Shrimp care and maintenance at home. Features of breeding shrimp in an aquarium

There are more and more fans of aquarium shrimp every year. They are bred by both beginners and experienced aquarists. However, they, like other types of living beings, can only survive in specially created conditions.

Shrimps are crustaceans that could occupy not only the seas, but also adapted to life in freshwater reservoirs. The latter became the progenitors of those species that are grown in aquariums.

Description

All species differ in size and color. Despite this, the structure of the body is the same for everyone.

They do not have developed claws, their role is played by the mandibles. They serve for walking, as well as for holding food.

Shrimps look like crayfish with a well-developed tail. Relying on it, they can make some kind of jumps and escape from enemies, for example, predatory neighbors.

Shrimps can rotate their eyes in different directions, so they have a wide view. high level touch and smell are facilitated by long antennae.

The size of adults depends on the species. Small and medium species reach 2-5, and large - 15 centimeters.

Types of aquarium shrimp

Most aquarium shrimp enter domestic waters from Southeast Asia. There they are grown in large quantities on specially equipped farms, creating all the necessary conditions for reproduction.

Not all shrimp are cute small and harmless crustaceans, sometimes real giants appear on sale, for example, Rosenberg's macrobrachium (lat. Macrobrachium Rosenbergii), which grows quite rapidly in an aquarium up to 40 cm. There is no need to talk about the peacefulness of such an inhabitant - this animal actively breaks the ground, hunts other fish and shrimps, pulls out and eats plants. The danger is that the sellers themselves are not always aware of the potential of their product, and sell them under the guise of ordinary tiny aquarium inhabitants. You can identify Rosenberg by the red "nose" with serrations and long jaws.

In general, small representatives of the genera Caridina (lat. Caridina) and Neocaridina (lat. Neocaridina), as well as some types of macrobranchiums (lat. Macrobrachium) are popular.

Macrobranchium Rosenberg.

Cherry shrimp (lat. Neocaridina davidi)

Very common in home aquariums. The name is due to the red color of the body. This species is quite deservedly popular, because it is unpretentious to habitat conditions, and besides, it breeds very quickly.

The maximum size of an adult is 2.5-3 centimeters. Thanks to this, cherry shrimp can get along in small aquariums, the size of which does not exceed 10 liters. Growing experience can begin with cherries.

In nature, these shrimp have a nondescript olive-green color. Cherry color was obtained by selective means. Thus, it was possible to bring out blue, yellow, white and even black cherries.

The brightness of the color of this shrimp depends on many factors:

• Lighting. In bright light, the coloring of cherries becomes saturated, and in dim light, on the contrary, it becomes darker.
• Stress. The aquarium must have a lot of hiding places and a lot of vegetation planted in which the cherries will feel confident. If the shrimp is afraid, its color will become dimmer. After transportation, it may become completely transparent, but do not worry, the color will return after a few hours.
• Background. When choosing a soil, it is better to choose a dark one, because it is on it that the color looks contrasting. Cherry blossoms may fade on light ground.
• Feed. For feeding shrimp, you can use granules of various red feeds with the addition of carotenoids, as well as carrots and red vegetable peppers.
• Genetics. In captivity, cherries reproduce quite quickly, and often without the intervention of the host. In such an environment of chaotic, and often closely related crossing, degeneration of offspring can occur. For this reason, it is better to cull pale-colored individuals in a timely manner and periodically “renew the blood” with new bright shrimps.

Cherries in various colors.

Bumblebee aquarium shrimp (lat. Caridina cantonensis)

This small shrimp reaches a length of 2-3 cm, and, like the cherry, has become a remarkable object for selection. On sale you can find a large number of a wide variety of fancy colors; red and white, crystal wine, blue and white, black and white, yellow, brindle, etc.

Collectors divide these shrimp into classes according to color, and how prettier drawing on the body or the more any color predominates, the higher the class of the crustacean and the more expensive it is.

It is unpretentious in care and gets along well with cherries. Although it breeds in fresh water, it is problematic to breed it in an aquarium, since juveniles are very sensitive to water quality.

Shrimp bumblebee color variation Crystal Red.

Amano (lat. Caridina multidentata)

This species is larger than the previous two. Females reach up to 6 cm, males are smaller - up to 4 cm.

The species is named after the famous Japanese aquarium designer Takashi Amano. This crustacean is the custodian of the order and cleanliness of the domestic reservoir, perfectly eats filamentous algae and various fouling.

It has a translucent light olive color, over which many dark and reddish blotches are scattered. A wide golden stripe stretches across the entire body from the rostrum to the tail.

Although it is considered a relatively unpretentious species, it is almost impossible to breed it in an aquarium, since salt water is needed to grow offspring. Typically, Amano shrimp are bred on Asian farms using equipment.

Amano shrimp.

Shrimp filter feeder (lat. Atyopsis moluccensis)

This unusual aquatic inhabitant has special "fans" that help to catch a variety of plankton and detritus from the water column. In the aquarium, carefully filtering the water from the remnants of food.

Filter feeders look very attractive - the color can vary from olive to reddish-yellow. Horizontal dark stripes run along the entire body, the back is yellow.

Like Amano, filter feeder juveniles require salt water. In fresh water, the larvae die after a week.

Filter shrimp.

Conditions of detention

For shrimp, it is very important to have the right aquarium with enough space for each individual. The container must be selected with the calculation of a liter of water per shrimp. However, with a maximum body size of 2 centimeters, two individuals can get along in one liter.

Although some shrimp can be kept in small aquariums, it is better to use more spacious ones - from 20 liters. The larger the vessel, the more stable the biological balance in it.

They can be planted with fish or you can prepare a separate aquarium - a shrimp tank. When keeping them in a common aquarium, the right neighborhood plays an important role. The fact is that most fish will not miss the opportunity to offend the shrimp. This is not about simple competition. Fish often hunt them, taking them for food.

A large number of shelters can provide security for them. Shrimps can hide both in decorative elements and among plants.

If the fish began to perceive shrimp as a food object, then the crustaceans should be immediately deposited. As neighbors, tetras and other small fish that rarely sink to the bottom and have a small mouth are best suited.

When choosing, you can pay attention to Javanese moss. Adults can hide in it and larvae grow up. In the general aquarium, there should be more such moss, then not a single fish will be able to get the shrimp out of its shelter.

You can use fast growing plants such as hornwort or elodea. They will absorb nitrogen compounds from the water that are harmful to crustaceans. But it is important not to overdo it, since such vegetation can compete with algae, an important element in the shrimp diet. In addition to fast-growing greens, you can use echinodorus, cryptocorynes and anubias.

