Freshwater Vs Saltwater Shrimp: A Detailed Comparison

With over 2,000 species of shrimp found globally, deciding between freshwater and saltwater shrimp can be a tough choice for aquarists and seafood lovers alike. This comprehensive guide will settle the debate once and for all.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Saltwater shrimp tend to be more colorful and bigger in size, but require advanced aquarium setups. Freshwater shrimp come in more limited varieties but are easier to raise and still make attractive additions to home aquariums.

In this roughly 3000 word guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the differences between freshwater and saltwater shrimp including their biology, raising requirements, popular species, costs, culinary uses and more. Read on to become a shrimp expert!

Biological Differences

Taxonomy and Species Diversity

When it comes to taxonomy, freshwater shrimp and saltwater shrimp belong to different infraorders of decapod crustaceans. Freshwater varieties like cherry shrimp or Amano shrimp belong to the infraorder Caridea, while marine shrimp species like white shrimp or tiger prawns belong to Dendrobranchiata (Wikipedia, 2023).

In terms of diversity, saltwater environments boast a greater number of shrimp species – penaeid shrimp alone comprise nearly 2,000 species found in marine habitats (Global Aquaculture Alliance, 2023). By contrast, only around 500 species of freshwater shrimp exist.

Size Variation

There is wider variation in sizes among saltwater shrimp species compared to freshwater varieties. Some marine shrimp like the mantis shrimp can reach lengths of nearly 40 cm, while others like the endangered Peppermint shrimp barely measure 2 cm when fully grown.

Most freshwater shrimp do not exceed 5 cm in adulthood, with popular aquarium species like Red Cherry shrimp reaching just 2-3 cm (PetCoach, 2023). The largest freshwater shrimp is the Giant river prawn found in Southeast Asia, which can span 32 cm.

Lifespans

On average, saltwater shrimp enjoy longer natural lifespans than freshwater species. For instance, a Whiteleg shrimp can live over 5 years if residing in ideal marine habitats. By contrast, popular freshwater shrimp like the Amano and Ghost varieties live about 2-3 years normally.

However, with proper aquarium care, some freshwater shrimp can exceed 4 years as per enthusiasts (AquariumSource, 2023). Ultimately, both varieties can outlive small pet fish when housed correctly.

Ideal Water Conditions

Since they inhabit different ecosystems, freshwater and marine shrimp require tailored water parameters for survival. This table sums up their differing needs:

As the data shows, saltwater tanks require heating and marine salts to mimic a shrimp’s native conditions – making them more challenging for amateur aquarists. Freshwater shrimp are less sensitive overall, making them better starter invertebrates.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

Freshwater Shrimp Tanks

There are over 2,000 species of freshwater shrimp, with varying preferences for water conditions and tank setups. Most species thrive in planted tanks with gentle water flow and lots of hiding places. Sand or very fine gravel substrates are ideal, along with pieces of driftwood, rock caves, and live plants like java moss, java fern and anarchis.

Successful freshwater shrimp tanks range from species-specific nano tanks around 5 gallons, up to heavily planted community tanks of 40 gallons or more.

Marine Shrimp Aquariums

There are fewer saltwater shrimp species available to home aquarists compared to freshwater, but popular choices like peppermint and cleaner shrimp have very specific care needs. Marine shrimp require stable, high-quality saltwater between 72-78°F, with sg 1.023-1.025, and ample hiding places.

Species-only nano tanks as small as 10 gallons can work well, provided they are tightly monitored, while reef community tanks of 30 gallons or larger are preferred. Additional filtration like protein skimmers may be needed to manage waste production in smaller tanks.

Filtration and Water Changes

Shrimp are sensitive to water quality shifts, requiring exceptional filtration systems and regular partial water changes. Sponge filters alone often suffice for freshwater shrimp tanks under 20 gallons, while canister filters are commonly used up to 40 gallons.

Refugiums can aid filtration in marine shrimp tanks. Regardless of tank size, both fresh and saltwater shrimp tanks require weekly 10-25% water changes. Using RO/DI water is also highly recommended, especially for mixing marine salt.

Test kits are essential for closely monitoring ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH, GH and KH on a routine basis.

Popular Freshwater Shrimp Species

Red Cherry Shrimp

The red cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is one of the most popular freshwater shrimp bred in home aquariums. These vibrantly colored shrimp are named for their bright red bodies and white spots. Native to Taiwan and southern China, red cherry shrimp thrive in planted tanks with moderate lighting and gentle water flow.

