Unfortunately, it is very rare to find aquarium shrimp in home ponds. This is due to the poor awareness of fish lovers: they think that aquarium shrimp require special, difficult care, that they do not fit well with other types of fish, and that many difficulties will arise in their maintenance. And in vain! Aquarium shrimp are very peaceful creatures, they are friends with different types of fish, and are easy to care for. They are very beautiful and can add color and variety to a home aquarium, giving it some exoticism.

Characteristics of crustaceans and their natural habitats

Aquarium shrimp in nature live in many bodies of water. Moreover, they are so unpretentious that they can live in both fresh and salt water. It should be understood that each type of crustacean has its own deposit. For example, rednose are found in Venezuelan rivers, and in freshwater rivers Panama is inhabited by fan-shaped representatives of arthropods.

Variety of shrimp in a home aquarium

Thanks to these pets, the water corner in your house or apartment will turn into a real exotic paradise. They have many types and colors, are unpretentious in care, reproduce very easily and quickly, so they can diversify and surprise even the most avid and demanding pet fish lovers. Mostly aquarium shrimp have the following characteristics:

• The size of the individual varies from 2 to 5 cm (in rare species up to 15cm);
• Life expectancy – up to 2 years;
• Colors – yellow, blue, green, cherry, transparent.

A home aquarium containing crustaceans is called a shrimp tank. Basically, it is no different from an aquarium in which fish live. The volume of the shrimp tank should be at least 40 liters (but better than 80 liters). In the case of a smaller aquarium volume, it will be difficult to maintain biobalance, and this will negatively affect the health of the inhabitants of the shrimp tank. And if the aquarium is too large, they will simply get lost in the algae thickets.

Aquarium water requirements

Shrimp can be kept either separately from fish or together with some species. For example, aquarium shrimp get along well with goldfish. But you should not introduce crustaceans into an aquarium where there are predatory and aggressive fish: they will simply be eaten.

In addition to heating, each shrimp tank must be equipped fine bubble aerator and safety filter. These precautions are necessary to protect the shrimp fry, which are very small in size (so that they do not get sucked into the filtration system). The aerator must work around the clock, because shrimp require more oxygen than other inhabitants of the aquarium. The water can be changed to fresh once a week (but not more than 40% of total number) and only warm.

There are also these types of aquarium shrimp: rednose shrimp, Amano shrimp, Harlequin shrimp, cardinal shrimp, red crystal and other less known and common ones. They are more demanding in maintenance (for example, the rednose shrimp must swim in salt water to reproduce; the cardinal is not suitable for a beginner because of its whimsical nature). temperature conditions and diet).

Nutrition of aquarium shrimp

Individuals that live in home aquariums, by nature absolutely omnivorous. They will happily eat small or half-eaten fish, special food or algae. And if there is a shortage of food, the shrimp will eat all the moss growth on the stones and walls of the aquarium (it’s not for nothing that they are called cleaners). The necessary food for crustaceans can be purchased at pet stores.

If crustaceans are kept in a separate aquarium from other fish, you need to buy special food for them in pet stores. Some aquarists give their pets, for variety, pieces of zucchini, eggplant, cabbage or lettuce, and sometimes regular fish food. But do not forget that overfeeding is very harmful for crustaceans. They start to get lazy and stop cleaning the aquarium. How much food does a pet need? Experts recommend giving dry food no more than 1-2 times a week. This dose will be enough for them to live a healthy and fulfilling life for a week.

Feeding time

It is better to feed your pets at the same time. And not so that they have better digestion, but simply so that this process is not spontaneous. Consistent feeding times are key avoiding overeating. The best time to feed is an hour after waking up, when the shrimp wake up and crawl out of their homes. However, this is no longer important and depends on your capabilities.

Keeping shrimp in a fish aquarium

To prevent your shrimp from becoming a tasty treat for other inhabitants of the aquarium, you need to choose the right neighbors for them. They get along very well with small fish. These could be, for example, neons or guppies. Snails can be excellent neighbors for shrimp: they are harmless and unpretentious, just like crustaceans. Dangerous for shrimp There will be the following types of fish:

• Cichlids;
• Loaches.

But, according to aquarists, if your aquarium has a variety of shelters from plants and decorative ornaments, even these aggressors will not be a hindrance to the shrimp.

In fact, breeding aquarium shrimp is not as difficult as it seems. The main condition is separate vessel for fry. Otherwise, all the babies will become food for the adult fish that live in home aquarium. Experienced aquarists recommend breeding only those types of shrimp that do not have a larval development phase. After all, such individuals are very similar to their parents: they are very easy to care for and are not picky about their diet (they eat regular food).

Diseases of domestic crustaceans

Also, individuals of arthropods very often exposed to fungal diseases. No matter how clean the aquarium is, no matter how much you fail to comply with all the parameters for caring for crustaceans, there is still a possibility of such a disease occurring. And it sucks out all the vital juices from the individual, poisons the body with toxins and can cause fatal outcome.

But be that as it may, infected individuals must be urgently placed in a separate vessel, and the water in the aquarium must be changed to fresh and clean. After these manipulations, you should consult a specialist for advice and take all necessary measures.

The aquarium shrimp is an omnivorous crustacean creature with great endurance. This species of inhabitants of the underwater world is so beautiful and graceful that more and more people are engaged in its reproduction every year. more people. The unique shape and color of the rainbow-colored shrimp make it a favorite in the home aquarium.

How they work

The body of these crustaceans consists of several segments, each of which has its own limbs designed for different types of activities. The first three parts are covered with a shell (it is a kind of protection) and fused to the head. Their limbs are whiskers, jaws and jaws.

The shrimp's mouthparts are very complex and have a fixed size. It consists of 3 pairs of jaws that grind food, and jaws (the first three pairs of thoracic limbs) that hold it at the mouth. To grasp prey and crawl, shrimp use the remaining 5 pairs of thoracic limbs. For swimming and bearing eggs (in females), they have so-called pleopods (abdominal legs). In males, their first pair has degenerated into a copulatory organ.

Area

IN wildlife shrimp can be found in almost all salt and freshwater bodies of water in the world. Moreover, each species of these arthropods has its own place of “birth”. For example, the rednose shrimp lives in the rivers of Venezuela, where there are a large number of deciduous trees. In the waters of the Pacific coast of Panama you can find the American fan type of these crustaceans. And the aquarium shrimp Amano in nature prefers mountains flowing into the Pacific Ocean.

Caring for these inhabitants of the home underwater world is almost the same as for other invertebrate inhabitants. One of the most important rules for keeping them in an aquarium is to install an aerator in it, since they need oxygen for normal life.

Optimal water degrees are from +15 to +30. At the same time, it was noticed that when the temperature drops to 18°C, the aquarium shrimp becomes inactive. But as soon as the water is made warmer, 26-30 degrees, it regains its activity. By the way, with sharp temperature fluctuations, these animals can die.

Aquarium shrimp, the maintenance of which does not require much effort, are unpretentious either in water filtration or in the presence of light. Although both will be necessary for better growth of the plants that these crustaceans feed on. But it is worth considering that they are very sensitive to chemical composition water, and even with a small chlorine content in it, the shrimp will die. For the same reason, it is unacceptable to use air fresheners or other similar sprays in the room where the aquarium is installed.

