What size tank does a Ghost Shrimp need?

Ghost Shrimp needs a minimum of 10 gallons, with 15 gallons recommended. They are bottom swimmers. Keep in groups of 4+.

Is Ghost Shrimp good for beginners?

Ghost Shrimp is rated "beginner" difficulty (1/5). Great for beginners.

What fish are compatible with Ghost Shrimp?

Ghost Shrimp is peaceful. Compatible tank mates include other peaceful fish with similar water parameters (pH 7-8, temp 65-82°F).

Ghost Shrimp

Palaemonetes paludosus

Family: Palaemonidae • Origin: Various

Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) is a peaceful shrimp reaching 2 inches. Keep in groups of 4+. Minimum tank size: 10 gallons.

Min Tank

10 gal

Max Size

Temperature

65-82°F

7-8

Lifespan

3 years

School Size

Swim Level

bottom

Hardness

5-15 dGH

peacefulbeginneromnivoreschooling

Is Ghost Shrimp Right for Your Tank?

Ghost Shrimp is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "beginner" difficulty (1/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. At just 10 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.

With a peaceful temperament, Ghost Shrimp makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. This is a schooling species — keep at least 4 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 3 years with proper care.

Common Mistakes with Ghost Shrimp

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Keeping fewer than 4 together

Ghost Shrimp is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 4 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.

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Relying on a heater without a thermometer

Ghost Shrimp needs 65–82°F. Heaters malfunction or drift over time — always use a separate thermometer to verify. Temperature swings of even 3–4°F can trigger stress and disease, particularly ich.

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Putting them in a tank under 10 gallons

While 10 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (15 gal) is much more forgiving.