With their small size and life in the ocean, it can be hard to determine exactly what shrimps eat. If you’ve ever wondered ‘are shrimps herbivores?’, you’re not alone! While they may appear plant-like at times, the diets of various shrimp species are actually quite complex and fascinating.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Shrimps are generally omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. But their diets can vary between species – some focus more on algae and plants, while others are more predatory.
An Overview of Shrimp Diets
Many Species are Omnivorous
Numerous shrimp species have an omnivorous diet, consuming both plant and animal matter. Common omnivorous shrimp like cherry shrimp and ghost shrimp forage on algae, aquatic plants, small insects, worms, and decomposing organisms. Their versatility allows them to thrive in most aquarium settings.
Studies show over 60% of shrimp species are omnivorous to some degree.
Some Focus on Algae and Plants
Certain shrimp specialize in herbivorous diets, feeding predominantly on algae, biofilms, and aquatic vegetation. Species like the bamboo and wood shrimp use their fan-like appendages to filter tiny food particles from the water column.
Under optimal conditions, these shrimp can fully sustain themselves on the microorganisms and plants in their habitat, seldom needing supplementary feeding.
Dedicated herbivores comprise just under 30% of shrimp species. Their plant-based diets make them ideal for pairing with fish species in aquarium tanks. By consuming algae, they help control its spread while posing no predatory threat to tankmates.
Others are More Predatory
While less common, some shrimp fill a more predatory niche, actively hunting small prey. These species have developed anatomical adaptations to capture food, like enlarged claws or pointed rostrums. Examples include the aggressive tiger pistol shrimp and cunning coral banded shrimp.
Research estimates 12% of shrimp species exhibit predatory behavior. However, even these shrimp generally consume plant matter as well, classifying them as omnivores. Very few shrimp species survive solely on live prey.
Those that do typically inhabit deep oceans and reefs teeming with potential food sources.
Herbivorous Shrimp Species
Amano Shrimp
The Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata), also known as Yamato shrimp, is a peaceful freshwater shrimp popular in aquariums for its algae-eating abilities. They are native to Japan and Taiwan and inhabit slow-moving fresh waters.
Amano shrimp are primarily herbivorous, feeding on soft green algae, including troublesome black beard and hair algae that frequently plague aquariums.
In addition to algae, Amano shrimp will graze on Aufwuchs and biofilm on hard surfaces. They may also pick at leftover fish food and dead plant matter. Their versatile diets allow them to thrive in planted aquariums.
With a lifespan of 2-3 years given proper care, Amano shrimp help keep aquarium glass, décor, and plants clean.
Bamboo Shrimp
The bamboo shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) is another popular freshwater shrimp known for its herbivorous diet. Native to Southeast Asia, bamboo shrimp inhabit swift moving waters near river mouths and lower stream regions.
They are called “bamboo shrimp” for their fan-like filter feeding appendages resembling bamboo leaves.
Bamboo shrimp position themselves in aquarium currents and use their front fans to filter out fine organic particles from the water column, including microalgae, protozoa, and detritus. They will also pick at Aufwuchs, periphyton, and biofilm from hard surfaces.
Given their specialized filtering fans adapted for catching microorganisms and food particles, bamboo shrimp are primarily herbivorous.
Red Cherry Shrimp
The vibrant red cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), also called fire shrimp, is a popular dwarf freshwater shrimp. Native to Taiwan and southern China, these shrimp thrive in planted tanks with lots of hiding spots.
They have an omnivorous diet, feeding on soft algae, biofilms, Aufwuchs, detritus, and microorganisms.
While red cherry shrimp eat a variety of meaty foods like insect larvae and zooplankton if available, they obtain most of their nutrition from plant matter and algae. As opportunistic omnivores, red cherry shrimp function essentially as herbivores in planted aquariums where animal proteins are scarce.
Their bright red coloration is derived from pigments in foods like microalgae.
Here is a comparison of the natural diets of popular herbivorous aquarium shrimp species:
| Shrimp Species | Key Food Sources |
| Amano Shrimp | Soft green algae, Aufwuchs, biofilm |
| Bamboo Shrimp | Microalgae, protozoa, detritus, Aufwuchs |
| Red Cherry Shrimp | Algae, biofilm, Aufwuchs, microorganisms |
Carnivorous and Omnivorous Shrimp
Ghost Shrimp
Ghost shrimp, belonging to the genus Palaemonetes, are tiny crustaceans measuring about 1-3 cm long as adults. They have transparent exoskeletons, giving them a ghostly appearance. Although primarily detritivores, filtering organic particles from the substrate, ghost shrimp are opportunistic omnivores and will consume live foods if available.
When housing ghost shrimp in aquariums, it is advisable to provide both plant-based foods and meaty options. Spirulina powder, blanched vegetables, and algae wafers make good vegetarian options. Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and diced table shrimp also make excellent protein-rich foods.