You can decorate the aquarium with snags and dried oak leaves. Various microorganisms are planted in them, which will serve as an excellent food base for shrimp. It is better to choose dried fallen leaves. To drown them, they are soaked in water for 2-3 days, after which they are placed in an aquarium.

Shrimps, like fish, are cold-blooded animals, so whether they are active or not depends on the temperature that has been created in the aquarium. It should be 20-28 degrees. But even a drop to 15 degrees will not be fatal for them. They will become less active and stop reproducing.

If the water is heated to 32 degrees, protein coagulation will occur in the body, which means probable death for all individuals. Crustaceans have an increased sensitivity to sudden changes in temperature. For example, its jump by 7 degrees threatens the fish with illness, and the shrimps with death. Therefore, if a change is planned, it should be done gradually.

The amount of water that is replaced in the aquarium should not exceed 1/4 of its volume. This procedure can be repeated no more than once a week. Shrimp can live in tap water, but you only need to replace it when the temperature warms up to room temperature.

The chemical composition of the water does not matter much. The main thing is that there is no copper in it, otherwise both adults and larvae will die. In addition, the hardness of the water should be medium, otherwise, during the molt, they will have nowhere to get the necessary substances to build a shell.

It is important to siphon the soil often, as shrimp leave a lot of waste. If the ammonia level rises sharply, they will get sick.

Lack of oxygen also has a detrimental effect on these crustaceans. To enrich water with oxygen, it is necessary to install a special compressor.

The filter is best used with a sponge, otherwise small individuals will get inside. In shrimp tanks, the filter is optional, but in the general aquarium it will have to be installed.

The aquarium should be equipped with a special lid, as many species can crawl out of it. In the air, the shrimp can live only a few minutes. If the crustaceans began to leave the aquarium en masse, then it's time to think about changing the water.

Red cherry.

Buying such an unusual animal as an aquarium shrimp should not be spontaneous. Before going to the store, you need to carefully prepare by studying the theoretical base. Carefully consider the photos of the selected species in order to buy it, and not a predatory individual, which in six months will reach 20 cm in size.

In the store, carefully consider the behavior and color of crustaceans. There should be no plaque, white or bloody stains on their shell. Transparent shrimp should not be milky cloudy.

It is better not to take adults, as shrimp do not have a long lifespan, and may soon die of old age. It is also better not to buy females with eggs, as they do not tolerate transportation and adaptation in a new aquarium.

After buying a bag of shrimp, you need to put some aquatic plants on which the shrimp can cling. AT hot weather delivery to the house is best ensured as quickly as possible, avoiding overheating.

Do not rush and release the shrimp immediately into the aquarium. It is better to put the bag in water and wait until the temperature equalizes. It usually takes 15-20 minutes.

If there are fish in the aquarium, the light must be turned off during the release. This is necessary so that they do not notice the new inhabitant and do not start to "peck" him.

Yellow cherry.

Food

Most species are not picky about food. They eat food left after fish, bloodworms and tubifex, algal and bacterial fouling.

They can destroy, which fills the entire aquarium (it is very difficult to fight it manually).

Although they can find food on their own, they also need to be fed. You can buy special food or feed with pieces of boiled vegetables. This should be done several times a week, but not more than once a day. Overfed shrimp will not do well. Given their ability to search for food on their own, they can be left unattended for 7-10 days.

Overfeeding is dangerous for shrimps, as they are able to search for food on their own, but they cannot get away from polluted water.

Pregnant shrimp.

reproduction

Aquarium shrimps are bisexual crustaceans. The female stands out noticeably against the background of males with increased size and a convex abdomen. After the female reaches puberty, she develops eggs under her tail. For this reason, the tail is also larger than that of the male.

To attract the male, pheromones produced by her body are used. After fertilization of the eggs, the larvae develop after 4-6 weeks.

The appearance of juveniles depends on the species of the parents. Cherries and bumblebees reproduce tiny shrimp - exact copies of adults. All that is required of the owner in this case is to provide the kids with suitable living conditions.

Some shrimp, such as Amano and the filter feeder, produce larvae that naturally swim into the sea, mature there, and then return to the rivers. In conditions of captivity, it is extremely difficult to create such an environment.

Shrimps increase in size only during molting. They shed their chitinous shell, after which a new one grows. It is not necessary to remove the old one from the shrimp. It has enough nutrients to build a new shell.

You can watch the life of shrimp and their habits for hours, because they are not just beautiful animals. It is not difficult to create suitable living conditions for them, and they will thank the caring owners with offspring.

Unfortunately, it is very rare to find aquarium shrimp in domestic waters. This is due to the poor awareness of fish lovers: they think that aquarium shrimp require special difficult care, that they do not mix well with other types of fish, that there will be many difficulties in keeping them. And in vain! Aquarium shrimp are very peaceful creatures, they are friends with different types of fish, unpretentious in care. They are very beautiful and will be able to add color and variety to the home aquarium, give it a certain exoticism.

Characteristics of crustaceans and their natural habitats

In nature aquarium shrimp live in many water bodies. 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, red-nosed arthropods are found in Venezuelan rivers, and fan arthropods live in the freshwater rivers of Panama.

Variety of shrimps in home aquarium

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

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

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

Aquarium water requirements

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

In addition to heating, each shrimp farm must be equipped fine bubble aerator and safety filter. These precautions are necessary in order to keep the shrimp fry, which are very small in size, safe from being sucked into the filtration system. The aerator must work around the clock, because shrimp require more oxygen than other inhabitants of the aquarium. Water can be changed to fresh once a week (but not more than 40% of total) and only warm.

There are also such types of aquarium shrimp: red-nosed, Amano shrimp, Harlequin shrimp, cardinal, red crystal and others less known and common. They are more demanding in keeping (for example, the red-nosed shrimp must swim in salt water to breed, the cardinal is not suitable for a beginner due to its whimsical temperature regimes and diet).

Nutrition for aquarium shrimp

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

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

Feeding time

It is better to feed pets at the same time. And not so that they have better digestion, but simply so that this process is not spontaneous. A single feeding time is a guarantee avoid 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 essential and depends on your capabilities.

Keeping shrimp in an aquarium with fish

In order for your shrimp not to become a delicious treat for other inhabitants of the aquarium, you need to choose the right neighbors for them. They get along very well with small fish. It can be, for example, neon, or guppies. Snails can become excellent neighbors for shrimp: they are harmless and unpretentious, 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 hiding places from plants and decorative ornaments, even these aggressors will not be a hindrance to shrimp.

