Shrimps in Your Aquarium: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to keeping shrimps in your aquarium, it's essential to choose the right species and provide them with the proper conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key factors for successful shrimp care.

Shelter Needs Most shrimps thrive when given suitable shelter, which can vary depending on the species. For instance, reef-dwelling shrimps typically require crevices or overhangs to lurk in or under. On the other hand, snapping shrimps prefer a sand bottom, enabling them to dig burrows. You can facilitate burrow construction by adding rubble pieces or placing flat rocks on the sand surface, creating a "roof" for their underground homes.

Commensal Living Certain shrimps form commensal relationships with specific invertebrate hosts. For instance, numerous shrimps inhabit the tentacles of sea anemones. While some of these anemone-dwelling shrimps can survive without a cnidarian host, they become more vulnerable to predators when separated from them. Thus, it's crucial to consider the natural history of the shrimp you plan to add to your aquarium and provide them with an appropriate host if necessary.

Aquarium Size The size of your aquarium is less critical for shrimps compared to fish. Shrimps generally adapt well to tanks as small as 2 to 5 gallons, as most species are relatively small and do not require extensive space. Some species prefer smaller tanks, while others may be better suited to larger reef environments. It's important to consider the specific needs and behaviors of the shrimp species you intend to keep when determining tank size.

Feeding Shrimps Shrimps are generally opportunistic feeders, consuming various foods that they can grasp with their feeding appendages. This includes frozen preparations, brine shrimp, mysid shrimp, flake foods, and tablet or pelletized foods. While some hobbyists prefer not to target-feed their shrimp, it's crucial to ensure that some food reaches the substrate, where the shrimps usually gather. You can temporarily turn off water pumps during feeding to allow food to settle on the aquarium bottom, but remember to turn them back on afterward. In cases where fish consume most of the food, using a turkey baster to direct food into shrimp-occupied crevices can be effective.

However, specialized shrimps like Harlequin Shrimps may have distinct dietary requirements. They exclusively feed on sea stars and need a steady supply of these echinoderms to thrive in your aquarium. In this case, one medium-sized sea star can sustain a pair of Harlequin Shrimps for about a week.

Shrimp Maladies Shrimps are generally hardy and not prone to many parasites or diseases. However, there are isopods that inhabit the gill chambers of certain shrimps, appearing as swellings on the carapace. Fish lice (cymathoid isopods) have also been seen attached to shrimps. While these parasites might not directly kill the host, they could weaken them. Clean, well-oxygenated water is essential for shrimps, and they are particularly sensitive to oxygen levels during shipping. Quick acclimation upon arrival is vital to ensure their well-being.

Compatible Tankmates It's important to consider the compatibility of other species in your aquarium when keeping shrimps. Many reef fishes are generally shrimp-friendly, especially herbivores, sessile invertebrate feeders, and microcarnivores. These fishes are rarely a threat to shrimps and make excellent tankmates.

However, some fishes pose potential dangers to shrimps, particularly smaller, more delicate shrimp species. Careful consideration is required when introducing potentially dangerous fish to your tank. The third group comprises fishes that are always a threat to shrimp. These include larger species like sharks, rays, morays, triggerfishes, puffers, and porcupinefishes. Cleaner shrimps are an exception to this rule and may survive in tanks with these fishes, although keeping them together can be an educational display.

Compatible Invertebrates Invertebrates like crabs and mantis shrimps are potential threats to shrimps. Many crabs are opportunistic omnivores and will readily consume shrimps. It's best to trust only Porcelain Crabs and smaller hermit crabs with prized shrimps. Voracious mantis shrimps are particularly deadly to shrimp populations, using their powerful appendages to disable them. Some sea anemones, such as Carpet Sea Anemones, may also prey on shrimps. These invertebrates are best avoided as tankmates for shrimps.

Shrimps in the Reef Aquarium Many shrimp species are welcome additions to reef aquariums, including those from the Lysmata, Periclimenes, and Stenopus genera. Some shrimps, like the Atlantic Peppermint Shrimp, can help control Aiptasia populations in your reef tank. However, certain species may feed on corals and should be avoided. Hingebeak shrimps and members of the Saron genus have been reported to graze on soft and stony coral polyps, zoanthids, mushroom anemones, and tridacnid clams.

In summary, shrimps can be valuable and engaging additions to your aquarium, provided you choose suitable species and carefully select their tankmates. Keep these guidelines in mind to create a harmonious and thriving aquatic environment for your shrimps. Happy shrimp-keeping!