Freshwater shrimp are among the most fascinating and rewarding aquarium inhabitants available. From colourful Neocaridina shrimp and premium Caridina varieties to Australia's incredible native freshwater shrimp, these peaceful invertebrates add colour, activity and natural behaviour to planted aquariums of every size.

Why You'll Love Freshwater Shrimp

• Beautiful colours and unique patterns
• Excellent additions to planted aquariums
• Constantly grazing on biofilm and algae
• Peaceful and suitable for shrimp-focused aquariums
• Many species breed readily under the right conditions

Our Shrimp Collections

Neocaridina Shrimp

Hardy, colourful and beginner-friendly, Neocaridina shrimp are ideal for planted aquariums and community tanks. Popular varieties include Blue Dream, Bloody Mary, Cherry, Carbon Rili, Blue Rili, Red Rili, Yellow, Orange and Chocolate shrimp.

Caridina Shrimp

Caridina shrimp are prized by enthusiasts for their incredible colours and patterns. Crystal Reds, Crystal Blacks, Taiwan Bees, Shadow Pandas, Blue Bolts, Red Devils and many other premium varieties reward aquarists who maintain stable water conditions.

Australian Native Freshwater Shrimp

Australia is home to an amazing range of native freshwater shrimp. Species such as Darwin Algae Shrimp, Glass Shrimp, Chameleon Shrimp and other native shrimp are fascinating additions to both native aquariums and peaceful community tanks.

Creating the Ideal Home

Tank Size

Freshwater shrimp can be kept in aquariums from 10 litres, although aquariums of 20 litres or larger offer greater water stability and breeding success.

Temperature

• Neocaridina: 20–25°C
• Caridina: 20–24°C (species dependent)
• Australian Native Shrimp: varies by species, generally 20–26°C

Water Quality

• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: ideally below 20 ppm

Stable water parameters are far more important than chasing exact numbers. Always introduce shrimp into mature, fully cycled aquariums.

Aquascaping

Mosses, driftwood, botanicals, rocks and dense plants provide grazing surfaces and shelter for shrimp. Mature aquariums naturally develop biofilm, one of the most important food sources for healthy shrimp colonies.

Feeding

Shrimp are natural grazers but benefit from regular supplementary feeding.

• Premium shrimp foods
• Shrimp pellets
• Blanched spinach
• Blanched zucchini
• Indian Almond Leaves
• Natural biofilm

Feed sparingly. Overfeeding is one of the most common causes of poor water quality in shrimp aquariums.

Suitable Tank Mates

Shrimp thrive with peaceful fish that are unlikely to prey on adults or shrimplets.

• Pygmy Corydoras
• Otocinclus
• Small Rasboras
• Celestial Pearl Danios
• Sparkling Gouramis (carefully selected)
• Mystery Snails
• Ramshorn Snails
• Peaceful native fish

Even peaceful fish may eat newborn shrimp. Dense mosses and fine-leaved plants provide essential refuge for shrimplets.

Popular Freshwater Shrimp

• Blue Dream Shrimp
• Cherry Shrimp
• Carbon Rili Shrimp
• Blue Rili Shrimp
• Bloody Mary Shrimp
• Crystal Red Shrimp
• Crystal Black Shrimp
• Blue Bolt Shrimp
• Taiwan Bee Shrimp
• Darwin Algae Shrimp
• Glass Shrimp
• Chameleon Shrimp

Freshwater Shrimp FAQs

Are shrimp suitable for beginners?

Neocaridina shrimp are excellent beginner shrimp. Caridina varieties generally require more stable water conditions and are better suited to aquarists with some experience.

What's the difference between Neocaridina and Caridina?

Neocaridina shrimp are generally more forgiving and adaptable. Caridina shrimp often require softer water and more stable parameters but reward keepers with some of the most spectacular colour varieties available.

Will shrimp clean my aquarium?

Shrimp constantly graze on biofilm, algae and leftover food, helping keep an aquarium tidy. However, they are not a replacement for regular maintenance or water changes.

Can different shrimp species live together?

Many species can coexist peacefully. Neocaridina varieties can interbreed with one another, while Caridina and Neocaridina do not hybridise because they belong to different genera.

Why are my shrimp hiding?

Shrimp naturally seek shelter during moulting and after being introduced to a new aquarium. Providing plenty of plants, mosses and hiding places helps them feel secure.