Nutrition

Aquarium freshwater shrimp they are unpretentious in food. They eat everything. Bloodworms, cyclops, aquatic insects, dead plants (such as algae), daphnia and much more are all excellent food for shrimp. Therefore, in the aquarium where they are kept, it is necessary to plant a variety of live plants (pistia, hornwort, they need to be fed no more than once every two days.

Aquarium shrimp: reproduction

The process of breeding these arthropods does not require any effort from humans; nature does everything itself. During the breeding season, the female secretes a special substance, thanks to which the males learn about her “readiness”. The mating process itself occurs quite quickly - no more than a second. It is easy to determine that the female is fertilized - a kind of saddle forms on her back (on different types different colour), inside which there is caviar. After some time, it moves under the abdomen, and after 3-4 weeks the fry are born. They begin to eat their parents' food immediately, so they do not need special care.

Attention! All of the above applies only to some types (for example, special, cherry). Many populations of these arthropods require special care during reproduction.

Peculiarities

Aquarium shrimp, the maintenance of which, at first glance, is very simple, can cause a lot of trouble. For example, if you forget to close the aquarium at night, the crustaceans can escape from their home. But on land they are not residents - they die in a matter of minutes.

During transportation, it is necessary to take care of the safety of the shrimp, as they can be injured by the walls of the vessel. To prevent this from happening, it is enough to put any plant in it that they could grab onto in case of emergency.

An increase in water temperature above 30 degrees can negatively affect shrimp. Therefore in summer time year, this parameter must be monitored more carefully, increasing water aeration.

Types of shrimp

Before buying these arthropods for your aquarium, you should understand their species, otherwise problems may arise. For example, an aquarium shrimp, when it becomes an adult, may turn out to be too large or, even worse, a predator.

A beautiful and non-aggressive shrimp with red stripes on a white background. It is very demanding in its maintenance (water pH from 6.2 to 6.8, temperature - up to 26°C, etc.), does not like overfeeding. Due to inbreeding, her body is slightly weaker than other species.

Harlequin. These shrimp are very small (up to 1.2 cm), have a red and white color and are very shy. They are also a little picky about the quality of water - pH from 7.0, temperature from 25°C. Reproduction without larval stage in fresh water. The gestation period is up to a month, after which 10-15 tiny shrimp are born.

Amano. Light green arthropods with a light stripe along the back and brown spots on the sides. They are “aquarium cleaners”, killing harmful algae and other plants. Quite peaceful with many types of fish. There are many problems with home breeding. For example, to produce offspring, the female is placed in a separate container (30 liters), where the water temperature is kept around 23°C, aeration is provided, there is a lamp and a sponge filter. It is worth considering that the main condition for the larvae is brackish water and a separate container into which they must be moved 2-3 days after birth.

Red-nosed. This is also a kind of “cleaner” of the reservoir. Such aquarium shrimp, the species of which can be distinguished by their method of movement (they do not run, but swim), can live in both fresh and salted water. Their maximum size- 4 cm. They do not like being kept in a reservoir where there are aggressive and predatory fish species. They have a rather nice coloring and a nose with a red spot.

Red cherry. This type of shrimp is one of the most popular. This is largely due to their brightly glowing red color and ease of reproduction. Aquarium fish are unpretentious to keep and feel great even when the aquarium contains a huge number of their fellows. Males are about 2 cm long, which is significantly smaller than females (an adult reaches 45 mm).

Shrimp compatibility

Before purchasing these wonderful aquarium inhabitants, it is worth considering that many of the species can mate. The result will be an indeterminate type and color of shrimp, which is generally not a good thing. Therefore, it is worth taking care of this in advance and buying only those species that cannot have common offspring. For a better understanding, we present to you the table “Aquarium Shrimp: Compatibility”.

Where "+" - mating is possible, "-" mating is impossible, "+-" - not studied.

Aquarium shrimp: compatibility with fish

These arthropod creatures lead a very secretive life. Which is not surprising. After all, aquarium shrimp, the types of which are diverse, are very attractive as food for a large number of inhabitants of the home underwater world. In the wild they are a very common food source. In their natural environment, these arthropods have a nondescript color, thanks to which they are saved from death. When purchasing a red or bright yellow shrimp for your aquarium, you should prepare for the fact that it will lose its color over time. The reason for this will be her night look life, which she will switch to after some time.

In order to save shrimp from death, it is worth placing them in those aquariums where there are non-aggressive fish with an oral cavity smaller than these arthropods. After all, if they are the right size, then there is almost a 100% guarantee that they will be absorbed. Most dangerous species fish with which shrimp should not be kept together:

• cockerels;
• swordtails;
• angelfish;
• fighters;
• bottom fish;
• platies;
• gurs;
• viviparous carp-toothed;
• Molinesia;
• cichlids;
• loaches.

Diseases

The second main problem is a fungal infection. It can also cause death in crustaceans, as it is capable of sucking out everything nutrients from their body and poison it with their toxic substances.

Viral infections also affect shrimp, which, unlike bacterial ones, are difficult to treat.

Shrimp are, without a doubt, a bright addition to any aquarium. It is a rare aquarist who, having seen this aquatic organism, will not want to have it in his collection. And then the question of the great variety of species of these arthropods arises before him. After all, the types of shrimp for aquarium keeping a huge variety, although their diversity is often underestimated. All, without exception, types of aquarium shrimp are equally similar to each other in structure, but differ greatly; there are small shrimp (1.8 cm) and truly large specimens (up to 35 cm) from each other in size. Of course, the coloring of the shrimp deserves special attention.

Classification issues

Classification of domestic shrimp is a complex and ambiguous issue because... There is no strict certainty on this issue. Of course, you can divide these aquarium inhabitants by size, color, origin, but this will entail even greater confusion and gossip. Strictly speaking, aquarium shrimp can definitely be divided in only two ways. By belonging to one or another family: Caridina, Neocaridina, Macrobrachium, Palaemonidae. Or by habitat - marine or freshwater, the latter, by the way, will be discussed later.

Within the crystal shrimp variety there is its own classification based on color.

All types of aquarium shrimp

As they say, it’s better to see once than to hear many times, in our case read, so let’s get to the heart of the matter, so what types of shrimp are there and what conditions do they require?

Amano

Caridina multidentata, Caridina japonica, Amano Shrimp.

Peace-loving inhabitant of freshwater aquariums. Appearance The translucent color of gray-blue shades with dots (in males) and strokes (in females) randomly located on the sides is quite primitive. An excellent cleaner and simply an irreplaceable fighter against thread.

They live in both small and large groups, but because... The Amano shrimp is quite difficult to breed; it is recommended to keep a flock of at least 10 individuals.

• Natural habitat: Korea, Taiwan, Yamato River in Japan.
• The size of the female is 5-6 cm, the male is 3-4 cm.
• Water parameters - temperature 23-27C, pH 7.2 - 7.5, hardness dH 2 - 20°.

Harlequin

Harlequin Shrimp.

This shrimp is truly miniature and partly for this reason it is very shy. Leads a nocturnal and twilight lifestyle. The complexity of the character is more than compensated by its outstanding appearance - the white and red coloration, outlined in black, is reminiscent of the harlequin from DC Comics, which is what the arthropod owes its name to.

