Freshwater aquarium shrimp types

Overview

Freshwater aquarium shrimp fall into several groups with different care needs. Dwarf shrimp (Neocaridina and Caridina) are small, colourful, and breed easily in tanks. Larger species like amano, ghost, bamboo, vampire, and fan shrimp have distinct diets and behaviours. For help choosing by beauty vs ease of care, see our shrimp beauty vs ease of care guide. Shrimp also make excellent cleanup crew members.

Neocaridina (dwarf shrimp)

Examples: Cherry shrimp (red), blue dream, yellow goldenback, orange sakura, green jade. Care: Easiest to keep. GH 6–8, KH 2–4, pH 6.5–7.5. Tolerate tap water in many areas. Inert substrate (sand, gravel) is fine. Breed readily in freshwater; females carry eggs until they hatch as mini shrimp. See our breeding shrimp guide for setup and tips.

Caridina (dwarf shrimp)

Examples: Crystal red/black, bee shrimp, tiger shrimp, Taiwan bee. Care: More sensitive than Neocaridina. GH 4–6, KH 0–2, pH 5.5–6.5. Usually need RO water + remineraliser and buffering substrate (e.g. fluval stratum). Breed in freshwater like Neocaridina but require stricter water stability. Best for experienced keepers or those willing to manage water chemistry.

Amano shrimp

Care: Hardy, good algae eaters. GH 6–8, KH 2–4, pH 6.5–7.5. Tolerate a wide range of conditions. Do not breed successfully in freshwater – larvae need brackish water. Larger than dwarf shrimp (up to ~2 inches). Peaceful; suitable for community tanks. Excellent for algae control.

Ghost shrimp

Care: Very cheap and hardy. Often sold as feeders. GH 6–8, KH 2–4, pH 6.5–7.5. Can breed in freshwater; females carry eggs. Transparent body; less colourful than dwarf shrimp. Some batches may be less hardy or more aggressive. Good for beginners or as cleanup crew in low-stakes setups.

Bamboo shrimp

Care: Filter feeders – use fan-like appendages to catch particles from the water column. Need moderate flow and suspended food (powdered foods, bacter AE, etc.). GH 6–8, KH 2–4, pH 6.5–7.5. Peaceful; perch on wood or decor. Do not breed in freshwater (larvae need brackish). Larger (up to ~2–3 inches). Require supplemental feeding in clean tanks.

Vampire shrimp

Care: Large filter feeders (up to ~3 inches). Similar to bamboo shrimp – need flow and suspended food. GH 6–8, KH 2–4, pH 6.5–7.5. Nocturnal; hide during the day. Do not breed in freshwater. Peaceful but require careful feeding – they need fine particles in the water column.

Fan shrimp (wood shrimp)

Care: Often used interchangeably with bamboo shrimp; same genus (Atyopsis). Filter feeders – require flow and suspended food. GH 6–8, KH 2–4, pH 6.5–7.5. Perch on wood or rocks. Do not breed in freshwater. Peaceful; suitable for community tanks with adequate flow and feeding.

Care comparison

• Easiest: Neocaridina, ghost shrimp – tolerate tap water, breed easily.
• Moderate: Amano – hardy but need algae or supplemental food; no breeding in freshwater.
• Advanced: Caridina – require RO water and buffering substrate.
• Specialist: Bamboo, vampire, fan shrimp – filter feeders; need flow and suspended food.

Related guides

Shrimp beauty vs ease of care – choosing by colour and difficulty. Breeding shrimp – tank setup and raising babies. Cleanup crew – shrimp, snails, and algae eaters.