What do shrimp eat in a freshwater aquarium? This question puzzles many new shrimp keepers watching their tiny crustaceans frantically scurrying around their tanks. There’s something undeniably fascinating about observing these miniature creatures at feeding time, their transparent bodies and tiny appendages working overtime to gather food particles. Whether you’re raising vibrant Cherry shrimp, industrious Amanos, or delicate Crystal shrimp, understanding their dietary needs is crucial for maintaining a healthy, thriving colony.
Understanding Shrimp Feeding Behavior
Before diving into specific foods, it’s important to understand how shrimp naturally feed in their aquarium environment. Unlike many fish that hunt or chase their food, shrimp are primarily scavengers and grazers. Their specialized appendages are perfectly designed for picking at surfaces, sifting through substrate, and gathering tiny food particles.
Freshwater aquarium shrimp spend most of their day foraging, constantly moving around the tank searching for edible matter. They’ll climb plants, rocks, driftwood, and even glass surfaces to feed on the biofilm and microorganisms that develop naturally in a mature aquarium. This continuous grazing behavior means they’re almost always eating something, even when you’re not actively feeding them.
The Natural Diet of Aquarium Shrimp
In a well-established planted tank, shrimp obtain a significant portion of their nutrition from:
Biofilm – This slippery, often invisible layer of bacteria, microorganisms, and organic compounds coats all surfaces in a mature aquarium and serves as an essential food source for shrimp.
Algae – Various types of algae that grow on surfaces provide valuable nutrients for shrimp. Many hobbyists actually welcome a light dusting of algae as it provides natural foraging opportunities.
Detritus – Decaying plant matter, fish waste, and other organic debris in the tank become valuable food sources for these efficient cleaners.
Microorganisms – Tiny invertebrates like infusoria, which naturally develop in established aquariums, provide additional protein.
Bioactive botanicals – Items like Indian Almond leaves (mentioned by several hobbyists in the forum discussion) not only release beneficial compounds but also become colonized with microorganisms that shrimp feed on as the leaves break down.
Fresh Vegetables: The Shrimp Feast
One of the most engaging aspects of keeping freshwater shrimp is watching them gather around a piece of fresh vegetable like tiny underwater livestock. According to aquarium enthusiasts from the Planted Tank Forum, certain vegetables are particularly appealing to shrimp:
Top-Tier Vegetable Options
Organic Leafy Greens
Dandelion leaves – Several forum members noted that blanched dandelion leaves from their yards (provided they’re free from pesticides) drive shrimp “crazy.” As one hobbyist pointed out, “Can’t get any cheaper than that.”
Kale – Particularly organic baby kale appears to be a favorite. One keeper observed, “I haven’t seen them gang up on a piece of food like that in a long time.”
Spinach – A standard in the shrimp-keeping world, though some keepers reported mixed results.
Stinging nettle – When properly prepared, this wild plant ranks high on the list of several experienced keepers.
Legumes
Peas – Multiple shrimp keepers reported success with peas, with one noting that their false Amano shrimp “will absolutely destroy thawed frozen peas.”
Other Vegetables
Zucchini – A widely used option that works well for multiple tank inhabitants including shrimp, snails, and certain fish.
Cucumber – While popular and easily accessible, cucumber actually ranked lower on several keepers’ preference lists, likely due to its high water content and lower nutritional value compared to leafy greens.
Cabbage – One enthusiast called this their “personal favorite,” suggesting a method of blanching in the microwave and then removing the skin.
Carrots – Mentioned as a successful option by at least one keeper.
Vegetable Preparation Methods
Most successful shrimp keepers follow similar preparation methods for vegetables:
Blanching – The most common method involves briefly cooking vegetables in boiling water to soften them. For leafy vegetables, 1-2 minutes is typically sufficient, while harder vegetables like carrots might need 3-5 minutes.
Steaming – One forum member recommended steaming vegetables for “1-5 min depending on the leaf hardness.”
Microwave blanching – A convenient alternative: “I cut them into half moon pieces, put in microwave for 3 min with enough water to cover them. After rinsing in cold I string them with a plant weight and put them in a community area.”
Freezing – Some hobbyists prefer freezing vegetables: “With what I feed veggie wise it’s easiest either to buy frozen or slice and layer in ziplock bag and freeze. Once thawed most things are in same situation as blanching just less hassle.”
Commercial Shrimp Foods
While natural foods and vegetables form the foundation of a good shrimp diet, commercial preparations can provide additional nutrients and convenience:
Specialized Shrimp Foods
Several forum members mentioned using:
- Shirakura Ebi Dama – A Japanese shrimp food known for promoting good color and health
- Borneowild Barley – Another specialized food with plant-based ingredients
- Bacter AE – A powder that promotes biofilm growth rather than directly feeding the shrimp
Traditional Aquarium Foods
Algae wafers – Opinions on these were mixed. One keeper mentioned, “nothing drives them more crazy than the algae wafers. Maybe it’s junk food to them.” However, another warned against them: “I stopped using algae wafers once I was told they are mostly fish meal and they were causing ammonia problems for me.”
Fish flakes and pellets – Multiple keepers noted that their shrimp would eat whatever fish food was available in the tank, with one mentioning that their shrimp would even swim “up towards the surface to catch flakes.”