• In nature, it lives in Indonesia on the island of Sulawesi.
• Size 0.6 – 1.3 cm.
• Lives in an aquarium from a year to a year and a half.
• Suitable parameters are temperature 26-29°C, acidity pH 7.2-8.4, hardness dH 15-25°.

White Pearl

Snowball, Snowflake, Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. White, White Pearl Shrimp, Snowball Shrimp.

This artificially bred beauty is unpretentious in maintenance and is suitable even for beginners. Its quiet and even gentle disposition makes it an excellent pet, provided that there are no predatory, very active or aggressive fish among its neighbors. Any aquarium will be decorated with a greyish-white arthropod, transparent as glass, so much so that distinguishing a female from a male is not at all difficult. In female representatives, the ovaries are visible in the light, and the caviar is completely white, reminiscent of snow, for which the shrimp received the nickname Snowflake.

They feel best in a group of 10 to 20 individuals.

• Not found in nature. Artificially bred by German breeder Ulf Gottschalk.
• Length 2 – 2.5 cm.
• Longevity of life is no more than 2 years.
• Conditions in the aquarium: temperature – 20-28°C, hardness – 6-20°, pH no more than 7.5.

Blue Pearl

Blue neocaridina, Blue shrimp, Blue Pearl Shrimp, Crystal Blue shrimp, Ice Blue, Ice blue, Blue ice.

It was bred by crossing blue neocardina with white individuals.

The color can change depending on the mood and well-being, and the more the color fades, the worse the arthropod feels. It is best to observe a pearl in a flock of 10 or more individuals in a spacious aquarium, at least 60 - 80 liters.

• China is the birthplace and region of selection.
• Standard size 2.5cm.
• 18-29°C, 6.8-7.5 Ph, dGH 2-25.
• Life cycle 2 years.

Atyidae is the common name for aquarium freshwater shrimp.

Blue neocardine

Blue neocardine, blue dream.

Brightly colored peaceful shrimp. There are difficulties regarding the reproduction of this species; the offspring often turn out to be greenish, gray-brown, or even completely transparent; the “blue” gene must be constantly fixed. Like most Atyidae, they feel best in a group of 10-20 individuals.

• The result of the work of German and Japanese breeders. First introduced to the public in the United States in 2006.
• The size of females is up to 3 cm, males up to 2.
• Lifespan is about 2 years.
• T° 18-28 degrees Celsius, pH 6.5 - 7.5, average hardness 2-25.

Blue brindle

Blue Tiger.

The brightest distinctive feature These tigers have orange eyes, which have not been seen in other aquarium arthropods. Despite exotic appearance and a high price for maintenance are not whimsical.

They require frequent infusions of fresh “blood” because due to inbreeding during the selection process they are prone to degeneration.

• Not found in nature. Bred from ordinary tiger shrimp.
• They live up to a maximum of 2 years.
• The average size is 2-2.5 cm.
• Acceptable water parameters: temperature from 15 to 30, acidity 6.5 -7.5 (they reproduce better in more acidic water), hardness from 1 to 15.

Blue aura

Aura Blue Dwarf Shrimp.

The Blue Aura shrimp is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful of the genus Atyidae, perhaps even the most beautiful of all blue shrimp and at the same time, as it often happens, quite mysterious. Information about the aura can be found at a minimum, this is due to the fact that it has settled in aquariums (especially Russian ones) quite recently; below is the most important information, in our opinion.

They reproduce easily and willingly; an experienced female carries up to 30 larvae under her tail. Despite the rarity, the conditions of detention are very prosaic; for a small flock, a 10-liter aquarium with high-quality water is enough, which will be changed frequently. The aura also has an unusual feature that cannot be ignored! After molting, this aquatic organism becomes almost transparent, but don’t worry, within a week the color will be restored and will delight you again.

• Origin: Thailand.
• Life expectancy is maximum 2 years.
• Size 2-3cm.
• Aquarium water parameters 23-25°, pH 7-7.5, medium hardness.

Blue-footed bee

Blue Leg shrimp, Blue Poso shrimp, Caridina ensifera Blue, Caridina blue tail, Pavlinka.

The appearance of the blue-legged bee is more than remarkable and is unlikely to leave any aquarist indifferent. Body gray, blue spots on the tail (for which the crustacean was nicknamed Peacock), blue legs and bright red antennae - antennae.

Bees have a peaceful disposition and easily get along with both non-aggressive species of arthropods and peace-loving fish.

• Natural habitat: Lake Poso, Indonesia, Sulawesi Islands.
• Maximum size 3cm.
• Life expectancy is two to three years.
• Water parameters - temperature 28-30°C, pH 7.5 – 8.5, hardness dH 7-15°, effective aeration is required.

Yellow shrimp

Lemon, Yellow Pearl, Canary.

The canary's calling card is, of course, its bright yellow color. This is the only representative of aquarium arthropods with this color, however, with age, the pet acquires an orange tint, which does not make it any less cute.

If they are undernourished, they can eat all the vegetation around them.

• Not found in nature.
• The size of the yellow shrimp is 2.5 - 3 cm.
• Maximum age 2, rarely 3 years
• Optimal conditions: water 15 - 28°C, acidity 6.8-8.0 Ph.

Green shrimp

Babaulti, caridina babaulti, Green Midget shrimp.

The bright and active green babaulti shrimp was discovered in India during an expedition and described in 1918. This species has often been subjected to selection; currently 5 color variations are known - blue, white red-nosed, brown, orange. The most common color found in aquariums is green, most of which were brought from India, and only a small part was born in aquariums.

• Homeland India (small rivers and streams)
• Size up to 3.5cm
• Water: Temperature from 20 to 28, hardness – 5-20, acidity – 6.5-8. Aeration and frequent water changes of about 20% of the volume are required.

Cardinal

Cardinal Shrimp and Caridina sp. "Cardinal", Denerli, Caridina dennerli.

Many atyidae have a bizarre, memorable appearance, but even among them, the Cardinal, which recently appeared in aquariums, stands out very clearly. The color ranges from red to cherry, and the always-on-trend white polka dots on the sides. Thin and long legs and the sharp nose only add to the Cardinal Shrimp's aristocracy. Despite the apparent simplicity, keeping these arthropods has a lot of pitfalls and therefore this species is not suitable for beginners!

• Natural habitat: Indonesia, rocky areas of Lake Matano on the island of Sulawesi.
• Size 1 – 2cm.
• Water parameters - temperature 26 - 29C, pH 7 - 9, hardness dH 9-15.

Macrobrachnums, Macrobrachium assamense.

The ring-armed shrimp is a relatively large species for an aquarium arthropod. Females reach a size of 5 cm, males are even larger and grow up to 7. The marbled color, like many other species, depends on nutrition and soil. One claw is larger than the other, but this is clearly visible only in large male individuals.

Macrobrahnums are aggressive towards each other and towards other neighbors. Although they are predominantly nocturnal, they are ready to actively stalk prey at any time. Therefore, forget about the idea of ​​keeping ringed fish with other arthropods or small fish. For these tireless hunters, large fish of at least 5 cm, living in medium and upper layers home pond.