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

Diseases of domestic crustaceans

Also, individuals of arthropods very often susceptible to fungal infections. No matter how clean the aquarium would be, how much you did not follow all the parameters for caring for crustaceans, there is still a possibility of such a disease. And it sucks out all the vital juices from the individual, poisons the body with toxins and can cause death.

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

The content of the article:

Whom it is not possible to meet in the homes of your relatives, friends and acquaintances. Surely among the people of your social circle there is such a person who is a fan of various living creatures living in the water. An aquarium is not only a container in which such cute and funny creatures as fish, turtles, snails live and a wide variety of algae grow, but also one of the most beautiful elements of the interior of an apartment, house, office or even a cafe and restaurant.

It can be said with absolute certainty that there is no such person in our world who would enter a room where there is an aquarium and not stop for at least a minute to admire its fabulous inhabitants. The view of the most diverse living creatures that swim right here right in front of our eyes is really not only captivating and mesmerizing, but also has a calming effect. Looking at how gracefully, as if weightlessly, the fish move around their abode, it seems that you are transferred to a completely different, fabulous, hitherto unknown world, in which there are no problems, experiences and everyday worries.

But everyone has long been accustomed to fish, today these pets are the same, for granted, like cats and dogs, even if they are the rarest species and breeds. There are such creatures on our planet that everyone knows, but only few people know them as pets - these are shrimp. It is these living creatures that are now very popular and in demand among aquarium owners and lovers of everything unusual and original.

These small "swimmers" can not only be tasty, but also decorate your home, besides, they are one of the most unpretentious and undemanding creatures. Keeping shrimp in the house is an interesting business, and if you get to know them a little better, then it’s not difficult at all.

Origin and natural habitat of shrimp

Shrimp - wonderful living creature, which, despite all the extraordinary appearance, belongs to a large, vast kingdom of fauna. Also in the process of studying these "animals", scientists who studied the inhabitants sea ​​depths, systematized them to the type of arthropods, class higher cancers, subphylum crustaceans and order decapod crustaceans.

Native territories, or more correctly, the depths for these crustaceans are the waters of the seas, lakes and oceans. In order to deal with the Fatherland of shrimp, you should know that they are conditionally divided into three large groups: shrimp living in cold waters, warm-water shrimp and those that plow freshwater bodies of water.

The search for more heat-loving arthropods should be done on the Pacific coast of countries such as Kenya, Brazil, Somalia and many others. They favorably live at water temperatures above 25 degrees.

Shrimp, which are inhabitants of cool waters, are much smaller in size, but are valued by people, no less than those from Latin America. These smaller creatures can be found in the Northern, Baltic and Barents Seas. In the culinary industry, shrimp caught off the coast of distant Greenland are considered the most valuable.

A small number of these arthropods also live in the fresh water of the Amur River and in the reservoirs of Transcaucasia. Some sources classify freshwater shrimp as an entirely different species.

Common types of aquarium shrimp

1. Red shrimp, cherry or red cherry shrimp. This is perhaps the most legendary and famous specimen among its relatives, which can be grown in aquarium conditions. Her very uncommon appearance and unpretentiousness in care helped to gain such fame for this beauty, in addition, the “cherry” has the ability to reproduce extremely quickly, which cannot be ignored as a positive quality for those who plan to breed these amazing crustaceans. The body parameters of this living “cherry” do not exceed 2-3 cm, but, despite such a diminutiveness, nature endowed this shrimp with a fabulous appearance, and the whole secret is in its color. The name of this species does not at all imply that its owner must necessarily have a red color of the body. This shrimp is a happy owner of a variety of colors: its body can sometimes be painted in orange, bluish, brown and even black tones. And depending on the environmental conditions, this beauty tends to change its color, and the intensity of the color at home can be enhanced with your own hands, with the help of feed, which contains astaxanthin. This species of crustaceans has a very pronounced sexual dimorphism, which manifests itself in body parameters - males are usually almost half the size of females. The main distinguishing feature of the female is a specific spot located in the projection of the neck. It begins to appear in shrimp girls together with the beginning of the formation of the ovaries. This spot can be used not only to distinguish the sexes, but also as a pregnancy test: in the event that such a spot has increased significantly in size, wait for replenishment in the shrimp family.
2. Amano. These natives of Japan are very friendly and peaceful neighbors for many types of fish. In addition, it is also a live "cleaning service" for your aquarium, as they destroy harmful algae and plants. Their appearance is also no less bright - these are not quite small crustaceans, they can grow up to 3–7 cm, often their body is almost transparent with a slight greenish or red tint. On their body you can see a pattern of black stripes and dots.
3. Red crystal. It is not only one of the most the most beautiful views shrimp, but probably one of the most difficult to keep. Such a crustacean, painted in white color, with uniform stripes of saturated red color. If you decide to breed these creations of nature, then be prepared for the fact that they need a separate aquarium, because its other inhabitants will not be able to adapt to its conditions. For its comfortable living, this representative of the world fauna requires only clean, soft, slightly acidified water, the pH of which must be strictly within 6.2–6.8.
4. Yellow shrimp. This specimen is ideal for beginner breeders of crustaceans, due to its endurance and unpretentiousness and speed of procreation. This cute sunny creature grows in length no more than 30 mm, the skin is painted in rich yellow.
5. Ninja shrimp. Also known as the honey or Christmas shrimp, this arthropod from Asian waters with an unusual name is a champion of disguise. The thing is that it can not only change the shades of color depending on the external environment, but radically change the basic tone - within a few seconds, changing from red to blue or from yellow to black or brown. As for the residence of this "animal" at home, there are no special problems with it, due to its excellent ability to adapt.
6. Red-nosed shrimp. This species of aquarium inhabitants is also a very useful inhabitant, as harmful algae are its favorite dishes. In addition to the nose decorated with red spots, this native of India has another characteristic feature with which it can be easily distinguished from its other relatives - this is the ability to swim, because the rest of the shrimps move in aquariums using movements that are more like running. It is not at all demanding for living conditions, as it adapts perfectly, both in fresh and salt water. The main rule of a good life for a red-nosed arthropod is constancy; it is not recommended to change the temperature and water parameters dramatically.
7. Harlequin- is a freshwater shrimp, which is particularly diminutive and shy. The process of nutrition in her largely depends on the freshwater sponge, with its help the crustacean can eat algae and particles of food. The coloring of the harlequin is quite bright and catchy, formed by white, black and red shades. If you decide to keep him, be prepared for the fact that for a long period your new roommate will hide in a safe shelter, as he has a fairly long adaptation to new living conditions.

