Freshwater shrimps are fascinating creatures that can add color, interest, and life to any aquarium. Freshwater shrimp come in more than 600 different varieties, all of which have their own special qualities and traits. But we are going to write about some of the easiest freshwater shrimp to keep and care for.

Freshwater shrimps may be found in a range of hues, including red, green, blue, black, and purple, and are typically found in slow-moving streams, springs, and ponds. They are essential for keeping the tank clean and are renowned for their calm nature. These little creatures are renowned for their calm dispositions and are great at keeping your tank clean.

Easiest Freshwater Shrimp To Keep

So, without further ado, let’s talk in detail about the 7 easiest freshwater shrimp to keep!

1. Red Cherry Shrimp

Red Cherry Shrimp
Red Cherry Shrimp
Care LevelTemperamentColorLife SpanSize
EasyPeacefulRed1 Year 1 to 1¼
Water TemperatureWater pHTank SizeDietScientific Name
72 – 78  7.0 – 7.85-10 GallonOmnivoreNeocaridina davidi 

Red Cherry Shrimp is one the easiest freshwater shrimp to care for. They are native to Taiwan and are available in different vibrant and beautiful colors. Feeding Red Cherry Shrimp is a piece of cake! They have a simple diet that includes commercial food like fish flakes, shrimp pellets, fish pellets, and algae wafers. In addition, these little guys can also munch on the edible plant matter that’s shed from live aquarium plants and they also eat algae present in the tank.

Because of their kind and non-aggressive nature, red cherry shrimp are well-known. They rely on their calm nature to keep safe in their surroundings because they lack any true means of self-defense. So It’s Important to choose their tankmates carefully.

2. Ghost Shrimp

Ghost Shrimp
Ghost Shrimp
Care LevelTemperamentColorLife SpanSize
EasyPeacefulCrystal Clear1 Year1.5 inches
Water TemperatureWater pHTank SizeDietScientific Name
65–82°F7.0–8.05–10 gallonsOmnivorePalaemonetes paludosus

If you’re looking for something interesting to add to your tank, Ghost Shrimp may be just what you need. Ghost Shrimp, also known as Glass Shrimp, are a small species of freshwater shrimp that are native to the southeastern region of the United States. They can live in the same aquarium with the other calm, tiny fish and bottom dwellers like kuhli loaches, cory catfish, and freshwater snails.

Ghost Shrimp are known for their almost completely clear appearance. However, while most Ghost Shrimp are transparent, some may have slightly greenish or light brown spots, adding a touch of color to their appearance. Fish flakes, algae, shrimp food, blanched vegetables like romaine or zucchini, spirulina, or leaves are the finest foods for ghost shrimp.

3. Bamboo (Flower) Shrimp

Bamboo (Flower) Shrimp picture
Bamboo (Flower) Shrimp
Care LevelTemperamentColorLife SpanSize
Easy-MediumPeacefulReddish-brown2 Years 2-3 Inches
Water TemperatureWater pHTank SizeDietScientific Name
75–77°F6.5 – 7.510 GallonsDetritivore /omnivoreAtyopsis moluccensis

Bamboo (Flower) Shrimp, also known as Atyopsis moluccensis, are freshwater shrimp that hail from Southeast Asia. It Is among the list of easiest freshwater shrimp to keep in tanks. One of the most fascinating and alluring types of shrimp in the aquarium hobby is the bamboo shrimp. They are a well-liked option because, despite their remarkable size, they have a quiet and tranquil demeanor.

Bamboo Shrimp come in a wide range of colors, each of which is distinctive and attractive in its own way. They are also renowned for making great tank companions and get along quite fine with non-aggressive fish, snails, and other dwarf shrimp.

4. Amano Shrimp

Amano Shrimp in tank
Amano Shrimp
Care LevelTemperamentColorLife SpanSize
EasyPeacefulGray/Transparent2 years2 Inches
Water TemperatureWater pHTank SizeDietScientific Name
70–80°F6.0–7.010 gallonsOmnivoreCaridina multidentata

Amano Shrimp are undeniably one of the most sought-after freshwater shrimp. They are highly valued for their hardiness, peaceful nature, and voracious appetite for algae. Originating from Taiwan and Japan, Amano Shrimp can reach a maximum length of 2 inches as they mature in their natural habitat.