• They live in nature in the Eastern Himalayas, in local mountain lakes and rivers.
• The length reaches 7cm.
• Longevity is 1.5 - 3 years.
• Conditions in the aquarium: temperature - 21-25°C, hardness - 10-20°, pH 7 - 7.5. Enhanced filtration and aeration are required, as well as weekly water changes; if it is cold, this will have a positive effect on life expectancy.

A minimum of 10-15 liters is required per individual. Requires school keeping - 1 male and several females.

Halocaridina rubra.

The owner of a non-trivial appearance, the red Hawaiian shrimp, in a stressful situation, ceases to be red! The color fades and the animal camouflages itself into its environment. The character is peaceful and accommodating, but the shrimp itself can become the subject of hunting for other inhabitants of the aquarium.

There are companies that sell Hawaiian red shrimp in sealed "ecospheres". The shrimp in them slowly dies before your eyes, and this process can last up to 3 years. All this time, the shrimp feeds only on its shell from molt to molt. Halocaridina rubra is a very tenacious and immensely patient creature.

• In good conditions, the maximum recorded lifespan of this baby is 20 years.
• As the name implies, it lives in Hawaii.
• The standard size does not exceed 1.2 cm.
• The life cycle is on average 8 - 10 years.
• Surprisingly, both salty and fresh water. With a temperature of 20 - 23 degrees, although it can tolerate a range of 15-30 ° C, pH 8.2 - 8.4.

Red shrimp

Neocardina heteropoda, Cherry, Cherry.

Most popular and widely known species aquarium arthropods. Bright, unpretentious, readily breeding Cherries have long and happily inhabited the home ponds of aquarists around the world. Read more about Cherry shrimp on our website.

• Neocardina, the species from which cherries were bred, lives in Taiwan.
• Size up to 4 cm.
• Lifespan is about 3 years.
• T° 20 – 29 degrees Celsius, pH 6-8, hardness up to 15°dH. Be sure to have plants and mosses in which the cherries can hide.

The species obtained as a result of selection of the red shrimp is not much different from it, with the exception of a much brighter and more saturated color ranging from red to cherry.

Also bred in Taiwan from the species Neocardina heteropoda, it differs from its ancestor in that this shrimp is orange from head to toe. Orange fire fry are born lighter in color for their own protection, but as they live, the color becomes more saturated and bright.

Red crystal

Red Bee, Crystal Red Shrimp, Red Bee.

Aquarium crystals are peaceful and have a very memorable appearance, for which they have gained great popularity all over the world. Within this species, as well as among its predecessor the Bee shrimp, there is a whole hierarchy of colors of its own. Thus, some types of red bees, for example, Snow White, which will be mentioned below, are very expensive, and some have a very affordable price.

• The result of selection work. The first Crystal Red Shrimp was created by Japanese breeder Hisayasu Suzuki in 1993 while breeding classic black-striped bees.
• The size of females is up to 2.5 cm, males up to 2 cm.
• Lifespan is about 2 years.
• T° 20 -27 degrees Celsius, pH 5.5 - 7, average hardness 4-6. They are very sensitive to dirty water - do not forget about filtration and weekly replacement of at least a third of the volume of the aqua.

Caridina cf. cantonensis "Snow White".

Snow White is a Red Crystal species.

Snow white shrimp is one of the types of red bee shrimp. Snow Whites are found in varying degrees of whiteness and, of course, the most valuable are completely white specimens, and the least valuable, in turn, are arthropods with a predominant area of ​​​​transparent body segments. The conditions for its maintenance are somewhat different from traditional crystals:

• Size adult up to 3 cm.
• The average life length is 2-4 years.
• Required temperature - 25–30°C, hardness - 1–10, acidity - 6.0–7.5 pH.

Red ruby

Caridina cf. cantonensis "Red Ruby".

Another representative of the crystal genus. In contrast to Snow White, it is absolutely not whimsical, withstands a huge range of acidity and hardness, but in “home” selection, the offspring may not become as bright as its parents, and so on over and over again.

• Size up to 3.5 cm, other parameters do not differ from the ancestor described above - the Red Bee.

As a rule, the higher the class of shrimp, the more difficult it is to care for.

Ruby Red shrimp set a record for high price in 2009 - it was bought at auction for 4,800 euros.

Caridina cantonensis sp. Red Tiger.

Red tiger shrimp in its natural environment habitat is perfectly camouflaged - the light beige body of the arthropod is surrounded by thin red stripes, and the bottom of its native reservoirs is covered with red stones - there the shrimp is invisible, and in an aquarium it is impossible not to pay attention to it! It goes well with peaceful small fish and contrasts beautifully with plants.

• In nature, it lives in the reservoirs of southern China.
• They live on average up to 2 years.
• The size reaches 3.5 cm.
• Acceptable water parameters: temperature from 25 to 30, acidity 6.5 -7.8, hardness from 1 to 15 dGH.

Red Noice Shrimp, Pinocchio, Rudolph, Rhino, Rhino.

I would compare the red-nosed shrimp to an arrow - thin, sharp, graceful, this ten-legged beauty will not leave you indifferent! The body of the shrimp is almost transparent, but the shade can change depending on the mood of the shrimp. Thus, a milky tint indicates illness in living creatures.

In its natural environment, this shrimp is a vegetarian, so if there is a lack of vegetation in its diet, it will happily consume aquarium plants.

• Homeland India and Southeast Asia. Reservoirs with standing water or very weak currents.
• Females reach a size of 4 cm, males 2.5.
• Necessary conditions: temperature 20-28°C, acidity pH 6.4-7.5, hardness dH 8-15°, water must be brackish 8-10 grams of table salt per liter of water, do not forget about this when choosing neighbors for the red-nosed beauty and plants for decorating the aquarium.

Macrobrachium sp. "Inle-See."

Inle Lake is located in Myanmar (Southeast Asia), it is a truly large body of water, its size is 22 km by 10 km, and the mysterious Inle Lake shrimp lives here. This arthropod belongs to the Palaemonidae species of shrimp and is a carnivore. The appearance is modest - a transparent body with reddish stripes and strokes of various types.

• In nature they live, as the name suggests, in Inle Lake.
• The length reaches 3cm.
• Conditions in the aquarium: temperature – 25-29°C, hardness – 5-9°, pH 6-7.5.

Mandarin duck

Orange Sunkist Shrimp, Tangerine Shrimp, Caridina sp. Orange Borneo, Caridina thambipillai, Fanta Shrimp, Orange Soda Shrimp.

Peaceful and funny, just like its name, the Mandarin shrimp is a typical representative of the genus Caridina. transparent body orange color, sometimes with reddish dots and streaks on the sides. They can only be kept in a flock, preferably at least 8 individuals.

• They live naturally on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia.
• Life expectancy is no more than 2 years.
• Length. Females reach 3 cm, males do not grow larger than 2.5.
• Conditions in the aquarium: temperature - 20-28 ° C, hardness -6-15 °, pH 6.5-8.

Nigerian shrimp

Nigerian shrimp, Atiya, Cameroon filter feeder.