A varied diet is key to keeping ghost shrimp healthy and vibrant.
Peppermint Shrimp
Peppermint shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni) are a popular cleanup crew addition to marine reef aquariums. Reaching sizes of 2-3 inches, these shrimp get their name from the red bands on their otherwise transparent bodies. They use their smaller front legs to pick and pull food into their mouths.
Peppermint shrimp are opportunistic omnivores in the wild, but primarily carnivorous in captivity. They feed on tiny invertebrates like bristle worms, aptasia, and fish larvae. It is recommended to target feed them frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and other meaty items.
Keeping them well-fed helps prevent them from disturbing harmless invertebrates in reef tanks.
Vampire Shrimp
Vampire shrimp (Atya gabonensis) are an unusual freshwater species growing up to 6 inches long. They get their sinister name from their bluish grey to black coloration and the red patches near their eyes that can look like blood.
They use tiny fan-like appendages to filter microorganisms and organic particles from the water column and sift through substrate.
In the wild, vampire shrimp are believed to be mainly detritivores. However, they are omnivorous opportunists and will eat live foods including small injured fish, larvae, and dead animals. In home aquariums, they should be fed supplemental meaty items like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and tiny pieces of seafood in addition to microorganism-rich infusoria.
Providing a Balanced Shrimp Diet
Include Both Plant and Animal Matter
When it comes to feeding shrimps, it’s important to provide a balanced diet containing both plant and animal matter. Though shrimps are omnivores, they need protein from animal sources to thrive. Meals containing freeze-dried krill, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia will provide essential amino acids.
However, a shrimp’s diet should not consist solely of animal proteins. Fiber from vegetables helps with digestion and provides necessary vitamins and minerals. Blanching veggies like zucchini, spinach, and carrots before adding them to the tank will soften them up for easy eating.
Spirulina flakes and algae wafers also supply nutrients and round out the diet.
Cater to Your Species’ Preferences
While all shrimp need a balanced diet, different species have particular preferences worth noting. Ghost shrimp, for instance, are scavengers that appreciate protein-rich foods like sinking pellets and freeze-dried treats.
Delicate cherry shrimp thrive best on natural plant matter and prepared foods containing spirulina.
Knowing the tendencies of your shrimp allows you to tailor feedings to their needs. Offer a diverse buffet and monitor which foods get eaten fastest. This will clue you in to what your shrimp enjoy most while still giving options for a nutritionally complete meal.
Supplement with Commercial Foods
When sourcing natural foods proves difficult, quality commercial diets can supplement nutritional requirements. Shrimp pellets, flakes, and wafers from trusted brands contain the balanced nutrition shrimps need. Look for formulas containing spirulina, kelp, amino acids, vitamins, and probiotics.
Just be wary of overfeeding with commercial diets. Feed only as much as your shrimp can consume within a few minutes, 1-2 times daily. Uneaten food fouls the water, so removing excess is imperative. Offering a varied diet with natural foods when possible is ideal for shrimp health.
Maintaining Water Quality for Optimal Health
Test for Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates
Testing and monitoring water quality is crucial for maintaining shrimp health. Ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates should be tested regularly using aquarium test kits. High levels of these compounds can be toxic to shrimp.
Ammonia is produced from decomposing waste materials and food. It is highly toxic even at low levels. Aim to keep ammonia at 0 ppm in a shrimp tank.
Nitrites are also very toxic and should be kept below 0.25 ppm. They are produced when ammonia is converted by beneficial bacteria.
Nitrates are less toxic than ammonia and nitrites, but levels above 40 ppm can still harm shrimp. Perform regular partial water changes to keep nitrates low.
Perform Regular Water Changes
Frequent partial water changes are essential for controlling ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. For a shrimp-only tank, aim to change out 25% of the water 1-2 times per week. Use a gravel vacuum to remove waste from the substrate with each water change.
Use a dechlorinator to remove chlorine and chloramines whenever adding new water. Match the temperature and pH of the new water to the tank water to prevent shocking the shrimp.
Use Live Plants to Absorb Excess Nutrients
Adding fast-growing live plants like java moss, java fern, hornwort, and anacharis helps absorb excess nutrients like nitrates from the water. The plants compete with algae for nutrients, helping control algal growth.
Floating plants are especially useful as they have access to atmospheric CO2. They grow quickly and are effective at soaking up dissolved compounds. Some good options are duckweed, frogbit, and water lettuce.
Make sure to provide adequate lighting for the plants – around 2-3 watts per gallon using fluorescent or LED aquarium lights. Provide supplements like Seachem Flourish to give the plants macro and micronutrients.
Conclusion
While shrimps are commonly thought of as bottom-feeders, their diets are quite complex. Most species are omnivorous to some degree, though certain types do focus more on plants or animal prey.
By understanding your shrimp’s nutritional needs and habitat requirements, you can help provide a healthy, balanced diet. This will lead to thriving shrimp and a stable aquarium environment.
