Shrimps can be kept in a community with other peaceful fish like tetra and guppies. Shrimps feed off the fish’s fecal matter.
1. Bamboo Shrimp
The Bamboo shrimp [atyopsis moluccensis], is a peaceful common addition to an aquarium. Originally from Southeast Asia, the bamboo shrimp is also known as a Fan shrimp, Wood shrimp, Timber shrimp, Singapore shrimp, Marble shrimp, Mountain shrimp, Rock shrimp, Flower shrimp, and the Maluku.
The Bamboo shrimp is best known for its fan-like claspers, which it uses to filter water particles like microorganisms and algae.
The bamboo shrimp is yellowish-brown color and wood-like in texture. Typically, adults grow up to be 2-3 inches long.
The bamboo shrimp water requirements are typical of most species of shrimp. Bamboo shrimps require a pH level ranging between 6.5 and 7.5 and hard water is preferable. Moderate water flow is recommended.
2. Ghost Shrimp (Caridina)
The Ghost shrimp [Palaemonetes paludosus], is popular for its transparent appearance. Native to North America, the ghost shrimp is also known as grass shrimp and feeder shrimp.
The caridean shrimp is relatively small; typically 1.5 inches long.
The transparent shrimp requires pH levels between 7.0 and 7.8, water hardness between 3-15 dkh, and water temperatures between 70 and 78 °F (21 and 25.5 °C). The glass-like invertebrate prefers a moderate water flow and likes to hide behind plants.
A dark substrate and background are recommended because of the transparency and small size of the ghost shrimp; this will make them easier to see and enjoy.
3. Bee Shrimp
The Bee shrimp [Caridina cantonensis], is a colorful addition to your tank. Native to China, the bee shrimp is also known as the panda shrimp, black bee shrimp, red bee shrimp, crystal bee shrimp, blue bee, Red diamond shrimp, golden bee shrimp.
The bee shrimp are bred in a variety of colors and patterns. The Black (Panda) Bee Shrimp and the Crystal Red Bee Shrimp are among the most popular.
Typically, adult bee shrimps grow up to be 1 to 1.25 inches long, with females being larger than males.
The caridean shrimp is relatively hard to keep for and is not recommended for novices. The bee shrimp requires a low pH level between 6 and 7.5, temperatures between 62 and 76 °F (17 to 24 °C).
4. Amano Shrimp
The Amano shrimp [Caridina multidentata] was popularized in the 80s by Takashi Amano, a world-renowned aquarist from Japan. Amano, the aquarist, was fond of the species because of its ability to control algae. The Amano shrimp is also known as the Yamato shrimp, Japanese shrimp, and algae shrimp. Most Amano shrimps found on the market today are wild-caught since breeding can be difficult.
The species is native to Taiwan and Japan and is mainly transparent with reddish lines and spots.
The Amano shrimp can grow up to 2 inches long.
The species prefer pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5 and a gH between 5 and 15. A slow to moderate water flow between 70 and 80 °F (21-27 °C) is recommended.
5. Red Cherry Shrimp
The Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi ‘Red’, or heteropoda var. ‘Red’) is the most popular shrimp species in the hobby. Cherries are great for beginners because they are relatively easy to care for. Cherry shrimps are given different names based on grade, including Cherry shrimp, Sakura shrimp, Fire shrimp.
Originally from Tawain, Cherries are sought for their red color. Typically, the hobbyist will pay a premium for deeper reds and color uniformity. The species grows up to about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) long.
Cherries require a pH level between 6.2 and 8.0, gH between 4 and 8 and kH between 3-15. Water temperature should remain between 65 and 85 °F (18 and 29.5 °C).
7. Red Rili Shrimp
The Red Rili shrimps are a selectively-bred variation of red cherries. The species provides an alternative to the commonality of Red Cherries.
Red Rilis require the same water parameters as Red Cherries.