A more than unusual aquarium shrimp Atiya. It is very large for an aquarium, its color is more than modest from grayish blue to bleached blue, but what The most interesting thing is that she has no claws! The thing is that the Nigerian shrimp lives in reservoirs with strong currents and obtains its food by filtration. A peaceful and interesting arthropod, it will never offend your fish.

• Live in western Africa
• The size of an adult female reaches 18 cm, males are smaller - a maximum of 14.
• Water parameters: T 23-28°C, pH 6.5 - 7.5.

Desmocaris trispinosa.

You can confuse the Nigerian swimming shrimp and Atia (which was mentioned above) only by name, because outwardly these arthropods are complete antipodes of each other. The NPK is small and transparent in appearance, generally inconspicuous and interesting mainly for its unusual method of movement for shrimps; it seems to hover and float above the surface.

• Homeland - Africa.
• Temperature - 25–29°C, pH - 6.0–7.5, hardness - 6–9 dGH.

Another serious difference between the NPK and the Nigerian shrimp is that the latter requires a strong current, while the former prefers completely stagnant water.

Ninja

Caridina – serratirostris, Ninja Shrimp, honey or Christmas shrimp.

Ninja shrimp have their mysterious name for a reason, and among their many nicknames, “chameleon” is missing. We have already written that some shrimp are capable of changing color during stress, fright, or, conversely, courting a female; a ninja is a completely different matter; it is an unrivaled master of camouflage. Watching a shrimp change color depending on what pebble it sits on is a real pleasure! In addition, there are no difficulties in keeping this arthropod, but the excellent resume of caridina – serratirostris is overshadowed, only by the fact that reproduction in an aquarium requires titanic efforts and, as a result, is almost impossible.

• Region of origin - Asia, more precisely Japan, Philippine, Polynesian islands, Fiji island, Madagascar island.
• Life expectancy is on average 2-3 years.
• The size of the male is up to 2.5 cm, females are 1 cm larger.
• Water parameters: temperature 22-27°C, acidity 6.4-7.3, hardness dH 6-20°.

Macrobrachium carcinus.

This article has already written about shrimp of the genus Macrobrachium, and the main thing you should remember about them is that almost all representatives of this predator species, so you should choose their neighbors very carefully; the long-clawed shrimp is no exception.

Males perform a very entertaining performance for females mating dance, but due to natural shyness, the arthropod dances only in the dark.

At home in the countries of Central and South America, Macrobrachium carcinus itself is hunted, local residents eat them.

• Natural habitat is fast large streams of Central and South America.
• Average size 30 -35cm.
• Maintenance requirements are as simple as possible - warm, clean water from 22 to 27°C, and a strong current.

Bee

Caridina cantonensis sp. “Bee” – Black Bee Shrimp.

Bees include many other shrimp-bearing different names, but the history of appearance and living conditions of these arthropod relatives are the same. Therefore, when reading about the bee shrimp, keep in mind that it talks about: striped bee, black bee, princess bee, King Kong shrimp, Panda shrimp, Bumblebee shrimp, Black Diamond (aka black tiger) and some others.

The bee has almost equal proportions of black and white, the shrimp Black Diamond, King Kong are almost black, the Panda has white areas at the junction of the cephalothorax and rostrum, as well as stripes on the abdomen.

The higher the class of black diamonds (as well as the red ones, which we have already discussed), the more complex their content, and King Kongs, for example, almost never breed in amateur aquariums.

• Country of origin: Taiwan (man-bred).
• Average life expectancy is 1.5 years.
• Size – up to 3.5 cm.
• Necessary conditions: temperature 20-26°C, acidity pH 6.0-6.8, hardness Gh 2-5 °dH.

Riley

Riley Shrimp.

The light and weightless Riley shrimp was bred from the genus Neocaridina heteropoda by the famous breeder Suzuki Hisuasu among aquarists. The red rili were the first to appear and they were so loved by the aquarium community that soon orange, blue, yellow ones appeared... The value of the Rili Shrimp depends on how much of the shrimp's body is transparent. This active little one searches for food all day, swimming around the aquarium.

• Launched in Taiwan in 1996.
• Average length 2 cm.
• Water: temperature 18-28°C, acidity pH 6.4 - 7.6, hardness dH 4-14°.

Indian, Asian, Thai, Herb shrimp. Ghost, GLASS SHRIMP, Palaemonetes paludosus.

There are 2 types of relatively large glass shrimp, extremely similar in appearance, so we will divide them according to their habitat into Asian and North American. Both are transparent, for which they were nicknamed “glass”; the Asian one has the nickname Grass Shrimp, and the American one is often called the Ghost.

Both of them can build their own shelters if sand or very fine gravel is used as soil. Large individuals can show aggression during the breeding season; to avoid this, stick to the proportion of 1 shrimp: 4 liters of water or more.

• The average lifespan is 1-2 years, rarely longer.
• Size up to 5cm females, males maximum 4cm, both in good conditions.
• Here's a look at good conditions The contents of these shrimp are different:
• Asians. Water temperature 20-28 degrees, acidity pH 6.5-7.5, hardness does not matter.
• Americans. Temperature 18-29 degrees, acidity pH – 6.5-7.5, hardness GH – 5-8.
• For both, it is necessary to have high-quality filtration and aeration, as well as weekly water changes of up to 20% of the aquarium volume.

Filter Anopsis

Atyopsis moluccensis, banana, bamboo, forest shrimp.

The appearance of Anopsis is unlikely to make you fall in love with it. Brown stripes on its yellowish body make it invisible in nature, but this crustacean does not intend to hide in an aquarium. He will definitely occupy some peak and begin to catch food with his paws - fans (which replaced claws). This is a very interesting and even bewitching sight. If the filter feeder begins to spend more time at the bottom in search of food, it means that it is malnourished, because its feeding method is not entirely normal and it is more difficult for it to get enough than others.

• Homeland - Southeast Asia.
• Maximum age 2 years.
• Length 6-10cm.
• Comfortable parameters: temperature 23-29C, acidity pH: 6.5-7.5, hardness dH: 6-15.

Leander modestus.

This is perhaps the only aquarium shrimp whose native reservoirs are located, including on the territory of the Russian Federation.

The appearance of the Leander is not very expressive - an almost transparent body and very long antennae, sometimes exceeding the length of its owner. But you can watch this shrimp around the clock, because, unlike many of their counterparts, they are active even during the day. They live in peace and harmony with the fish, they play the role of a cleaner perfectly, picking at the ground with small claws. Conflicts within the group are possible if there is not enough space in the aquarium. One Khankai shrimp should contain at least 7-10 liters.

• Region of natural residence – Far East, Lake Khanka, etc.
• The body size of females is 3-4 cm, males, as is most often the case with arthropods, are smaller; their length varies from 2 to 2.5 cm.
• Hankaika requires very clean water, so you can’t skimp on a filter. 24-hour aeration is required. The temperature is tolerated at 15-30 °C, although it is better, of course, not to take it to extremes and stay in the range of 20 -24 °C. The ideal option would be if the water temperature in the aquarium drops in winter and rises in the spring, closer to summer, in order to get closer to the natural annual cycle. Hardness no less than 10. No special requirements for acidity.

Caridina Simoni Simoni.

