What do aquarium shrimp eat?

When observing freshwater aquarium shrimp of the genera Caridina and Neocaridina, you’ll notice they’re almost constantly feeding. Whether they’re perched on a leaf, root, or the substrate, they’re always nibbling at something. But what exactly are they eating so eagerly? Let’s take a closer look at what aquarium shrimp eat.

What do freshwater shrimp eat in nature?

It’s a common belief that the main food source for Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp two of the most popular genera among aquarists is algae. However, this is a clear oversimplification. In reality, dwarf shrimp primarily feed on biofilm, a complex biological membrane composed of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, all surrounded by layers of organic and inorganic substances produced by them. Biofilm forms on surfaces such as substrates, plants, stones, and roots. Dwarf shrimp also readily consume detritus decomposing organic matter along with the microorganisms living on it. They happily feed on carrion, fallen leaves, and fruit that ends up in the water. As you can see, they are not particularly picky and are considered opportunistic omnivores, making them relatively easy to feed in an aquarium.

Filter-feeding shrimp, on the other hand, extract suspended particles from the water. These particles are composed of organic matter, phytoplankton, and zooplankton. Everything floating in the water sticks to specialized fan-like structures located on the first two pairs of their walking legs organs specifically adapted for filter feeding.

Shrimp of the genus Macrobrachium, which are relatively rare in aquariums, are active hunters and scavengers. As such, their diet consists primarily of animal-based foods.

What to feed shrimp in an aquarium

Now that you know that Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp are omnivores with hearty appetites, it’s clear they will eat almost anything you offer or whatever they find in the aquarium. Still, it’s important to remember that biofilm and detritus are essential food sources for them. In a freshly set-up tank, these are typically absent. This, combined with unstable water parameters, is often the reason shrimp fail to thrive or even die in newly established aquariums. For this reason, when setting up a new tank, it’s crucial to wait patiently for the system to mature and for biofilm and algae to develop. These small crustaceans will quickly thrive in a stable aquarium with something to nibble on in every corner.

Of course, the natural food found in the aquarium alone is not enough to meet all their nutritional needs especially when shrimp populations are large. Supplement their diet with commercial shrimp food as well as fresh vegetables and herbs. Good choices include cucumber, zucchini, red pepper, pumpkin, and lettuce. Some vegetables, like cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots, should be lightly boiled; others, like kale, can be blanched. Greens such as spinach, dandelion, nettle, parsley, and dill can be offered fresh, dried, or frozen. Always serve small portions so the shrimp can finish the food completely, preventing it from decomposing in the tank.

One type of food you can leave in the aquarium indefinitely are dried leaves from trees such as oak, beech, walnut, linden, mulberry, or seaalmond (ketapang).

What are the characteristics of good shrimp food?

Commercial foods for aquarium shrimp should sink and be highly hydrostable. Examples of such products include Tropical Caridina Nano Sticks, Tropical Crusta Sticks, and Tropical Shrimp Sticks. Hydrostable foods retain their structure in water for an extended period, resisting disintegration and limiting the leaching of nutrients into the water. This helps prevent pollution of both the water column and substrate.

Food particles that fall into gravel or an active substrate become inaccessible to shrimp and can negatively affect water chemistry. If you’ve kept shrimp for any time, you’ve likely noticed they become more active during tank maintenance. Even a slight disturbance of the substrate releases organic matter into the water an opportunity your shrimp will quickly take advantage of to grab these morsels. To reduce the risk of food sinking into the substrate and decomposing, consider feeding your shrimp in a glass dish and always use hydrostable foods.

What should freshwater shrimp food contain?

In addition to a proper balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, shrimp food must provide essential vitamins, macro- and microelements, and carotenoids natural pigments that serve multiple functions. Carotenoids are a source of provitamin A, contribute to coloration, and protect cells and other chemical compounds from the harmful effects of free radicals. They also promote growth, reproduction, and healthy molting (the shedding and replacement of the shell).

Like all animals, shrimp cannot synthesize carotenoids and must obtain them through their diet. In Tropical Caridina Nano Sticks, Tropical Crusta Sticks, and Tropical Shrimp Sticks, sources of carotenoids include spirulina and crustaceans. Vitamins C and E, along with active substances in spirulina, further enhance the shrimp’s natural immunity. In Tropical Shrimp Sticks, kelp algae and beta-glucan a natural immunostimulant derived from yeast support immune function as well.

Shrimp food should offer a well-balanced mix of vitamins and minerals. When using a high-quality commercial food, you don’t need to worry about nutrient deficiencies. However, always keep an eye on your aquarium. Because shrimp molt regularly, they have an increased need for minerals to help form new shells.

How often should you feed aquarium shrimp?

Now that you know what shrimp eat, the next question is how often to feed them. In mature aquariums, shrimp find plenty of food on their own. Biofilm, detritus, and leaf litter provide a constant source of nourishment. So there’s no need to feed them commercial food every day especially if you have only a small group of shrimp (a few to a dozen individuals). As your shrimp population grows, you’ll need to increase both the frequency and amount of food offered. Simply observe their behavior: if they eat the food quickly and show interest, you’re likely feeding the right amount. Avoid allowing uneaten food to remain in the tank, as it will degrade water quality. In new or small tanks, you may notice shrimp dying after feeding. In such setups, it’s best to minimize feeding and focus on allowing the tank to fully mature and stabilize

Aleksandra Kwaśniak-Płacheta (Ph.D.Eng)