In turn, the shrimp, which is already accustomed to its new living conditions, is sometimes capable of causing irreparable harm to its other inhabitants, for example, at night, when all the fish are sleeping safely, the crustacean can greatly correct the appearance of some of its cohabitants, especially fish with magnificent fins and tails, they simply tear them off or ruffle them well. And the smallest fish in an instant can simply be destroyed.

In addition, shrimp are still designers at heart, when the moment comes and they begin to feel like full-fledged owners of the aquarium, then its entire landscape can be rebuilt to their liking. After all, large-sized crustaceans (at home, some shrimp can grow up to 14–16 cm) easily pull out plants with roots.

If you want to admire a few small shrimp, then they can be placed in a small sealed aquarium that will look great in any corner of your home.

In case you plan to keep a lot different types or to breed shrimp, it is better to buy an ordinary aquarium, with an approximate calculation of the volume of 1–1.5 liters per average-sized inhabitant. It is recommended to buy a container from 20-25 liters, as some decapods reproduce at an astonishing rate. Some pet stores already have specialized aquariums available, you can call them shrimp. Outwardly, they are no different from an ordinary fish dwelling, but a shrimp farm is by no means a marketing ploy, it is the same aquarium, but already equipped with the necessary attributes for keeping these small crayfish.

The water in this "house" should always be clean and saturated with plenty of oxygen, so the presence of a compressor is a prerequisite for good health and longevity of your pets. It is recommended to buy this device with good sound insulation, because at night the shrimp will not be able to do without air, and you will not be able to do without healthy sleep, which can be significantly disturbed by the noise of the compressor turned on.

It is also necessary that the aquarium be equipped with a filter, the intake pipe of which should be covered with a fine mesh, this measure will prevent inquisitive inhabitants of the aquarium and their small children from entering the filter, such a journey can be fatal for your small comrades.

As for the substrate that needs to be covered with the floor, it is best to use coarse gravel or washed quartz river sand for this. It will be good if you decorate your aquarium in stages. First, you can arrange stones, various snags and shelters, the next step will be to prepare the soil for the plants, after planting the flora you need, sand must be strewn over the earth mixture, so for your crustaceans you will create conditions similar to their native ones and thereby protect the roots of plants from mechanical damage. Some pet stores sell special soil for shrimp, you can buy it, just make sure that the sand is not too fine, because its particles, mixing with soil for plants, can adversely affect their development. The thickness of the shrimp soil layer is directly proportional to the height of the plant stems.

We must also not forget about the temperature of the water in the aquarium, it should always be within 24–27 degrees, it cannot be said that at a water temperature of 17 degrees your shrimp will die, but you should not expect procreation from it. You can still put up with higher thermometer readings for a while by increasing aeration or equipping an additional source of oxygen. But not a single shrimp can withstand temperatures above 32 degrees for a long time.

The diet of domestic shrimp

They are also very fond of food of plant origin, and sometimes not even the first freshness. In the event that a leaf rots on a plant in an aquarium, your shrimp can eat it. In addition, they like to eat some types of algae as food, for example, threadbait, which are harmful to other inhabitants and it is not possible to destroy them with their own hands. Also, crustaceans can clear rocks and other aquarium decorations from algae over time.

If your shrimps do not share their home with other types of aquarium inhabitants, then from time to time they can be fed with pieces of lightly boiled vegetables, some raw ones, such as zucchini or red pepper, and small slices of pasta. But in no case should we forget that such delicacies tend to deteriorate quickly, therefore, after a few hours, food remains must be removed from the water, otherwise not only food, but also water will go rotten.

If we talk about the frequency of meals, then it is better to underfeed than to overdo it with food. On average, shrimp should be fed 2-3 per week, but this is provided that your aquarium is rich in various plants, with which arthropods will be reinforced. it perfect pets for those people who often have to leave home, because they can live without top dressing for 1.5–2 weeks, but this is also the case if there are a lot of algae around them.

Buying homemade shrimp

For more about the most interesting aquarium shrimp, see this video:

Shrimps are, without a doubt, a bright decoration of any aquarium. A rare aquarist, seeing this hydrobiont, will not want to get it in his collection. And here it is precisely the question of a great variety of species of these arthropods that confronts him. After all, there are a huge variety of shrimp species for aquarium maintenance, although their diversity is often underestimated. Without exception, all types of aquarium shrimp are equally similar in structure to each other, but they differ greatly; there are small shrimp (1.8 cm) and really large specimens (up to 35 cm) from each other in size. Of course, the coloring of shrimp deserves special attention.

Classification issues

The classification of domestic shrimp is a complex and controversial issue. There is no strict certainty in this matter. Of course, you can divide these inhabitants of the aquarium by size, color, origin, but this will entail even more confusion and gossip. Strictly speaking, unambiguously, aquarium shrimp can be unambiguously separated 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 further.

Within the variety of "crystal" shrimp, there is its own classification by color.

All types of aquarium shrimp

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

Amano

Caridina multidentata, Caridina japonica, Amano Shrimp.

Peaceful inhabitant of freshwater aquariums. Appearance is quite primitive translucent coloration of gray-blue shades with dots randomly located on the sides (in males) and strokes (in females). An excellent cleaner and simply an indispensable fighter with thread.

They live both in small and large groups, but because in breeding Amano shrimp is quite difficult, 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 5-6cm, the male is 3-4cm.
• Water parameters - temperature 23-27С, pH 7.2 - 7.5, hardness dH 2 - 20 °.

Harlequin

Harlequin Shrimp.

This shrimp is truly miniature and, in part, therefore, very shy. Leads a nocturnal and twilight lifestyle. The complexity of the character more than pays off with an outstanding appearance - white with red color, outlined in black, resembles a harlequin from DC Comics, this arthropod owes its name.

• 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 content and is suitable even for beginners. Quiet and even meek disposition makes it an excellent pet, provided that there are no predatory, very active or aggressive fish among the neighbors. Any aquarium will be decorated with a grayish-white arthropod, transparent as glass, so much so that it is absolutely not difficult to distinguish a female from a male. In the female representatives, the ovaries are visible through the light, and the caviar is completely white, reminiscent of snow, for which the shrimp received the nickname Snowflake.

