Ghost Shrimp are a scavenger type freshwater shrimp. They have a reputation for being constantly on the prowl searching for something to eat. Ghost Shrimp usually eat very small pieces of food that have been eaten and dead or decaying plants. They also eat other soft edible matter accumulating on the bottom of the tank. Occasionally, Ghost Shrimp can be seen eating a fallen tank mate. Ghost Shrimp will eat dead fish and snails, but they really want to eat dead shrimp. They especially eat the shell if its soft enough.
The Ghost Shrimp eating a dead Amano Shrimp appears to be having a real feast. The Ghost Shrimp seems to want to eat both the limp body of the dead shrimp and its soft shell. A Ghost Shrimp will eat soft shells to get minerals back in their bodies before their next molt. Even though it’s best to get rid of dead tank mates as soon as possible, it’s okay to leave shrimp shells in for a while so that other Ghost Shrimp can get the minerals they need.
As long as a Ghost Shrimp is actively feeding, let the circumstances play out. When it looks like the Ghost Shrimp are done eating the minerals from the shell, take out the part they haven’t eaten to keep the tank clean. Avoid the buildup of excess organic matter and ammonia spikes in the aquarium water.
Along with eating dead Amanos, Ghost Shrimp will often also try to eat other dead animals in the tank, like snails and fish.
Do Ghost Shrimp Eat Other Shrimp?
Ghost shrimp are a popular freshwater shrimp choice for aquarists thanks to their hardy nature, small size, and scavenging behavior. But one question that often arises is whether ghost shrimp will consume other shrimp tankmates. After all, they are omnivores willing to eat just about anything they can fit in their mouths.
In this article, we’ll examine the complex factors that determine if and when ghost shrimp may turn on each other or other shrimp species While cannibalism is always a risk, proper tank setup and feeding can prevent this undesirable behavior in most cases
The Omnivorous Nature of Ghost Shrimp
Understanding the varied diet of ghost shrimp is key to unraveling this issue. In the wild, these shrimp feed on whatever organic materials they come across through scavenging. Their menus include:
- Algae
- Detritus
- Decaying plant matter
- Insect larvae
- Small worms
- Tiny crustaceans
- Zooplankton
- Biofilm
- Aufwuchs
Clearly, ghost shrimp are not picky eaters. They will even munch on very small fish if given the chance.
Their tiny claws allow them to grab and manipulate food to their mouthparts. Once caught, food is shredded into bite-sized pieces using their mandibles.
So certainly, ghost shrimp are fully capable of capturing and consuming other shrimp. Their opportunistic feeding behavior means they will eat whatever potential food item is available – including their own kind.
Cannibalism Among Ghost Shrimp
Cannibalism is surprisingly common in the crustacean world. Ghost shrimp do exhibit a tendency toward cannibalism at times.
Molting shrimp are especially vulnerable to attack. During the molting process, shrimp shed and replace their rigid exoskeletons. For several hours, the new soft shell lacks hardness and defenses, making recently-molted shrimp an easy meal.
Ghost shrimp may also prey on injured or diseased tankmates. Sick shrimp often become lethargic and isolate themselves, making them prime targets.
If food supplies are scarce in an aquarium, the threat of cannibalism increases as shrimp become desperately hungry. Extreme hunger can override their normal inhibition against eating their own species.
Finally, ghost shrimp may sometimes cannibalize each other by pure accident. These shrimp are constantly grazing and may inadvertently consume bits of a dead shrimp before realizing their error.
Cannibalism Triggers in Captivity
Certain conditions in an aquarium can promote cannibalistic tendencies in ghost shrimp. Avoiding these triggers is key to curtailing aggression and losses:
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Overcrowding – Too high a density of shrimp in too small a space often leads to cannibalism as competition for resources mounts.
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Insufficient Hiding Places – Without enough plant cover, caves and substrates to retreat to, vulnerable molting shrimp are more exposed to attack.
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Poor Nutrition – Inadequate diet and malnutrition is a recipe for carnage. Well-fed shrimp are less likely to turn on each other.
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Water Quality Issues – Deteriorating conditions like high ammonia and nitrites increases stress, aggression and cannibalistic behaviors.
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Aggressive Tankmates – Nippy or predatory fish may harass shrimp, weakening and leaving them open to cannibalism.
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Predominantly Male Populations – Aggression and cannibalism seems more prevalent in shrimp tanks skewed heavily toward males over females.
Ghost Shrimp Versus Other Shrimp Species
While ghost shrimp do sometimes cannibalize their own kind, they are less likely to hunt other shrimp species intentionally.
Different shrimp types possess unique physical and chemical signals. Ghost shrimp can recognize shrimp of their own genus and are somewhat inhibited against preying on them.
With other shrimp varieties like cherries, amanos or bamboo shrimp, the signals are foreign enough that ghost shrimp do not register them as normal food sources. These shrimp are usually safe from ghost shrimp predation.
However, exceptions can occur. Extreme hunger may lead ghosts to attack any shrimp in their vicinity. And vulnerable molting shrimp of any species run the risk of becoming a meal, their defenses lowered.
Accidental or opportunistic predation is also possible if a shrimp dies and ghosts scavenge the remains before realizing it is not food debris.
The Potential For Hybridization
While not cannibalism per se, ghost shrimp do have the potential to interbreed with certain other shrimp species. In particular, ghost shrimp and macrobrachium shrimp can crossbreed.
The resulting offspring are usually fertile. So the macrobrachium shrimp species identity becomes essentially lost over successive generations as crossbreeding continues.
For those wishing to maintain pure strains and color lines of specialty shrimp, introducing ghost shrimp risks muddying their carefully cultivated genetics. Even if no immediate crossbreeding occurs, later generations may eventually intermix.
Precautions and Proper Care
While potential shrimp predators, ghost shrimp can peacefully coexist with their own kind and other shrimp when provided with proper care. Here are some key tips:
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Avoid overcrowding and maintain optimal population density.
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Offer supplemental feeding like shrimp pellets to prevent malnutrition.
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Maintain pristine water quality and test parameters frequently. Perform water changes as needed.
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Provide ample hiding spots with plants, rocks, driftwood and other decor.
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Use fine substrate to prevent damage to sensitive antennae during foraging.
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Ensure proper acclimation when adding new shrimp to an established population.
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Remove any dead shrimp immediately to prevent scavenging.
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Keep shrimp well-fed before and after molting when most vulnerable.
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Avoid housing shrimp with aggressive fish species prone to harassing them.
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Maintain a balanced mix of both male and female ghost shrimp.
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House ghost shrimp in species only tanks if concerned about hybridization.
Ghost shrimp can make interesting and active additions to community tanks when conditions are optimal and their basic needs are met. While a degree of caution is prudent, don’t let concerns over potential cannibalism prevent you from keeping these popular shrimp.
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