Do Shrimp Lay Eggs? A Complete Guide to Shrimp Reproduction

As a shrimp keeper understanding the reproductive cycle of shrimp is important for maintaining a healthy tank. Shrimp have a unique reproductive process that is different from fish and other aquatic creatures. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about shrimp laying eggs and reproducing.

Do Shrimp Lay Eggs?

The short answer is yes, shrimp do lay eggs. However, unlike fish that release eggs directly into the water, shrimp carry their eggs with them.

The female shrimp produces eggs which are fertilized internally by the male. The fertilized eggs develop under the female’s tail and are carried by the female until they hatch. This process is called brooding.

So while shrimp don’t lay eggs in the traditional sense, they do produce eggs internally that are carried externally under the tail. Once the larvae hatch, they emerge as tiny juvenile shrimp.

Shrimp Reproductive Process

Let’s take a closer look at the full reproductive process of shrimp from start to finish:

1. Mating

Reproduction starts with mating between an adult male and female shrimp The male will deposit sperm into the female’s sperm receptacle located under her tail

2. Egg Production

After mating the female shrimp produces eggs in her ovary and they pass through the oviduct to the sperm receptacle where they are fertilized by the stored sperm.

3. Brooding

The fertilized eggs move to a special pouch under the female’s tail called the brood pouch. Here they are incubated until they develop and hatch. The female fans the eggs, keeping them clean, oxygenated and protected.

4. Hatching

Within 2-3 weeks, the larvae fully develop inside the eggs. They hatch from the eggs as tiny juvenile shrimp that immediately become independent. They emerge from under the female’s tail and become free-swimming.

5. Maturing

The baby shrimp, called larvae, will molt and grow through various juvenile stages. Within 4-6 months, they reach sexual maturity and are ready to mate and reproduce, completing the cycle.

What Do Shrimp Eggs Look Like?

Shrimp eggs are very small, round orbs that are normally bright yellow or orange in color. They resemble tiny balls or beads clustering together under the female’s tail.

Freshly laid eggs will appear more translucent. As they develop, the eggs become more opaque and yellow. You may see the eyes of the larvae developing as black dots inside the eggs when they are close to hatching.

The female shrimp constantly fans her brood pouch to keep the eggs clean, aerated and circulated. You may see the eggs shifting around under her tail as she fans the brood pouch.

How Many Eggs Do Shrimp Lay?

The number of eggs a female shrimp produces can vary based on size, age and species. Here are some general guidelines:

• Ghost shrimp – 20-50 eggs
• Red cherry shrimp – 20-30 eggs
• Amano shrimp – 30-40 eggs
• Bamboo shrimp – 50-100 eggs

Larger shrimp tend to produce more eggs. The female shrimp carries all of the fertilized eggs together in her brood patch until they hatch.

How Often Do Shrimp Breed?

Most shrimp are able to continuously reproduce after reaching maturity. Females can produce multiple batches of eggs over their lifespan. Here is how often different species can reproduce:

• Ghost shrimp – every 2-3 months
• Red cherry shrimp – every 4-6 weeks
• Amano shrimp – every 2-3 months
• Bamboo shrimp – every 3-4 months

As long as conditions are stable in the tank, females can keep producing successful broods of eggs. Providing optimal water parameters and diet helps sustain continuous breeding.

Signs Your Shrimp is Carrying Eggs

It’s easy to identify a female shrimp that is carrying a brood of eggs. Here’s what to look for:

• Yellow/orange eggs under tail
• Constant fanning of brood pouch
• Developing black eye spots in eggs
• Lack of interest in mating/saddle (while brooding)
• Aggression/hiding – protecting eggs

The eggs will be largest right before hatching. The female shrimp will vigorously fan her brood pouch when the larvae are about to emerge.

Caring for Brooding Shrimp

Special care is needed for shrimp that are incubating eggs to prevent loss of the brood. Here are some tips:

• Maintain excellent water quality – she is vulnerable to toxins
• Provide ample hiding spots and breaks from males
• Increase protein content in diet
• Remove predators that may eat larvae
• Keep tank stable – avoid rearranging decor

With optimal tank conditions, most females will successfully incubate all of their eggs until hatching.

Troubleshooting Shrimp Eggs

Sometimes issues can arise with shrimp brooding eggs. Here are some potential problems and solutions:

Dropping eggs – Usually a sign of stress. Check water parameters and tank mates. Provide more hiding places and protein.

Fungus on eggs – Typically caused by poor water quality. Improve maintenance and dose fungal medication if needed.

Not hatching – Could indicate unfertilized eggs or water conditions unsuitable to hatching. Cull unfertilized eggs. Improve parameters.

Eaten by mother – Occurs when low protein or nutrients. Increase protein content in diet.

Eaten by tank mates – Often due to predation by fish or shrimp. Isolate female or remove predators.

The Takeaway

• Shrimp carry fertilized eggs under their tails until hatching rather than laying them directly.

• Females produce eggs after mating that are incubated in the brood pouch.

• Shrimp eggs are small yellow/orange spheres that develop under the mom’s tail.

• Females can reproduce every 1-3 months depending on species.

• Providing good conditions and diet leads to successful hatches.