Feel best in a group of 10 to 20 individuals.

• Does not occur in nature. Artificially bred by German breeder Ulf Gottschalk.
• Length 2 - 2.5 cm.
• Longevity of life is not more than 2 years.
• Conditions in the aquarium: temperature - 20-28 ° C, hardness - 6-20 °, pH not more than 7.5.

blue pearl

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

It was bred by crossing a blue neocardina with white individuals.

The color can change depending on the mood and well-being, while the more the color fades, the worse the arthropod feels. It is best to observe the pearl in a flock of 10 individuals and 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 neocardina

Blue neocardine, blue dream.

Brightly colored peaceful shrimp. There are difficulties regarding the reproduction of this species, the offspring often turns out to be greenish, gray-brown, or even completely transparent, the “blue” gene must be constantly fixed. Like most Atyidae, they do 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 US in 2006.
• Size of females up to 3 cm, males up to 2.
• The life span is about 2 years.
• T ° 18-28 degrees Celsius, pH 6.5 - 7.5, average hardness 2-25.

Blue brindle

Blue tiger.

The brightest distinguishing feature of these tigers are orange eyes, which have not been seen in other aquarium arthropods. In spite of exotic appearance and high price in the content is not whimsical.

Require frequent infusion of fresh "blood" because. due to inbreeding in the selection process, they are prone to degeneration.

• They do not occur in nature. Derived from regular tiger shrimp.
• They live up to 2 years maximum.
• The average size is 2-2.5cm.
• Acceptable water parameters: temperature from 15 to 30, acidity 6.5 -7.5 (they multiply better in more acidic water), hardness from 1 to 15.

blue aura

Aura Blue Dwarf Shrimp.

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

They breed easily and willingly, an experienced female carries up to 30 larvae under the tail. Despite the rarity, the conditions of keeping are very prosaic, a 10 liter aquarium with high-quality water is enough for a small flock, which will be replaced often. The aura also has an unusual trait that cannot be ignored! After molting, this hydrobiont becomes almost transparent, but do not worry, the color will be restored within a week and will delight you again.

• Origin - Thailand.
• Life expectancy 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, Peacock.

The appearance of the blue-footed bee is more than remarkable and is unlikely to leave any aquarist indifferent. The body is gray, there are blue spots on the tail (for which the crustacean was called Peacock), blue paws and bright red antennae - antennae.

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

• Natural habitat: Lake Poso, Indonesia, Sulawesi Islands.
• The maximum size is 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 calling card of the canary, of course, is its bright yellow color. This is the only representative of aquarium arthropods that has this color, however, with age, the pet acquires orange tint which doesn't make her any less pretty.

With insufficient nutrition, they are able to eat all the vegetation around them.

• Does not occur 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 in aquariums is green, most of whose representatives 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", Denerly, Caridina dennerli.

Many atyidae have a bizarre, memorable appearance, but even among them, the Cardinal, which has recently appeared in aquariums, stands out very brightly. The color varies from red to cherry, and on the sides there is always an up-to-date white polka dot. Thin and long legs and a sharp nose only add aristocracy to the Cardinal Shrimp. Despite the apparent simplicity, the maintenance of 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 - 2 cm.
• Water parameters - temperature 26 - 29C, pH 7 - 9, hardness dH 9-15.

Macrobrachnums, Macrobrachium assamense.

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

Macrobrachnums are aggressive towards each other and towards other neighbors. Although they are predominantly nocturnal, they are ready to actively hunt down prey at any time. Therefore, forget about the thought of keeping the ring-handed with other arthropods or small fish. For these tireless hunters, good neighbors can be big fish not less than 5 cm, living in the middle and upper layers of a domestic reservoir.

• In nature, they live in the Eastern Himalayas, in local mountain lakes and rivers.
• The length reaches 7cm.
• Longevity of life 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, weekly water changes, if it is cold, this will have a positive effect on life expectancy.

At least 10-15 liters are needed per individual. They require flocking - 1 male and several females.

Halocaridina rubra.

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

There are companies selling red Hawaiian 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 life of this baby is 20 years.
• As the name implies, it lives in Hawaii.
• The standard size does not exceed 1.2 cm.
• Life cycle, on average, 8 - 10 years.
• Surprisingly, both salty and fresh water. With a temperature of 20 - 23g, although it can also tolerate a range of 15-30 ° C, pH 8.2 - 8.4.

red shrimp

Neocardina heteropoda, Cherry, Cherry.

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

• Neocardina - a species from which cherries were bred, lives in Taiwan.
• Size up to 4 cm.
• The life span 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 cherries can hide.

The species resulting from the selection of the red shrimp is not much different from it, except for a much brighter and more saturated color ranging from red to cherry.

Also bred in Taiwan from the species Neocardina heteropoda and differs from its progenitor in that this shrimp is orange from head to toe. The fry of orange fire are born lighter for their own protection, but in the process of life the color becomes more saturated and brighter.

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 its own in terms of color. So, some types of red bees, for example, Snow White, which will be mentioned below, are very expensive, and some have a very affordable price.

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

Caridina cf. cantonensis 'Snow White'.

Snow White belongs to the species Red Crystal.

The snow-white shrimp is one of the types of red bee shrimp. There are Snow Whites of 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 of its content are somewhat different from traditional crystals:

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

red ruby

Caridina cf. cantonensis 'Red Ruby'.

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

Shrimp Ruby Red in 2009 set a record for the high cost - it was bought at an auction for 4800 euros.

Caridina cantonensis sp. Red Tiger.

The red tiger shrimp is perfectly camouflaged in its natural habitat - the light beige body of the arthropod is wrapped in thin red stripes, and the bottom of the native reservoirs is covered with red stones - the shrimp is invisible there, and it is impossible not to pay attention to it in the aquarium! Perfectly coexists with peaceful medium-sized 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 3.5cm.
• 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 with 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 may change depending on the mood of the shrimp. So the milky shade speaks of the disease of living creatures.

In its natural environment, this shrimp is a vegetarian, so with a lack of vegetation in the diet, it will gladly absorb aquarium plants.

• Native to India and Southeast Asia. Ponds with stagnant water, or very weak current.
• 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 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 shrimp species and belongs to predators. 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.

tangerine

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

Peaceful and funny like its name, the Mandarin shrimp is a typical member of the Caridina genus. The transparent body is orange, sometimes with reddish dots and strokes on the sides. You can only keep a flock, preferably at least 8 individuals.