The small, transparent Ceylon shrimp is interesting, first of all, for its active behavior - it actively scurries around the aquarium all day in search of food and does not at all try to hide anywhere. Color varies from brownish and greenish to blue.

• Homeland Malaysia, Philippine Islands, Sri Lanka, Sumatra, Java.
• Length 1.8-2.5 cm.
• Maintenance requirements: strong aeration and filtration, weekly water changes of at least 1/3. water temperature 20-30°C, acidity pH 5.5-8, hardness dH 3-15°.

Macrobrachium nipponense.

A very elegant Japanese shrimp resembles a glass figurine - a transparent, slightly brownish body with a contrasting black stripe a third of the length, brick-red claws for males and orange for females, and beady eyes complete the picture.

The character is nasty and even aggressive, so the only neighbors of this species can be arthropods of similar size and fish that will not allow themselves to be offended.

In the group, maintain a balance of 1 male -2.3 females.

• They live naturally in Japan, which becomes obvious from the name.
• Size 6-8cm.
• Water temperature 26-30, acidity pH 6.4-6.8, hardness does not matter.

Bottom line

Whatever type of shrimp you choose for yourself, remember a few simple rules that will help you and make life easier for your pets:

1. Copper is contraindicated for any type of shrimp. Be careful, because it is contained in many medicines for fish.
2. Any arthropod (and fish will be grateful) must live in a clean environment, so think about the issue of filtration and water changes in advance.
3. The presence of plants in the aquarium is mandatory. It is better if these are mosses and small-leaved ones for small species and larger ones for large-sized arthropods.
4. If you are planning to do breeding, theoretically the crossing is possible as follows: Caridina + Caridina, Macrobrachium + Macrobrachium, Neocaridina + Neocaridina, etc. Shrimp belonging to different families not only do not interbreed, but can also conflict when kept together. However, one should not conclude that any species can be crossed within one family. The issue of shrimp reproduction is delicate and individual, but if you decide to start breeding these animals, you will not regret it.

The world of aquarium shrimp is more than diverse and everyone can find a shrimp to suit their taste.

Introduction

I was prompted to write this material by numerous requests for help on the forum related to keeping shrimp in an aquarium.

Just 10 years ago these were very rare and exotic inhabitants of aquariums. And now they have become fashionable, and the number of people wanting to have shrimp is constantly growing. But if the rules for caring for fish and plants are more or less generally known, then people are usually familiar with crustaceans only gastronomically.

There are many excellent articles about shrimp written by wonderful authors. This text is in no way a replacement for them. My main idea: to give a short introduction to shrimp keeping for newbies. The materials were selected taking into account the most common errors.
In order to facilitate perception, the material is divided into two parts: theoretical and practical.

Part 1. Theoretical

Meat or fish?

Once on the subway I heard a conversation between two women. They discussed whether it was possible to eat shrimp during Lent, when it is permissible to eat fish. Their main question was: are shrimp meat or fish? I wanted to tell them that shrimp are decapod arthropods. But I changed my mind, because... such an answer would confuse them even more. And why deprive people of the pleasure of courageously overcoming the difficulties that they create for themselves?
So, shrimp owners should know much more about their pets than the average person. Indeed, in an aquarium, these creatures are absolutely helpless. Their life depends entirely on the competence of the owner.

Let's take a look at the place of shrimp in the scientific classification:

The key word here is arthropods. Therefore, immediately erase from your head the stereotype about the relationship between fish and shrimp. What they have in common is only their habitat. And according to their biological properties, they are “relatives” of cockroaches, spiders and bedbugs.

Which is more difficult to keep in an aquarium: fish or shrimp? It is impossible to answer unequivocally. But for a beginner, little familiar with the “pitfalls” of aquarium keeping, the answer is much clearer: casual fish are more tenacious. Therefore, shrimp are more difficult to keep.

Who sold me this hamster?

An old bearded joke... A man brings a bear to the poultry market and asks the sellers: “Well, who sold me this hamster a year ago?”

Shrimp also have their own hamsters and bears. Therefore, you need to be able to distinguish between them in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. For example, under the guise of a harmless booger, incompetent or unscrupulous sellers can sell macrobrachium rosenbergi, which grows up to 18 centimeters, freeing the aquarium from all fish, plants and its less fortunate relatives. In fact, the Rosenbergs are beautiful and interesting animals. But they need to be started consciously, providing appropriate conditions.

However, people usually want peaceful shrimp. And this is quite understandable. But how to distinguish them from predators? It's quite simple: predatory shrimp have claws that are visible to the naked eye.

I will not review all aquarium shrimp here. Moreover, new species and breeds are constantly appearing on the market. I would like to focus on the especially popular ones. Without having any statistics, I’ll take the risk of identifying the top three:

• Neocaridina denticulata Red Cherry, Cherry shrimp or simply cherry.
  The undoubted advantages of this shrimp are: unpretentiousness, fertility, bright color, wide availability. The disadvantages include small size. However, this is even good for miniature aquariums.
  The approximate lifespan of cherry shrimp is 1 year. This is certainly not enough. But it is compensated by their fertility.
• Amano shrimp, Yamato Shrimp, Caridina japonica, Japanese pond shrimp or simply amanka.
  She became widely known thanks to Takashi Amano. Quite large, active, can eat filamentous algae. But it does not reproduce in an aquarium. But the lifespan is much longer than that of cherries. My seven Amanks have been living for 3.5 years.
• Atyopsis Moluccensis, Banana Shrimp, filter feed shrimp.
  These funny large shrimp can often be found in pet stores. But they are much more difficult to maintain than amanki or cherries. In addition, they are not very active. And many people mistakenly believe that a filter-feeding shrimp can somehow replace a filter. Unfortunately, it is filter feeders that most often die from inexperienced owners.
  One filter has lived with me for 3 years, the other is already on its fourth year.

Having mastered the simple rules of keeping these relatively unpretentious creatures, you can start the rest.

What you need to know...

What are these rules? Let's look at them right now.

Water quality

When dealing with shrimp, never forget that water quality is the most important thing in their life. They are extremely sensitive to any changes.

In nature, if shrimp sense something is wrong, they try to quickly swim as far as possible from the bad place.

Unfortunately, they have nowhere to escape from the aquarium. The poor creatures are rushing along the walls in panic, trying in vain to find a stream that will lead them to clean water. Large shrimp are trying to jump out. Those who succeed die on the floor. The rest are in the aquarium.
This is the sad picture of poisoning with nitrogenous compounds among simple-minded owners who do not spare food for their pets. Or in case of an incorrect start in an aquarium with fish.

What to do in such a situation? Change the water?
As they say, it’s too late to drink Borjomi if your liver has fallen off.
Replacements are not very effective. Some of the poor fellows can be saved if they are immediately transplanted into clean water. But only owners of several aquariums can afford this. And in tap water, even if it is clean, shrimp also have little chance.

To avoid this situation, you need to remember that shrimp are much more sensitive to water content harmful substances than fish. We will return to the topic of monitoring the concentration of nitrogen compounds. In the meantime, let's look at the table of numerical estimates that I collected based on personal experience.

What other substances are harmful to shrimp?
Most branded aquarium products are safe. And for those that are dangerous, this is always indicated in the instructions.