Feeding Different Shrimp Species
Different shrimp species may show preferences for particular foods:
Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina)
These hardy and popular shrimp are relatively unfussy eaters. As one forum member noted about their NEOs (Neocaridina): “My NEOs go after any fish food tossed in, and will eat various veggies.” Their vibrant red coloration can be enhanced with foods containing natural color enhancers like astaxanthin.
Amano Shrimp
Known as the workhorses of the aquarium world, these larger shrimp are voracious eaters. One keeper observed that their false Amanos “go after anything” with a particular fondness for thawed frozen peas. Their primary value in the aquarium is often their appetite for algae, making them excellent tank cleaners.
Crystal Shrimp
These more delicate (and often more expensive) shrimp may be more particular about water parameters but can be equally enthusiastic eaters. One forum member noted that despite their reputation for being finicky, their crystal shrimp “ate whatever my community ate” and actually “multiplied much too fast.”
Creating a Feeding Schedule
How often should you feed your shrimp? Opinions among experienced keepers vary:
Minimal supplemental feeding – Several forum members described a hands-off approach: “I put the veggies in once a week maybe and feed the shrimp nothing. They seem pretty busy on the plants and substrate all day long and are multiplying fast so I am assuming they get plenty to eat between algae and detritus.”
Regular feeding – Others prefer to provide food more consistently, with many opting for small amounts every 1-2 days.
Observation-based feeding – Perhaps the best approach is to watch your shrimp’s behavior. If they immediately swarm new food and consume it quickly, they may benefit from more frequent feeding. If food remains uneaten after several hours, you might be overfeeding.
DIY Shrimp Food Options
Beyond store-bought foods and fresh vegetables, some creative keepers prepare their own shrimp foods:
Homemade Shrimp Snacks
Snowflake food – Made by blending vegetables, calcium sources, and other ingredients, then freezing the mixture into small portions.
Vegetable medleys – Creating frozen cubes of blended vegetables provides convenience and variety.
Leaf litter mixtures – Collecting and properly preparing fallen leaves like oak, beech, or maple can create a natural feeding ground that mimics shrimp’s native environments.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced shrimp keepers sometimes fall into these common pitfalls:
Overfeeding
Perhaps the most common mistake is simply providing too much food. Uneaten food quickly breaks down, potentially leading to ammonia spikes that can be deadly to sensitive shrimp. As one forum member pointed out regarding algae wafers, they “were causing ammonia problems for me.”
Failing to Remove Uneaten Food
Vegetables especially should be removed after 24 hours if not completely consumed. Several forum members mentioned using techniques like skewering vegetables on plant weights to make them easier to retrieve.
Inconsistent Feeding
While shrimp can certainly survive periods without supplemental feeding in a mature tank, consistency helps maintain healthy colonies, especially for breeding purposes.
Ignoring Nutritional Balance
Relying solely on one food source, even if the shrimp seem to enjoy it, can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time. The most successful shrimp keepers provide varied diets that include protein, plant matter, and mineral-rich foods.
The Role of Botanicals in Shrimp Nutrition
Several forum members mentioned using Indian Almond leaves in their shrimp tanks. These leaves, along with other botanicals like alder cones, oak leaves, and catappa bark, serve multiple purposes:
- They slowly break down, providing surfaces for biofilm development that shrimp can feed on
- They release tannins and other compounds that may benefit shrimp health
- They create microhabitats that encourage beneficial microorganisms
As one keeper noted, “The only problem with those I guess is that it takes forever to break down to a point where they’ll actually eat off of it. I think I’ve had mine in there for over a month now and they only just recently started to really pay attention to it.”
Feeding in Community Tanks
In tanks where shrimp coexist with fish or other invertebrates, feeding becomes more complex. Several forum members described community feeding scenarios:
“My platies, endlers, RCS, nerites, and otos all seem to enjoy these [vegetables]. I put 1 min blanched spinach leaves in too but have no clue who eats them. I see nobody during the day touch them, then when I check them in the morning there is nothing left but green veins.”
In such settings, it’s important to:
- Ensure shrimp have access to food without excessive competition from fish
- Provide some foods specifically targeted to shrimp, perhaps in areas less accessible to larger tank inhabitants
- Monitor for signs that shrimp are getting adequate nutrition, such as active behavior and successful molting
Seasonal Variations in Feeding
Some advanced shrimp keepers adjust their feeding practices seasonally:
- Increased protein during breeding periods or cooler months
- More plant matter during warmer months when metabolism is higher
- Conditioning foods rich in calcium before and after molting seasons
Conclusion: Creating the Perfect Shrimp Menu
Understanding what do shrimp eat in captivity opens up a world of possibilities for these fascinating creatures. Through careful observation and experimentation, you’ll discover what works best for your particular species and tank setup. The experiences shared by forum members demonstrate that while there are general guidelines, individual shrimp colonies may have their own preferences.
The most successful approach combines:
- A well-established tank with natural biofilm and algae growth
- Regular offerings of high-quality vegetables
- Occasional supplementation with commercial or specialized foods
- Close attention to how your shrimp respond to different foods
Perhaps the most telling sign of success comes from one forum member who noted their cherry shrimp were “multiplying fast” – healthy, well-fed shrimp will reward you with a thriving, growing colony that provides endless fascination for the observant aquarist.
By exploring the diverse menu items discussed here and paying attention to your shrimp’s preferences, you’ll develop a feeding regimen that keeps your underwater crustaceans not just surviving, but thriving in their aquatic home.