• In nature, they live on the island of Sulawesi, in Indonesia.
• Life expectancy is not 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, Atia, Cameroonian filter feeder.

More than an 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 a strong current and get their own food by filtration. Peaceful and interesting arthropod, will never offend your fish.

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

Desmocaris trispinosa.

It is possible to confuse the Nigerian floating shrimp and Atiya (which was mentioned above) only by name, because outwardly these arthropods are complete antipodes of each other. The NPK is medium-sized and transparent in appearance, generally nondescript and interesting mainly for its unusual way of movement for shrimp, it seems to soar, float above the surface.

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

Another major difference between the NPC and the Nigerian shrimp, the latter needs a strong current, while the former prefers completely stagnant water.

Ninja

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

Ninja shrimp carry their mysterious name for a reason, and among their many nicknames, “chameleon” is missing. We already wrote that some shrimp are able to change color during stress, fright, or vice versa courting a female, a ninja is a completely different matter, this is an unsurpassed master of disguise. Watching how the shrimp changes color depending on which 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.

• The region of origin is Asia, more precisely Japan, the Philippine, Polynesian Islands, the island of Fiji, the island of Madagascar.
• Life expectancy is 2-3 years on average.
• The size of the male is up to 2.5 cm, the females are larger by 1 cm.
• 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 is that you should remember about them almost all representatives of this species are predators, so you should choose your neighbors very carefully, and the long-clawed shrimp is no exception.

Males perform a very entertaining mating dance for females, 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 a subject of hunting, the locals eat them.

• The natural habitat is the fast large streams of Central and South America.
• Average size 30 -35cm.
• The content 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.

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

The bee has almost equal proportions of black and white, the Black Diamond shrimp, 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 (like the red ones we have already talked about), the more difficult their content is., and King Kongs, for example, almost do not breed in amateur aquariums.

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

Riley

Riley Shrimp.

Lightweight and weightless, the Riley shrimp was bred from the genus Neocaridina heteropoda by famous breeder Suzuki Hisuasu among aquarists. Red rilies were the first to appear and they were so fond of the aquarium community that orange, blue, yellow ones soon appeared ... The value of Rili Shrimp depends on how large a part of the shrimp's body is transparent. This active baby is looking for food all day long, swimming around the aquarium.

• Released in Taiwan in 1996.
• Length is 2 cm on average.
• Water: temperature 18-28°C, acidity pH 6.4 - 7.6, hardness dH 4-14°.

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

There are 2 species of relatively large glass shrimp that are 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 name Ghost is often applied to the American one.

Both of them can independently build shelters for themselves if sand or very fine gravel is used as soil. Large individuals during the breeding season can be aggressive towards small brothers, in order to avoid this, adhere to the proportion of 1 shrimp: 4 liters of water or more.

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

Filterer Anopsis

Atyopsis moluccensis, banana, bamboo, forest shrimp.

The appearance of anopsis is unlikely to make you fall in love with it without a memory. Brown stripes on a yellowish body make it invisible in nature, but this crustacean does not intend to hide in an aquarium. He will definitely take some peak and begin to catch food with his paws - fans (which replaced the claws). This is a very interesting and even bewitching sight. If the filter feeder began to spend more time at the bottom in search of food, it means that he is malnourished, because his way of eating is not quite usual and it is more difficult for him to get enough than others.

• Homeland - Southeast Asia.
• The maximum age is 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 this shrimp can be observed 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 perfectly play the role of a cleaner, picking with small claws in the ground. Conflicts within the group are possible if there is not enough space in the aquarium. One Khanka shrimp should have at least 7-10 liters.

• The region of natural residence is the Far East, Lake Khanka, etc.
• The body size of the female is 3-4 cm, males, as is most often the case in arthropods, their smaller length varies from 2 to 2.5 cm.
• Water for hankaiki needs to be very clean, so you can not save on the filter. Round the clock aeration is required. The temperature is tolerated at 15-30 ° C, although it is better, of course, not to bring it to extremes and stop in the range of 20 -24 ° C. The ideal option it will be if the temperature of the water in the aquarium drops in winter, and rises in spring, closer to summer, in order to approach the natural annual cycle. Hardness not less than 10. It does not impose special requirements on acidity.

Caridina Simoni Simoni.

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

• Homeland Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sumatra, Java.
• Length 1.8-2.5 cm.
• Maintenance requirements: strong aeration and filtration, weekly water changes 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 for a third of its length, brick-red claws in males and orange in females, and bead eyes complete the picture.

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

In the group, stick to the balance of 1 male -2.3 females.

• In nature, they live 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.

Outcome

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 shrimps of any kind. Be careful, because it is contained in many medicines for fish.
2. Any arthropod (and fish will be grateful) should live in a clean environment, so consider 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 breeds and larger ones for arthropods of a serious size.
4. If you are planning to do breeding, theoretically crossbreeding is possible as follows: Caridina + Caridina, Macrobrachium + Macrobrachium, Neocaridina + Neocaridina, etc. Shrimps 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 the same family. The issue of shrimp breeding is delicate and individual, but if you decide to select these animals, you will not regret it.

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

Description

Types of aquarium shrimp

cherry shrimp

It often lives in home aquariums. The name is due to the red color of the body. This species is quite deservedly popular, because it is unpretentious to habitat conditions, and besides, it breeds very quickly.

The maximum size of an adult is 2.5-3 centimeters. Thanks to this, cherry shrimp can get along in small aquariums, the size of which does not exceed 10 liters. Growing experience can begin with cherries.

Aquarium tiger shrimp

Amano

For shrimp, it is very important to have the right aquarium with enough space for each individual. The aquarium must be selected with the calculation of a liter of water per shrimp. However, with a maximum body size of 2 centimeters, two individuals can get along in one liter.

They can be planted with fish or you can prepare a separate aquarium - a shrimp tank. When keeping them in a common aquarium, the right neighborhood plays an important role. The fact is that fish and shrimp are antagonists by nature. This is not about simple competition. Fish often hunt them, taking them for food.

When choosing plants for an aquarium, you can pay attention to Javanese moss. Adults can hide in it and larvae grow up. In the general aquarium, there should be more such moss, then not a single fish will be able to get the shrimp out of its shelter.

Shrimps, like fish, are cold-blooded animals, so whether they are active or not depends on the temperature that has been created in the aquarium. It should be 20-28 degrees. But even a drop to 15 degrees will not be fatal for them. They will become less active and stop reproducing.