But can our people get by with only branded drugs? There will always be “knowledgeable” people who will recommend some kind of miracle remedy. But no one has yet canceled their head on their shoulders. And for an informed decision-making, I want to give a review collected from the reviews of many shrimp owners.

Separately, I would like to touch on a sore subject - algae. In my opinion, in the fight against them, many people reach the point of absurdity. Shrimp are unlikely to share the aesthetic feelings of the owner. For them, algae is food, a useful substrate and an additional water purifier. However, in case of blooming water, it is necessary to ensure good aeration.
Think carefully before pouring pesticides, whether it is worth it. In general, excess algae can always be controlled without the use of algaecides. And even if many people claim that everything is fine with them, this does not mean that in your case there will be no problems. It is clear that the shrimp want to live, despite the good efforts of the owner. But each aquarium has its own specific conditions. Because of this, some people are lucky and others are not. Don't risk your pets' lives in vain.

And a couple more tips:

• Wash your hands thoroughly without soap before putting them into the shrimp aquarium.
• In the summer I constantly use fumitox. Many shrimp owners do too. There are no negative consequences.

Once again about water

Did I mention that shrimp are very sensitive to water quality? I think he said. But it’s not superfluous to say this again.

Oxygen

It is very important to provide a large amount of oxygen in the aquarium water. Shrimp breathe through gills, much like fish. But the efficiency of fish gills is much higher. Therefore, shrimp need more oxygen. Where the fish survives, the shrimp may die from suffocation.
Extreme situations leading to a sharp drop in oxygen concentration are: outbreaks of blue-green algae (water blooms), bacterial turbidity, an increase in temperature to 30 0 C, high oxidation of water (due to excess organic matter).
Fish have another important advantage: a swim bladder, which allows them to float closer to the surface, where there is much more oxygen due to gas exchange with air. Shrimp are heavier than water and cannot swim for long. The only salvation for them is floating plants, which they can cling to and breathe near the surface.

Shrimp do not breathe through their mouths. Their gills are located in the central part of the body (in the carapace), and they push water there with cilia located under the belly. And too much movement may mean that the shrimp is lacking oxygen. And females also ventilate their eggs this way.

Filter feeders are the most demanding of oxygen. I would call the cherry ones the least picky.

Water temperature

Comfortable temperature for shrimp: 22-25 o C. Although, Sulawesi savages require no lower than 27 o. But for most the limit is 32 o. In addition, the warmer the water, the less necessary oxygen dissolves in it.
One summer there was terrible heat for almost two weeks. The temperature in the aquariums remained 30-31. Everyone survived. But this is force majeure.
Temperatures above 29 o are harmful to the health of shrimp.
The lower limit in my cherry shrimp tank dropped to 13 o without visible damage. I think that Amano could also survive this. But I wouldn’t take that risk with filters.

Hydrochemistry

What can be said about the hydrochemical parameters of water? Yes, advanced shrimp owners are usually well versed in such things as pH, KH, GH. You need to understand this especially well if you are going to install a carbon dioxide supply.
For most shrimp, the normal pH is between 6.5 and 8.5. Optimum 7.5-8. That is, a slightly alkaline environment.
High hardness is better than low hardness. For example, there are quite a few reports of problems with shedding in soft water (dGH< 5). В то же время, мне не приходилось слышать о проблемах в жёсткой воде.
Although, for example, red crystals feel better in softer and slightly acidic water.

But the most important quality of water is stability! Shrimp are able to adapt to a new environment, even if the parameters are not entirely favorable. But they will not be able to adapt to chaotic fluctuations in parameters (which are inevitable when trying to use pH-minus or plus products).

Organic

And all shrimp love water with a small organic content. Absolutely no organic matter (tap water) is very bad. Excess organic matter is also no good. Useful organic matter includes substances released by plants. Driftwood is also very welcome. Oak leaves or alder cones have a positive effect. At one time I used granulated peat in the filter. The water was yellowish, but all the shrimp felt great.

Shedding

A physiological feature of shrimp, like all arthropods, is their hard chitinous shell, which protects the body from all sides. This armor greatly helps them survive in the wild, and in some aquariums too.

But there is a drawback to this: the shrimp grows and the suit becomes tight. Therefore, periodically they have to shed their old skin and grow a new one. This is called molting.

By the way, there is another unexpected bonus: along with a new skin, severed limbs can miraculously grow back.

But everything is far from so simple! The molting process is very responsible. After all, at this moment the shrimp becomes very vulnerable. In addition, to grow a new shell, the body uses “fat reserves” accumulated earlier. And if the shrimp did not receive enough substances from food, then there may not be enough building materials for new armor. This is fraught with various pathologies and even the death of the shrimp.

In addition to natural molting, there are also unplanned ones due to a sharp change in water parameters. This is a rather dangerous and undesirable phenomenon in the case when the shrimp has not had time to recover from the previous molt. And if the shrimp had caviar, it is usually lost.

What is a sudden change in water parameters from the point of view of shrimp?
Oddly enough, this could even be a transplant to a neighboring aquarium. After all, shrimp feel the difference very subtly. Therefore, do not try to transplant a pregnant female (“so that the babies don’t get eaten”). It is unlikely that she will appreciate such good intentions.

A change in parameters can be caused by improper start-up of the carbon dioxide supply system, introduction of chemicals that violate the environment, and even global weeding of fast-growing plants.

When some impressionable aquarists see empty skins for the first time, they sometimes mistake them for corpses. And I myself was caught once: the body of a filter feeder was lying at the bottom, and only the whiskers were twitching. I was about to be very upset, but upon closer inspection it turned out to be an empty shell into which a snail had climbed. And the mustache moved because of her movement.

The corpses of any shrimp in an aquarium look exactly the same as those in the frozen section of the grocery store - twisted, red and motionless.
Empty skins are translucent and usually white. And they are very light, so they sway even from a slight current and can lie on the leaves.

Behavior and Compatibility

Most shrimp are social creatures. Perhaps this does not apply only to filter feeders who are single introverts.
I can say for sure that the behavior of seven amankas is very different from three. In a group, shrimp behave more actively and boldly, hiding less. Therefore, it is much more interesting to watch them.
I didn’t notice any special relationships between different types of shrimp.

Another feature is 24/7 activity. It seems like it doesn't really matter to them whether it's day or night.

The keeping of shrimp together is limited by two factors:

• Larger shrimp can eat smaller ones. This is usually the fault of predators, such as macrobrachiums. However, I already warned that it is better to start with peaceful ones.
• Some seemingly different shrimp turn out to be able to enter into mixed marriages. For example, this is possible between bees, tigers and crystals. () This does not harm them themselves, but the offspring come out completely unattractive. Is it worth paying through the nose for beautiful people? decorative shrimp, if they are replaced by dull half-breeds?

Shrimp and fish

And of course, we cannot ignore the relationship between shrimp and fish.