They are very hardy, undemanding, and breed readily in captivity. Females can produce 20-30 young after mating and carry eggs for about 3 weeks before they hatch. This has made them a favorite choice for beginning aquarists wanting to try their hand at shrimp breeding.

Their maximum size is around 2 inches.

Ghost Shrimp

Ghost shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) are another common freshwater species found in pet stores. As their name suggests, these translucent shrimp have a pale, ghostly appearance that makes them excellent tank cleaners. They will scavenge any leftover fish food or algae in the tank.

While not as brightly colored as red cherry shrimp, ghost shrimp do have some attractive color variations like blue, orange, and red. They are inexpensive, peaceful, and generally safe for community tanks. However, they can be more sensitive to water parameters than red cherry shrimp.

Females are slightly larger than males and can reach 2 inches in size. Breeding ghost shrimp requires a bit more expertise than other species.

Amano Shrimp

Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata) are larger freshwater shrimp originating from Japan. They can grow up to 2.5 inches long and are characterized by their transparent bodies and dotted markings. Amano shrimp are efficient algae eaters that help control unwanted algae growth in planted aquariums.

They also consume uneaten fish food and detritus. However, they are not easy to breed in a home aquarium due to specific hatching requirements. Amano shrimp prefer densely planted tanks and do well in both small and large tank setups. They are peaceful community tank shrimp.

Bamboo Shrimp

Bamboo shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) stand out for their unusual fan-like filter feeding hands. They use these hand-like appendages to catch tiny food particles from the water column. Bamboo shrimp originated in Southeast Asia and can grow quite large compared to other freshwater shrimp, sometimes exceeding 4 inches.

They require mature aquariums with stable water parameters and good water flow to feed properly. While interesting to watch, bamboo shrimp are not albino or transparent like ghost shrimp. Instead, they have a brownish color with some white banding on their legs.

They are peaceful but tend to be reclusive and hide a lot during the daytime.

Popular Saltwater Shrimp Species

Peppermint Shrimp

The peppermint shrimp, with their bright red bands on a white body, are some of the most popular saltwater cleaner shrimp kept by aquarists. Growing up to 2 inches long, these busy invertebrates eat nuisance algae off of live rock, coral, and the glass walls of the aquarium.

Peppermint shrimp help keep nuisance algae under control and are peaceful tankmates in a reef aquarium. According to SaltwaterAquarium.com, peppermint shrimp have a lifespan of 1-2 years with proper care.

Cleaner Shrimp

Cleaner shrimp, also called skunk cleaner shrimp, are another popular saltwater species due to their algae-eating cleaning abilities. These busy shrimp set up “cleaning stations” on live rock or coral outcroppings, waving their antennae to signal fish that they are open for business.

Fish will come and allow the shrimp to pick parasites off their skin and even clean inside their mouths. According to ThatPetPlace.com, cleaner shrimp are one of the few invertebrates that fish will not eat.

Their helpful cleaning behaviors make cleaner shrimp important residents of the saltwater tank.

Pistol Shrimp

Pistol shrimp are named for their large snapping claw that can snap shut at speeds up to 60 mph, creating a loud “popping” noise and even a shockwave that can stun prey. They use this specialized claw to hunt and communicate with each other.

An article from Florida Museum notes that the snap of the pistol shrimp claw is one of the loudest sounds in the ocean relative to its size. Pistol shrimp dig burrows in the sediment, which benefits the tank by aerating the substrate.

They need plenty of sandy areas in the tank and may become aggressive toward tankmates if space is limited.

Fire Shrimp

With their bright red bodies and white dots, fire shrimp live up to their name and add a dramatic pop of color to the aquarium. These shrimp reach about 2 inches in size and are generally peaceful, spending their time picking algae off of hard surfaces in the tank.

According to AquariumSource.com, fire shrimp prefer to have hiding places and will appreciate the shelter provided by live rock. Fire shrimp add activity to the tank as they busily comb algae off their surroundings.

Like other dwarf shrimp species, fire shrimp have a lifespan of 1-2 years in captivity.

Breeding and Raising Shrimp

Mating and Reproduction

Freshwater shrimp like cherry shrimp and amano shrimp reproduce through breeding. The male shrimp fertilizes the eggs of the female shrimp. After mating, the female carries the fertilized eggs under her belly until the larvae hatch.

The larvae go through several larval stages before becoming tiny juvenile shrimp.