If the water is heated to 32 degrees, protein coagulation will occur in the body, which means probable death for all individuals. Crustaceans have an increased sensitivity to sudden changes in temperature. For example, its jump by 7 degrees threatens the fish with illness, and the shrimps with death. Therefore, if a change is planned, it should be done gradually.

The amount of water that is replaced in the aquarium should not exceed 1/5 of its volume. This procedure can be repeated no more than once a week. Shrimp can live in tap water, but you only need to replace it when the temperature warms up to room temperature.

The chemical composition of the water does not matter much. The main thing is that there is no copper in it, otherwise both adults and larvae will die. In addition, the hardness of the water must be high, otherwise, during the molt, they will have nowhere to take the necessary substances to build a shell.

It is important to siphon the soil often, as shrimp leave a lot of waste. If the ammonia level rises sharply, they will get sick.

Lack of oxygen also has a detrimental effect on these crustaceans. To enrich water with oxygen, it is necessary to install a special compressor.

If a filter is used, then it must be covered with a sponge, otherwise small individuals will get inside. In shrimp tanks, the filter is optional, but in the general aquarium it will have to be installed.

Food

Shrimp - decoration of the aquarium

Many individuals have a bright color of almost all shades of the rainbow and look impressive against the background of the green vegetation of the reservoir. But shrimps in the aquarium are very demanding on the conditions of detention. They are not only a decoration, but also the orderlies of the reservoir, they clean it from numerous organic wastes of plants or food.

These are peaceful representatives of the water world. Shrimps in a common aquarium can be combined with calm and medium-sized fish, content with aggressive and predatory species Not recommended.

In a favorable climate, shrimp offspring appear within one to two months. The young growth has the small imperceptible sizes, it is threatened with many dangers from small fishes and parents. When Riccia, Javanese moss is present in the aquarium, the survival rate of young individuals increases. But it is better to breed the population in a vessel separate from the fish.

In the common tank, crustaceans feed on food leftovers from fish. Once a week, they can add herbal supplements - zucchini, potatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, cabbage, spinach. They can do without food for a long period, feeding on organic microparticles. Shrimps can be safely left alone for a couple of weeks without fear that they will not survive.

Conditions for keeping and caring for shrimp in an aquarium

1. The shape and size of the aquarium. Shrimps can live in vessels of any capacity, but volumes from 35 to 100 liters are most preferred. Up to 10 individuals can be purchased per hundred liters of volume so that they do not compete with each other in terms of habitat and food.
2. Water temperature. Shrimps can successfully adapt in water at a temperature of 20-28 degrees. Water renewal should be carried out weekly in the amount of up to 40%. Freshwater crustaceans are quite sensitive to water quality. It should be clean and rich in oxygen, its composition should be soft and neutral.
3. Aquarium equipment. Of the equipment for their maintenance, a system of filtration, aeration, heating and lighting is necessary. The jet from the filter should not be directed to the center of the aquarium, but to the side so that a small internal current is formed. Shrimps often breed, and young growth can get into the filter. Therefore, it is better to use a sponge filter in the vessel, into which it will be impossible for them to get. The place of water intake can be closed with a fine mesh. Crustaceans are quite sensitive to the presence of oxygen in the water, so the compressor must be turned on constantly. Heating and lighting can be adjusted according to the needs of fish and plants.
4. Decorating an aquarium. When designing an aquarium for shrimp, you should create shelters where they can hide during the molting period. For this, castles, sunken ships, snags, tree roots are suitable. Juveniles often molt and hide in them.
5. Priming. It is recommended to use rocky soil for an aquarium, as in streams. Such an atmosphere will bring the shrimp closer to their usual habitat. Once a year, it is required to flush the soil, so you can remove accumulated organic matter from the aquarium and improve water quality.
6. Holes in the aquarium. Shrimps can crawl out of the reservoir. Only small gaps should be left in the vessel for air flow between the lid and the aquarium itself. The remaining holes can be closed with pieces of foam rubber. Shrimp live from one to two years.

Proper maintenance of shrimp will allow them to lead healthy life and multiply. Such unusual mollusks will please the owner for a long time with their bright appearance and decorate the reservoir.

Shrimp aquarium

Freshwater shrimp appeared in the collections of Russian amateurs not so long ago, and have already managed to win new fans. One of their main advantages is their small size and, therefore, the ability to live in small aquariums that can easily fit into any city apartment or even on an office desk. What requirements do these crustaceans make to their dwelling?

Size and type of aquarium

As a shrimp (shrimp), a rectangular or cube-shaped container is preferable, while not too high, since shrimp usually swarm at or near the bottom. The volume of water can be from 5 liters (for 10 individuals of dwarf undemanding species). However, only experienced craftsmen can care for an aquarium of such a small size.

Most often, shrimp are kept in cubes - cube-shaped aquariums with a capacity of 20 or 30 liters produced by well-known manufacturers (the most popular are Aquael Shrimp Set and Dennerle Nano Cube).

For beginners who decide to start their journey in the aquarium hobby with crustaceans, it is better to purchase a larger jar - 40 or 50 liters, in which it is much easier than in a nanocube to create a stable environment, which is so necessary for shrimps.

For the reproduction of demanding species (for example, crystals), a capacity of 50 liters is also required.

The shrimp cage must be tightly closed with a lid or cover slip, and the holes for the wires plugged with sponges: shrimp are quite capable of escaping from it, especially if conditions are not ideal.

What to prefer: a separate shrimp farm or a mixed aquarium?

It depends on the type of shellfish.

Large decapods - amano shrimp, filter feeders and macrobrachiums can live with almost any fish, except for large predatory cichlids (in the case of adult macrobrachiums, fish are more at risk).

Cherry and other relatively undemanding shrimp are often kept with small or medium-sized non-aggressive fish:

• viviparous,
• various algae eaters
• neon,
• parsing.

Many of them are not averse to profiting from shrimp fry, but if there is enough moss and small-leaved plants in the aquarium, the kids hide well and it is not easy to catch them.

Small whimsical thoroughbred shrimp (high quality crystals, wild Sulawesi) are usually preferred to be kept separately from fish.

Equipment

Lighting

Heater and fan

Aquarium contents

Water

Priming

Decor, decorations

Aquarium freshwater shrimp are very beautiful creatures who cannot be admired. These wonderful pets are able to decorate your home, as well as give joy in the saddest moments. Caring for such pets will not be a huge task for you, the main thing is that your aquarium shrimp should not be deprived of love.

What do aquarium shrimp eat?