Unfortunately, even small fish often prey on juvenile shrimp. And larger fish are not averse to snacking on adult cherries. Amanks and filter feeders can fend for themselves. But during the molting period, they can easily become prey for cichlids or macropods. There are known cases of amankas being eaten by roosters.
There are very few completely safe fish. Among them I would name microanalysis ( Microrasbora sp. Galaxy), otocinclus ( Otocinclus macrospilus), acanthophthalmus ( Acanthophthalmus kuhli) and gastromyzons ( Gastromyzon punctulatus). And also, oddly enough, a huge and formidable Gyrinoheylus ( Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) - a thunderstorm for fish - turned out to be absolutely harmless to shrimp. True, I once heard that he gave a thrashing to predatory shrimp. But, apparently, they were the first to make an attempt on his life.
The main trouble is that even in the absence of aggression from the fish, the shrimp try to stay out of harm's way. They begin to hide and switch to nocturnal activity.

For example, in my 100-liter aquarium, filter feeders, amankas, cherries and Indian red noses coexisted well.
Among the fish there were: Gyrinocheilus, two Siamese algae eaters (SAE), wedge-shaped rasboras, honey gouramis and dwarf loaches.
Juvenile cherry species were predominantly nocturnal. In addition, they occupied the insides of the filters. The adults climbed calmly during the day.

I think that for the first time the theory will be enough. In the next part we will look at practical issues of shrimp science.

No entries found.

One of the decorations for your “jar” can be aquarium shrimp.
Keeping shrimp in an aquarium is becoming more and more popular every year. There are many types of them. Like all living organisms, they require certain conditions. Some types of aquarium shrimp are unpretentious and are suitable for beginners.
In this article we will talk about keeping shrimp in an aquarium, breeding shrimp in an aquarium, and also consider what types of shrimp exist for an aquarium.

Shrimps- These are crustaceans that live in both salt water and fresh water. Freshwater aquarium shrimp are relatives of those individuals that, in the process of evolution, have adapted to live in fresh water bodies.

Shrimp for the aquarium. Description

All types of aquarium shrimp differ from each other both in size and body color. Despite all these differences, the body structure of aquarium shrimp is the same.

These crustaceans do not have clearly defined claws. Instead, shrimp have jaws that are designed to hold, capture and deliver food to the mouth. In addition to the feeding process, the jaws also perform a motor function.

Shrimp red crystal

Aquarium shrimp also have a well-developed tail, which helps them in case of danger. In addition to the tail, they can boast of a good sense of smell, a sense of touch, which is provided by long antennae, and large viewing angles, which, in turn, are provided by the eyes.

The size of shrimp depends on the species. Medium and small species reach sizes of 2-5 cm. Large species- 15 cm.

Aquarium shrimp: types

• cherry Body color: red, females are more inconspicuous. Dimensions 2.5-3 cm. female, 2 cm. male. An unpretentious type of shrimp. Perfect option for newbies. It reproduces quickly and can live in small aquariums.
• blue or bee shrimp. Shrimp with a bluish color. Relatively the new kind. The sizes of the individuals are 2 cm, male, 2.5 cm, female. Not aggressive and unpretentious in maintenance. The reproduction rate is high.
• yellow.As the name suggests, the color of this type of shrimp is yellow. Males reach a size of 2.5 cm, females - 3 cm. Not aggressive, unpretentious species. Like previous species, yellow shrimp reproduce quickly. An excellent option for beginners.
• green. Shrimp with a greenish color. Dimensions: 3 cm males, 3.5 cm females. Easy to maintain, non-aggressive. Playback speed is average.

From left to right: Green Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp, Yellow Shrimp, Blue Shrimp

• rednose shrimp. It has a reddish-transparent color, with a pronounced red nose. Can be used to control unwanted algae. Body size reaches: females 4 cm, males 3 cm. For breeding, the larvae require salt water. Not aggressive, medium difficulty.
• Amano shrimp. Light green, transparent color with a light stripe on the back that stretches from the head to the tail. Adult size: 4 cm male, 5 cm female. A peaceful type of shrimp, easy to keep. Larvae need salt water.
• harlequin shrimp. Has a bright contrasting color. Black, red and white colors are combined. This is a small species of shrimp, males - 0.6 cm, females - 1.2 cm. Low speed playback For beginners, maintaining this species will be more difficult.
• cardinal. Bright looking shrimp. The color varies from dark red-pink to light red with white dots along the body. Dimensions: male 2 cm, female 2.5 cm. Reproduction rate is low. Requires experience in content (not for beginners).
• red crystal. Also called the red bee. A popular species in the aquarium hobby. Has a bright red color. Dimensions of an adult: male 2.5 cm, female 3 cm. High speed reproduction. Beginners may have difficulty with the content.

Conditions for keeping shrimp in an aquarium

In general, freshwater shrimp are not difficult to keep in an aquarium, unlike some ornamental species.

One of important factors There is - the right aquarium for shrimp, with enough space for each individual. Two specimens coexist in one liter of water. Although some species feel great in aquariums that have been replanted with their own kind.

In most cases, shrimp are kept in separate aquariums, shrimp tanks. You can also add them to fish. But even peaceful fish can hunt small shrimp. Therefore, it is important that crustaceans have more places to hide: decorations, plants, stones.

The optimal temperature for keeping shrimp will be 20-28°C. But a drop to 15°C will not harm them. The shrimp will become less mobile and stop reproducing. But an increase in temperature to 32°C is destructive.

You need to change the water no more than once a week, about 1/5 of the total volume. The water that is added must be heated to room temperature. Shrimp can live in tap water. The rigidity should be higher. Since during the molting process they need the necessary elements to strengthen the new shell.

It is important to siphon the soil thoroughly, since the life of shrimp produces a lot of waste. And with an increase in ammonia, diseases can occur.

Lack of oxygen also has a bad effect on shrimp. Therefore, install a good compressor.

If you have a shrimp tank and no one lives in the aquarium except crustaceans, it is not necessary to put it.

It is also not necessary to light an aquarium where shrimp live. But for a more attractive look, we still recommend installing at least minimal lighting. And don't forget about the lid. Since some types of these crustaceans can jump out of the aquarium.

Let us remind you once again about shelters. It is very good when there are live plants in the aquarium, especially.

From left to right: Rednose Shrimp, Cardinal Shrimp, Harlequin Shrimp, Amano Shrimp

What to feed shrimp in an aquarium?

Aquarium shrimp are omnivorous and unpretentious to food. They eat leftover fish food and eat algae formations, thereby cleaning the plants and aquarium. They feed on dead plant leaves and dead fish. You can feed shrimp with boiled vegetables or special food that can be bought at any pet store.

It is important not to overfeed the shrimp. You can give food no more than 1-3 times a week. Shrimp can go without food for 7 to 10 days.

Shrimp breeding

Shrimp are bisexual crustaceans.Females are much larger than males. Females also have a more convex abdomen and a larger tail. When the female reaches sexual maturity, eggs appear under her tail. She secretes a special substance to attract a male. The male does his job, fertilizes the eggs. The mother shrimp carries fertilized eggs for 4-6 weeks, from which larvae are formed. And the larvae grow into full-fledged shrimp.

Who do freshwater aquarium shrimp get along with?

Shrimp in the aquarium get along with snails, peaceful, small fish. With the exception of aggressive fish: some species of Barbs, all fighting fish, Cichlids, .

After reading our article and following these simple tips, you will be able to keep and breed shrimp at home. And they, in turn, will delight you with their beauty and habits. Because they are very interesting to watch!