Amano Shrimp are known for eagerly consuming any algae that may be present in your aquarium. Amano shrimp is easy to care for and is the best choice to keep in a fish tank. Amano Shrimp can coexist peacefully with several snail species, including Assassin Snails, Ramshorn Snails, Mystery Snails, Ivory Snails, and Japanese Trapdoor Snails.

5. Blue Bolt Shrimp

Blue Bolt Shrimp: easiest freshwater shrimp to keep
Blue Bolt Shrimp
Care LevelTemperamentColorLife SpanSize
EasyPeacefulBright blue1 – 2 years30 mm / 1.2 inches
Water TemperatureWater pHTank SizeDietScientific Name
68 – 77 °F5.5 – 6.55-10 GallonOmnivoreCaridina cf cantonensis

The Caridina species of blue-bolt shrimp is indigenous to Taiwan. Its vivid deep sky-blue body hue, which may eventually meld into a hazy white tail, distinguishes them as the Taiwan bee. They are very playful and calm creatures so they easily cohabit happily in a communal Tank. These animals are absolutely safe and won’t bother any of the other fish in the aquarium.

Algae, biofilm, and plant debris that builds up in a planted tank make up the Blue Bolt Shrimp’s natural diet. To make sure their nutritional requirements are satisfied, additional feeding may need to be given once daily or every other day, depending on how many shrimp are in the tank.

6. Bee Shrimp

Bee Shrimp pictures
Bee Shrimp
Care LevelTemperament
Color
Life SpanSize
EasyPeacefulPale with black,
yellow,
or red stripes
1–2 years1 inch
Water TemperatureWater pHTank SizeDietScientific Name
 68 – 74 °F6.0 – 6.85-10 GallonOmnivoreCaridina cantonensis

Bee Shrimp is one of the easiest freshwater shrimp to keep because of its adaptability to a wide range of water parameters and relatively undemanding diet. They have an impressive range of colors and the ability to serve as effective cleaners within a tank. This places Bee Shrimp as a popular decorative species among aquarium lovers.

Bee shrimp are known for their peaceful temperament and are pretty harmless little creatures. It’s recommended to keep them in groups rather than alone, as they prefer to live in larger numbers. Bee shrimp can live harmoniously with Tangerine Tiger shrimp, Blue Bolt shrimp, Ramshorn snails, Nerite snails, and Malaysian Trumpet snails in a community tank.

7. Snowball Shrimp

Snowball Shrimp
Care LevelTemperamentColorLife SpanSize
EasyPeacefulTranslucent white1–2 years1–1.2 inches
Water TemperatureWater pHTank SizeDietScientific Name
65–85°F6.5–8.010 gallonsOmnivoreNeocaridina
zhangiajiensis var.

The last on the list of 7 easiest freshwater shrimp to keep is the snowball shrimp. Snowball shrimp is easily distinguishable from other dwarf shrimp species due to its distinctive pure white coloration. Keeping snowball shrimp is a great choice for beginners interested in this hobby because of its easy care requirements and straightforward breeding process.

Amano shrimp, Bamboo shrimp, Vampire shrimp, Caridina cf. babaulti, and Ghost shrimp are excellent tankmates for Snowball shrimp in a freshwater aquarium. Incorporating Snowball shrimp into a shrimp tank with a dark substrate can be a visually appealing addition, as their pure white coloration contrasts beautifully against the dark substrate. They can also enhance the overall aesthetic of the tank by showcasing their striking appearance on the surrounding plants.

Conclusion

Beginners may start their shrimp-keeping journey with confidence by picking one of the seven species that require the least amount of maintenance. Freshwater shrimp may improve the general health and appearance of a tank by acting as efficient cleaners and adding visual appeal. So why not consider adding some freshwater shrimp to your aquarium today?