Ghost Shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
Also sold as Palaemonetes · Riverine grass shrimp
Synonyms Glass shrimp · Grass shrimp · Feeder shrimp
Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) is a semi-aggressive freshwater shrimp that reaches about 4 cm (1.6 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 64–82°F (18–28°C) and pH 6.5–8, is kept in groups of 5 or more, and needs a tank of at least 20 L (5 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Shrimp |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 4 cm (1.6 in) |
| Minimum tank | 20 L (5 gal) |
| Group size | 5 or more |
| Temperature | 64–82°F (18–28°C) |
| pH | 6.5–8 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| GH | 3–15 |
| Lifespan | 1–1.5 years |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only |
Before it goes in
- Ghost Shrimp needs at least 20 L (5 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 36P.
- Keep 5 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- Adult shrimp are safe; shrimplets will be eaten, so a shrimp colony will not grow in the same tank.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Betta, Goldfish and Angelfish: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 64–82°F (18–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
What tank size does it need?
At least 20 L (5 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 36P.
How many should I keep?
5 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Adults are safe, shrimplets are not. You can keep shrimp with it; you just will not get a growing colony.
What water does it want?
64–82°F (18–28°C), pH 6.5–8, GH 3–15.
How long does it live?
1–1.5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Ghost Shrimp | Cherry Shrimp | Snowball Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 4 cm | 4 cm | 4 cm |
| Min tank | 20 L | 15 L | 15 L |
| Group | 5+ | 6+ | 6+ |
| Temperature | 64–82°F (18–28°C) | 64–79°F (18–26°C) | 64–79°F (18–26°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only | No | No |
More livestock
Sources (3) · checked Sep 2026
- Mature tank, What it eatstheshrimpfarm.com
- What it eatsshrimpkeepers.com
- What it eatsstudioscaped.com