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.
Ghost Shrimp At a Glance
Ghost Shrimp Tank Requirements
Will Ghost Shrimp fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Ghost Shrimp needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Ghost Shrimp against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Ghost Shrimp Water Parameters
Ghost Shrimp Temperament & Compatibility
Ghost Shrimp Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard transparent ghost shrimp. Excellent cleaners that spend their time foraging on the substrate and among plants. (Note: Ensure they are true Palaemonetes and not aggressive Macrobrachium prawns, which are sometimes mislabeled in stores).
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Clear Shrimp, True Ghost Shrimp
Ghost Shrimp Care Guide Summary
The Ghost Shrimp, scientifically known as Palaemonetes paludosus, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Ghost 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 18°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Ghost Shrimp is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Ghost Shrimp is typically available in one standard form.
Ghost Shrimp Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Ghost Shrimp, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise 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.
Ghost Shrimp Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Ghost Shrimp is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Ghost Shrimp Is Actually For
Ghost Shrimp is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially plants.
The most common mistake is buying Ghost Shrimp for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Ghost Shrimp Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Ghost Shrimp.
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
Show 27 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Ghost Shrimp
How big does Ghost Shrimp get?
Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Ghost Shrimp need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm are recommended for Ghost Shrimp. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Ghost Shrimp need?
Ghost Shrimp thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 18–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Ghost Shrimp peaceful or aggressive?
Ghost Shrimp is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Ghost Shrimp live alone?
Yes, Ghost Shrimp can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Ghost Shrimp have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Ghost 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.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- April 28, 2026
- Last updated
- April 28, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Ghost Shrimp
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Ghost Shrimp based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Kabia rainbowfish
Glossolepis kabia
Ideal Tank MatesScissortail Rasbora
Rasbora trilineata
Ideal Tank MatesRummynose Rasbora
Sawbwa resplendens
Ideal Tank MatesRosy Red Minnow / Fathead Minnow
Pimephales promelas
Ideal Tank MatesRose Danio
Danio roseus
Ideal Tank MatesSunset Platy (Variatus Platy)
Xiphophorus variatus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Ghost Shrimp
These plants pair well with Ghost Shrimp based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Ghost Shrimp
American Grass Shrimp
Palaemonetes kadiakensis
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whisker Shrimp
Macrobrachium sp.
Often accidentally sold as the peaceful Ghost Shrimp, the Whisker Shrimp is a larger, highly aggressive freshwater prawn. They can be easily identified by their unusually long antennae ('whiskers') and prominent, elongated front claws. They are opportunistic hunters that will actively prey on dwarf shrimp, fry, and even small sleeping community fish.
Riffle Shrimp
Australatya striolata
A fascinating freshwater filter-feeding shrimp native to the fast-flowing creeks (riffles) of Eastern Australia. They possess specialized fan-like appendages used to catch suspended microscopic food from the water column. They require highly oxygenated water with strong flow and are sensitive to poor water quality. They are completely peaceful but known to be excellent climbers and jumpers.