Aquarium shrimp - compatibility with fish

Remember that shrimp can grow and reproduce well only if their aquarium neighbors are fish that will not encroach on their lives. The existence of the babies will be threatened by all the neighbors who are larger than them in size, and whose oral cavity can capture the shrimp.

In the wild, these cute creatures are common food for various fish. Therefore, sensing danger, they used to hide with the help of plants, stones, and soil. It is worth taking note of this fact to the owners who are going to make friends with shrimp and fish. Cockerels, goldfish, cichlids, melanothenia, swordtails, platies and many other cute creatures can eat or torture your little ones. Boraras brigittae will be excellent neighbors for tiny pets.

To best equip your aquarium, you should match shrimp to fish, and not vice versa. Filter-feeding shrimp, Mucrobrachium rosenberghi, as well as the Palameon species will not be a vulnerable target for their neighbors, and may even become dangerous roommates for them.

If you want to create an aquarium in which aquarium shrimp would live together with fish, you should not select neighbors at random, then keeping the pets safe will be at risk. And this can really bother you. It is best to think carefully about your choice.

Macrobrachium shrimp: content features

To diversify the home water world, many aquarists breed not only several types of ornamental fish, but also some crustaceans that lead a bottom lifestyle. Representatives this class- shrimp - have long been the inhabitants of artificial domestic reservoirs. Their content, however, has a number of characteristic features.

Kinds

Description

Content in an artificial home reservoir

Aquaterrarium dimensions. Since Japanese decapod shrimp are quite aggressive in nature, the optimal amount of their content is the amount of water from 15 to 20 liters per adult.

A denser settlement will inevitably cause a showdown in the struggle for territory. Fights are fought, as they say, not for life, but for death. The consequences of such fights can be dire. This is not only damage or loss of limbs, but also the death of one of the opponents.

Water parameters. For these crustaceans, the purity of water and its saturation with oxygen are of no small importance. Therefore, aeration must be powerful and constant, as well as filtration. By the way, for cleanliness aquarium environment shrimp watch on their own and eat green algae with pleasure - the scourge of all aquariums. That is why, if voracious river shrimps live in a water house, you can not be afraid of it being overgrown with greenery.

A positive point is a large degree of adaptability of Japanese women (and individuals of other species) to the parameters aquatic environment. Although the optimum temperature for them is 23-25 ​​degrees above zero, they calmly tolerate some deviations from the norm. True, in this case, their growth slows down. Like most others aquatic life, shrimp need water with a neutral pH, but in slightly acidic water (not lower than 6.5 units) they feel quite satisfactory.

Lighting. But these arthropods do not like bright light. On the contrary, the lighting should be subdued, and the aquarium must have dark places.

Priming. As a bottom substrate, shrimp owners usually use gravel or small pebbles, small decorative elements (driftwood, shells, ceramic pots with holes) are placed on the bottom. Such shelters are necessary for the normal life of crustaceans: they take refuge there during periods of molting and during reproduction.

Compatibility and behavior

All shrimp molt periodically. In a secluded place, they shed their chitinous shell and wait for a new one to grow. The old shell is gradually eaten away. The frequency of molting is different: in females - every 35-40 days, and in males - once every six months.

Macrobrachiums are quite aggressive towards their neighbors, towards relatives, towards all living things and, possibly, towards themselves (experts joke like that). That is why it is better to keep fish that live in the middle or upper layers of the aquarium for living together with them.

During the day, shrimp, as a rule, hide in bottom shelters, and go hunting in the dark at night. Of course, these clumsy hunters will not be able to catch an awake active fish, but they can easily grab their sleeping neighbors with their long claws and immediately eat them. Unless, of course, the fish is small.

But they can also cause serious injury to rather large fish by biting off, for example, part of the fin (it is better not to keep veil-shaped fish with shrimps). Moreover, in this situation, the shrimp shows enviable ingenuity - it freezes, becoming completely motionless. But woe to the fish that is interested in this detail of the aquarium interior!

Thus, in terms of content, shrimp can create quite serious problems.

Food

Reproduction features

Small, peaceful - shrimp cherry

The cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. red) or cherry shrimp is without a doubt the most popular shrimp in the aquarium. It is unpretentious, takes root well in different parameters and conditions, is noticeable, besides it is peaceful and eats the remnants of food in the aquarium. For most aquarists, it is the cherry shrimp that becomes the first shrimp, and remains a favorite on long years. Our story will go about the maintenance and cultivation of cherries.

Habitat in nature

Description

Compatibility

In nature, neocardines are very vulnerable, the same thing happens in the aquarium. Small size, lack of any protective mechanisms, only disguise. But, red cherries are deprived of this. Even small fish can eat them or tear off their legs. Ideally, keep cherry shrimp in a shrimp cage, without fish. If this is not possible, then you need to choose small and peaceful fish. For example: parsing cuneiform, ordinary neon, speckled corridors, otocyclus, guppies, mollies. I have successfully kept all these fish together with shrimp, and there have never been any problems.

But who knocked out ordinary neocardines to zero, these are scalars. After a couple of months, there was no one left from the mass of shrimp! So avoid any cichlids, even dwarf ones, and even more so angelfish. Here the rule is simple, the larger the fish, the more likely it is that cherry shrimp are incompatible with it. If there is no choice and you have already planted shrimp in the aquarium, then at least add a lot of moss, it is easier for them to hide there.

Cherry shrimp are great even for beginners, the main thing is not to keep them with large fish. Cherry shrimp adapt perfectly to very different conditions and parameters. Neutral or slightly acidic water (pH 6.5-8), temperature 20–29 ° C, low content of nitrates and ammonia in it, these are all the requirements, perhaps. A small amount of shrimp can be kept even in a 5 liter nano aquarium. But in order for them to feel comfortable, they need a larger volume and a large number of plants, especially mosses.

Mosses, such as Javanese, provide them with shelter and food, as they trap food particles. They also eat zoo and fit plankton, which form on the branches of moss, while not damaging it at all. In addition, mosses provide shelter for shrimps during molting and juveniles after birth, a large pile of moss turns into a real kindergarten.

In general, a bunch of moss in an aquarium with cherry shrimp is not only very beautiful, but also necessary and important.

An important issue is the coloring of shrimp. The darker the soil and plants, the brighter they look against their background, but if they are kept against a light background, they become paler. Also, the brightness of the red color in the color depends on the feed, live and frozen feed make them brighter, and ordinary flakes vice versa. However, you can give special shrimp food that enhances the red color.