Caridina profile
Ghost shrimp
Palaemonetes/Palaemon sp.
Ghost shrimp are common in shops as transparent shrimp, glass shrimp or feeder shrimp. The label can cover different species, so reliable source and observation matter more than the name alone.
Review Reviewed against species-specific sources, hands-on experience and known water-parameter ranges.
Quick verdict
Suitable for: Keepers who can verify source and want transparent shrimp. Watch especially: adjust KH, GH and TDS slowly.
Quick care card
Use this card as a starting point. Always check whether your aquarium is stable enough for sensitive species.
20 - 26 °C
6.8 - 8
5 - 15 °dH
2 - 10 °dH
150 - 350 ppm
From 40 liters
Intermediate
Transparent active shrimp with strong trade-name confusion
Biofilm, algae, leftovers, fine sinking food and modest animal protein
Species-dependent and usually less predictable than Neocaridina
Keepers who can verify source and want transparent shrimp
Important
Do not add unknown transparent shrimp to valuable breeding colonies. Some whisker or Macrobrachium-like shrimp are more territorial and can bother small fish or shrimp.
Care in practice
These are the points that most often make the difference between survival and a stable colony.
Practical range for common aquarium ghost shrimp: 20-26 degrees Celsius, pH 6.8-8.0, GH 5-15, KH 2-10 and TDS around 150-350 ppm.
Use at least 40 liters with plants, moss, leaves, wood and a shrimp-safe filter. Quarantine is strongly recommended.
Feed lightly with sinking foods and natural grazing. Watch whether animals steal food or harass tank mates.
Behavior depends on the true species. Long arms, large claws or hunting behavior are warning signs.
Combine only with calm fish, snails and robust shrimp when identity is clear. Predatory fish see ghost shrimp as food.
Breeding varies by species and can involve larvae or delicate young, so do not expect Neocaridina-like colony growth.
Common mistakes are buying feeder shrimp without quarantine, trusting every transparent shrimp label, missing predatory forms and expecting easy breeding.
Background and identification
Extra context helps you identify, compare and keep the species safely.
Ghost shrimp is mainly a trade name. Palaemonetes/Palaemon-type shrimp are often meant, but imported animals can differ.
Transparent body with visible organs. Large claws or long arms may indicate a different and less suitable shrimp.
Less reliable as algae workers than Amano and much less color-focused than Neocaridina.
Full species profile
Ghost shrimp is a trade name for transparent freshwater shrimp, not always one exact species. That makes it useful for beginners but also risky when the source is unclear.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to common questions about Ghost shrimp.
Sources and review
Last reviewed: June 16, 2026. Different values are used in the hobby; choose stability over chasing numbers.
- The Shrimp Farm: Ghost Shrimp care sheet
Praktijkbron over ghost shrimp als Palaemonetes sp. en zorgcontext.
- The Shrimp Farm: American Glass Shrimp
Bron die benoemt dat veel shrimp als Ghost Shrimp verkocht worden maar niet dezelfde soort zijn.
- The Shrimp Farm: Ghost Shrimp care sheet
Water- en aquariumcontext voor gangbare ghost shrimp.
- The Shrimp Farm: Whisker Shrimp vs Ghost Shrimp
Vergelijking die het verschil in gedrag, formaat en tankbelasting tussen ghost en whisker shrimp uitlegt.
- The Shrimp Farm: Whisker Shrimp vs Ghost Shrimp
Belangrijke praktische bron voor soortverwarring en combinatie-risico's.
- The Shrimp Farm: American Glass Shrimp
Praktische waarschuwing rond feeder shrimp, herkomst en labelverwarring.