Will Bettas Eat Ghost Shrimp? A Complete Guide to Housing Them Together

Ghost shrimp and betta fish are two popular aquatic pets. But can these very different creatures safely coexist in the same tank? Or will the betta’s predatory nature doom the shrimp to become expensive fish food? It’s an important question for aquarists looking to build a diverse community tank.

In this complete guide, we’ll examine if and when bettas will eat ghost shrimp when housed together, and provide tips to improve compatibility.

The Diet and Hunting Nature of Betta Fish

Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are carnivorous predators that feed on live prey in the wild. They have evolved to be fierce hunters with quick reflexes and sharp teeth. Some of their natural prey items include:

• Insect larvae
• Mosquito larvae
• Small crustaceans
• Worms
• Other small fish

This hunting instinct remains strong, even in captive betta fish. They will readily consume any living animal that can fit into their mouths and won’t pass up seemingly defenseless ghost shrimp.

However, two factors influence the likelihood of a betta actually catching and eating ghost shrimp tankmates:

• Betta Personality – Aggression levels vary. Some bettas relentless stalk prey while others are more passive.

• Shrimp Size – Adult ghost shrimp over 1 inch long are safer than tiny juveniles.

So while all bettas are potential shrimp predators, their personalities and shrimp size can allow cohabitation. Proper tank setup is key.

Can Bettas Catch Adult Ghost Shrimp?

Adult ghost shrimp reach between 1-2 inches in length. Their translucent bodies provide camouflage against aquatic decor. And their muscular tails allow ghost shrimp to scoot quickly along the tank bottom when needed.

These traits make healthy adult ghost shrimp challenging prey for betta fish to successfully hunt and consume. Bettas rely heavily on movement and visual cues when targeting food. Ghost shrimp are simply harder to find and catch compared to slow moving fish or floating pellets.

However, bettas may still attempt to hunt shrimp by lurking motionlessly for an ambush opportunity. Providing plenty of hiding spots is important.

Are Baby Ghost Shrimp at Risk?

While adult ghost shrimp can often safely coexist with betta fish tiny newborn shrimp are very vulnerable. Young ghost shrimp under 1/2 inch long lack the size and speed to evade determined bettas.

To protect juveniles, steps should be taken like:

• Adding moss or dense plants for cover
• Using a breeder box/net for newborn shrimp
• Feeding bettas well before introducing shrimp
• Removing aggressive bettas that fixate on shrimp

Ideally, breeding shrimp should be kept in a separate species-only tank if predation on babies is an issue.

Setting Up the Tank for Success

If housing ghost shrimp with a betta is desired, follow these guidelines:

• Select a large tank (10+ gallons) to disperse aggression
• Include plenty of decor for broken sight lines and hiding spots
• Add shrimp first so they establish territory
• Introduce the biggest ghost shrimp possible
• Monitor interactions and remove any highly aggressive bettas

Will Bettas Eat Other Shrimp Species?

Ghost shrimp are not the only shrimp species potentially compatible with betta fish. Here are a few other good options:

• Amano Shrimp – Very fast and reach 2 inches length

• Red Cherry Shrimp – Bright coloration makes them stand out

• Bamboo Shrimp – Grow over 3 inches long and are peaceful

Avoid any expensive or rare dwarf shrimp varieties. Stick with common hardy shrimp better adapted to cohabitate with predatory fish.

While bettas will enthusiastically eat small ghost shrimp if given the opportunity, housing bettas with adult ghost shrimp is possible in many cases with the proper tank setup and shrimp size selection. Focus on providing ample hiding spots, open swimming space, and monitor all interactions closely. With some trial and error, bettas and ghost shrimp can coexist peacefully.