Ghost shrimp are super neat freshwater creatures that make awesome additions to aquariums But where can you buy live ghost shrimp? I’ve got the scoop on the best places to find healthy ghost shrimp for sale
As someone who loves keeping unique aquarium pets I’ve acquired ghost shrimp from various sources over the years. While they are sometimes sold as feeder shrimp I think ghost shrimp deserve a proper aquarium habitat too. Their clear bodies and energetic movements liven up peaceful community tanks.
After testing many retailers, I’ve narrowed down the top locations to buy live ghost shrimp for delivery or pickup. Read on for my recommendations to help you get your hands on these cool crustaceans!
Buying Ghost Shrimp Online
Purchasing fish and invertebrates online has become popular for aquarists seeking rare or specialty species not found locally. Here are my top picks for ordering live ghost shrimp online:
Aquatic Arts
One of my favorite online aquatic shops is Aquatic Arts. I’ve ordered various shrimp from them over the years with great success. Their ghost shrimp selection includes both standard and more unique varieties like blue velvet ghost shrimp.
The shrimp arrive active and healthy after insulated 1-2 day shipping. I love Aquatic Arts’ arrival guarantee and exceptional customer service too. Their ghost shrimp prices are very reasonable, usually $20-40 for 10-20 shrimp depending on type.
Amazon
Surprisingly, you can also buy ghost shrimp on Amazon! Many third party aquatic sellers offer live ghost shrimp for delivery through Amazon Prime.
The selection includes standard ghost shrimp and other colors like red or blue for prices averaging $20-30 per 10 shrimp. Look for sellers with lots of good reviews and a live arrival guarantee for the best odds of getting healthy shrimp.
I’ve had great luck getting standard ghost shrimp via Amazon Prime’s fast 2-day shipping. The shrimp are bagged separately with breathing inserts. Make sure to promptly acclimate them once they arrive.
eBay
eBay is another option for buying ghost shrimp online. Plenty of aquarium shrimp sellers offer live ghost shrimp for competitive prices on eBay.
When browsing eBay listings, look for highly rated U.S. sellers offering insulated 1-3 day shipping with delivery guarantees. Avoid international sellers, as shrimp could get held up in customs. Prices range from $15-40 for batches of 10-20 shrimp.
I once found an amazing deal on blue velvet ghost shrimp on eBay, but it was an international seller with no delivery guarantee, so I took a pass. Exercise caution, but US sellers can be great!
Local Sources for Ghost Shrimp
While buying shrimp online is convenient, you can often find ghost shrimp at local pet stores too:
PetSmart
PetSmart carries ghost shrimp for reasonable prices. They typically stock standard ghost shrimp for $1-2 each. Availability can vary by location and season.
I stop by my local PetSmart weekly to check out their aquatic livestock. I’ve picked up lively ghost shrimp here several times when adding new members to my community tank. PetSmart stocks small shrimp great for nano aquariums.
Petco
Like PetSmart, Petco is another chain that regularly stocks ghost shrimp. Their pricing is similar at $1-3 per shrimp depending on size. Stock tends to vary based on when shipments arrive.
My Petco has a decent aquatic specialist who does a nice job acclimating new arrivals. The ghost shrimp from their store lived over a year in my tank! Definitely check here for possible finds.
Local Fish Stores (LFS)
Beyond the big chains, locally owned aquarium stores may carry ghost shrimp too. The selection can vary greatly by store. Call ahead to ask, as these small shrimp sell out fast!
My favorite LFS orders ghost shrimp when they get requests. I preorder batches of 10-15 every few months to add new bloodlines to my tank. Their shrimp are priced around $2-3 each. Well worth checking smaller shops!
Key Tips for Buying Healthy Ghost Shrimp
To maximize success bringing home new ghost shrimp:
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Ask about recent shipments and try to buy shortly after arrivals before shrimp weaken from prolonged store conditions.
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Pick active shrimp showing natural behaviors like swimming freely and filtering food. Avoid any appearing lethargic or molting.
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Request the smallest shrimp possible, ideally under an inch long. Bigger shrimp tend to be older with lower survival rates.
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Acclimate shrimp slowly over 30-60 minutes to prevent temperature shock. Float their unopened bag before adding small amounts of tank water periodically.
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Quarantine new shrimp for at least 2 weeks in a separate tank to watch for any disease issues before adding to your main aquarium.
Customer Reviews Based on 11 reviews
Ghost Shrimp (Live) A
Way cheaper than anywhere else; and not full of parasites M
Staff is very friendly and helpful, and both people we talked to were patient and didn’t try to rush us into buying something. Overall, they were probably the best shop I’ve been to. It’s been a little over a month, and (pray for me) all my shrimp friends are still happy and healthy.
30 shrimp put in a 120 gallon tank with baby koi. I seen 1 after several day even moving hiding places I still only found 1 or 2. Baby koi must of had a snack. Not what I wanted but at least they were fed. Every thing I get from Reef is always health or works as expected. Safe to say I wont be putting ghost shrimp in that tank again. E.
Ghost Shrimp Info And Care | Ghost Shrimp Care Guide!
What is a ghost shrimp?
The Ghost Shrimp, also known as American Glass Shrimp, has been in the freshwater aquarium hobby in the United States for as long as the hobby has been around. These shrimp are commonly found being sold as feeder shrimp to be fed to larger fish. They have a lifespan of 1-2 years, and when fully grown, they reach a size of 2 inches.
What is the best aquarium setup for ghost shrimp?
An established freshwater aquarium of at least 10 gallons with plenty of hiding places and a mature substrate are the ideal setup for the Ghost Shrimp. It should be housed with small peaceful fish that will not pose a threat of eating these shrimp. Ghost shrimp will readily breed in the aquarium if kept in large enough groups.
Are ghost shrimp worth it?
Ghost shrimp can often be purchased en mass for as little as 20-50 cents each. This price makes them attractive to prospective owners but also as a live feeder for larger carnivorous fish. Ghost Shrimp are scavengers and do an excellent job of cleaning the aquarium of rotting debris and algae.
Are ghost shrimp good for fish?
Ghost shrimp can be purposefully bred to feed to aquarium fish. Larger freshwater species including Oscars, Arowanas, Cichlids, Angelfish, Discus and Trigger Fish will benefit. Ghost shrimp are high in natural oils and fats, beneficial for coloration and development.