A completely freshwater shrimp native to North America. Often sold interchangeably with Ghost Shrimp (P. paludosus), the American Grass Shrimp is hardier, breeds more easily in entirely freshwater, and is an excellent, active scavenger for community tanks. They have a completely transparent body and prefer planted aquariums.
American Grass Shrimp At a Glance
American Grass Shrimp Tank Requirements
Will American Grass Shrimp fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what American Grass Shrimp needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test American Grass Shrimp against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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American Grass Shrimp Water Parameters
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American Grass Shrimp Temperament & Compatibility
American Grass Shrimp Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The typical transparent wild type. Females will become 'berried' with green/yellow eggs and will successfully hatch fully formed miniature shrimp in a freshwater aquarium if provided enough hiding spaces.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Clear
American Grass Shrimp Care Guide Summary
The American Grass Shrimp, scientifically known as Palaemonetes kadiakensis, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4.5 cm and have a compressed body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the American Grass Shrimp requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 15°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The American Grass Shrimp is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The American Grass Shrimp is typically available in one standard form.
American Grass Shrimp Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the American Grass Shrimp, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
American Grass Shrimp Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the American Grass Shrimp is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
American Grass Shrimp Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for American Grass Shrimp.
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
Show 27 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About American Grass Shrimp
How big does American Grass Shrimp get?
American Grass Shrimp (Palaemonetes kadiakensis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4.5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does American Grass Shrimp need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm are recommended for American Grass Shrimp. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does American Grass Shrimp need?
American Grass Shrimp thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 15–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is American Grass Shrimp peaceful or aggressive?
American Grass Shrimp is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can American Grass Shrimp live alone?
No, American Grass Shrimp should be kept in groups of at least 5 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does American Grass Shrimp have any special tank requirements?
Yes. American Grass Shrimp benefits from plants - densely covered and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does American Grass Shrimp need a lid on the tank?
Yes. American Grass Shrimp is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for American Grass Shrimp
These fish are strong compatibility matches for American Grass Shrimp based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Oryzias latipes
Ideal Tank MatesDainty Cory (Salt and Pepper Cory)
Corydoras habrosus
Ideal Tank MatesMacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Melanotaenia maccullochi
Ideal Tank MatesExquisite Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia exquisita
Ideal Tank MatesEastern Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia splendida
Ideal Tank MatesDelicate Blue-Eye
Pseudomugil tenellus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit American Grass Shrimp
These plants pair well with American Grass Shrimp based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to American Grass Shrimp
Ghost Shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
A completely transparent freshwater shrimp native to the southeastern United States. While frequently sold as inexpensive feeder animals, they make fascinating, active scavengers for nano and peaceful community tanks. They tirelessly consume uneaten food and detritus but have a relatively short lifespan of 1 to 2 years.
Bee Shrimp
Caridina logemanni
A highly prized dwarf freshwater shrimp known for its striking opaque color bands. Native to streams in Southern China, they require specific parameters to thrive: cool, highly oxygenated, acidic, and very soft water. This is usually achieved using RO (Reverse Osmosis) water remineralized with specific shrimp salts and active buffering soil. They are highly sensitive to nitrogen spikes and copper, and are extremely vulnerable to fish predation.
Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi)
Caridina dennerli
A stunning but highly sensitive dwarf shrimp native to the ancient Lake Matano in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Famous for its bright red coloration and contrasting white front appendages (often called 'white gloves'). They require extremely specific, pristine water conditions (high temperature, high pH, specific remineralizers) and are only recommended for advanced aquarists.
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
One of the most popular and hardy freshwater invertebrates in the hobby. They come in a rainbow of selectively bred colors. They are excellent scavengers and algae eaters, perfect for nano planted tanks. They are completely peaceful and have a negligible bioload, though they are highly vulnerable to predation by almost any fish with a mouth large enough to eat them.
Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
A highly unique, completely transparent catfish from Thailand. Unlike most catfish, they are mid-water swimmers that require being kept in schools to feel secure. They are incredibly peaceful and easily outcompeted for food. They require stable water parameters and dim lighting or shaded areas provided by floating plants.
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Caridina cantonensis
A sensitive, highly prized dwarf shrimp species known for its vivid red/white or black/white banding. Unlike the hardy Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina), Bee Shrimp require cool, soft, acidic water and typically require active buffering soil to thrive. They are peaceful grazers perfect for specific biotope setups.