their own. Remember, algae is fed by excess nutrients like light, nitrates and phosphates. Controlling these root causes is key.
That said, combining shrimp with other tactics can help keep algae in check. Here are some tips:
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Start with a mature, established tank – Adding shrimp to a brand new tank often ends poorly. Give the tank a few months to stabilize before adding your clean up crew.
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Use a multi-pronged approach – Shrimp + snails + optimal conditions = algae success. Shrimp alone won’t solve persistent algae issues.
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Avoid overfeeding – Uneaten food breaks down into algae fuel. Feed your fish and shrimp only as much as they can consume.
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Introduce algae-eating shrimp species – As noted above, some shrimp species are more efficient algae removers. Choose ones with a penchant for algae polishing.
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Provide supplemental feeding – While shrimp will graze on algae, they still need proper nutrition. Provide specialty foods like algae wafers too.
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Maintain stable water parameters – Fluctuating water conditions stress shrimp and can shorten their lifespan. Keep things stable.
The Verdict: Shrimp Can Help Control Algae
To recap, most shrimp do eagerly consume many types of algae. Species like Amano, cherry and ghost shrimp are especially proficient algae munchers, making them a smart addition to your clean up crew.
However, to leverage their algae eating potential, you need to provide good general care and tank conditions. Shrimp alone won’t eliminate serious algae issues. But when used properly alongside other algae prevention tactics, they can help keep your aquarium’s algae troubles at bay!
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.
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.
Do Red Cherry Shrimp Eat Algae? (Black Beard, Hair, Green, Staghorn, Brown Diatom Algae)
Do shrimp eat algae?
You might have wondered if your little aquatic buddies, the shrimp, could lend a hand (or claw) in dealing with this green invader. Yes, shrimp do eat algae. In fact, algae make up around 70% of a shrimp’s diet, feasting on various types of algae that can grow in your aquarium. This makes them a vibrant addition to your tank and a practical one.
Can one eat raw shrimps?
While raw shrimp or shrimp sashimi can be consumed safely, raw shrimp is considered a high-risk food because it can harbour harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and various Vibrio bacteria. Although some people consider the seafood used in ceviche raw, it is actually cooked by immersing it in an acid rather than using heat. The acid from the citrus can reduce harmful bacteria but it is not as effective as using heat. The safest approach would be to consume only cooked shrimp from a reliable source. The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) advises that pregnant women, those with weakened immunity, older adults, and young children are at higher risk of foodborne illness and its consequences and should avoid all raw seafood.
Do dwarf shrimp eat algae?
All freshwater dwarf shrimp will eat certain common types of algae in the tank. Amano shrimp are the most famous algae eaters, though. They’re efficient algae-eating machines. It’s why they’re also known as the algae shrimp. Both Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp enjoy munching on algae, but have less of a reputation for it.
What is the best algae based food for shrimp?
Here are some of the best algae-based foods that you can offer to your shrimp: Spirulina: Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It can be offered to shrimp in the form of flakes or pellets. Nori: Nori is a type of seaweed that is often used in sushi.