Saltwater shrimp like tiger shrimp and white shrimp also breed to reproduce. The male deposits sperm packets called spermatophores near the female’s reproductive opening. The female picks up the sperm and stores it until she is ready to spawn. She can lay 50,000 to 1 million eggs in a single spawning.

After hatching, the larvae go through several developmental stages.

Larval Stages

Freshwater shrimp larvae go through several stages after hatching from the eggs. The early stages are nauplius, protozoea, and mysis. At the mysis stage, the larvae start to resemble tiny shrimp, developing appendages and segmentation.

After the mysis phase, they become post-larvae and eventually grow into juvenile shrimp.

Similarly, saltwater shrimp larvae pass through nauplius, protozoea, mysis, and post-larval stages. Each stage allows further development of appendages, muscles, sensory organs, and metabolism. The transition from mysis to post-larvae is when the shrimp begin resembling miniature versions of adults.

Feeding

The feeding needs of shrimp change during their lifetimes. Freshwater shrimp larvae eat microalgae, yeast, phytoplankton and zooplankton. As they grow, juveniles and adults eat algae, biofilm, vegetation, microscopic organisms and shrimp pellets. Their diets should include calcium for healthy shells.

Saltwater shrimp larvae eat phytoplankton and zooplankton. At later stages, they switch to eating algae, microbes and pelleted feed. Adults are omnivorous, feeding on algae, plankton, squid, fish and supplements. Their diet provides protein, fatty acids and pigments for growth and coloration.

Culinary Uses

Freshwater Shrimp for Eating

Freshwater shrimp are a tasty and versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. Some popular ways to enjoy freshwater shrimp include:

• Lightly battered and fried – Freshwater shrimp have a delicate flavor that shines when battered in a light tempura or beer batter and quickly fried.
• Sauted or stir-fried – Freshwater shrimp cook quickly, making them ideal for stir-fries and sautés. Toss them with vegetables and serve over rice.
• Grilled shrimp skewers – Thread freshwater shrimp onto skewers, brush with olive oil and spices, and grill for a quick and healthy meal.
• Shrimp tacos or burritos – Diced freshwater shrimp makes a flavorful taco or burrito filling when seasoned with lime, cilantro and spices.
• Shrimp salad – Chilled, cooked freshwater shrimp are delicious in shrimp salads with lemon juice, olive oil, avocado, tomatoes and lettuce.

With their mild, sweet flavor and firm texture, freshwater shrimp can be used in many of the same recipes as their saltwater cousins. Their smaller size makes them convenient for appetizers, salads, pastas, stir fries and more.

Saltwater Shrimp Varieties

There are many popular varieties of saltwater shrimp enjoyed around the world, including:

• White shrimp – The most common shrimp in the United States, mild in flavor and versatile in recipes.
• Pink shrimp – Caught wild off the Pacific coast, sweet and delicate in flavor.
• Gulf shrimp – Harvested in the Gulf of Mexico, flavorful and firm texture.
• Rock shrimp – Very small but flavorful shrimp often used breaded or in seafood mixes.
• Royal red shrimp – Prized for their size and sweet, lobster-like flavor.
• Spot prawns – Large shrimp from the Pacific with a sweet, moist meat.

From the petite rock shrimp to the jumbo-sized royal reds, saltwater shrimp come in an array of sizes to suit different recipes. Their textures range from very firm (like Gulf shrimp) to delicate (like pink shrimp).

Preparing and Cooking Shrimp

Here are some tips for preparing and cooking saltwater shrimp:

• Peel and devein shrimp if desired, leaving tail on for presentation.
• Season shrimp with spices, herbs, garlic, salt and pepper or marinades.
• Quickly sauté in olive oil or butter 2-3 minutes until opaque.
• Grill shrimp on skewers for 2-3 minutes per side.
• Bake at 400°F for 5-8 minutes depending on size.
• Boil or poach shrimp for 1-3 minutes until pink.
• Batter shrimp and fry in 350°F oil for 2-3 minutes.

Shrimp cook very quickly, so take care not to overcook them. The flesh should turn opaque and white when fully cooked. Serve shrimp warm, at room temperature in salads, or chilled in appetizers and cocktails for a versatile ingredient.

Costs: Freshwater vs. Marine Shrimp

Purchase Prices

When it comes to upfront costs, freshwater shrimp are generally cheaper to purchase than marine shrimp. Freshwater shrimp like Red Cherry Shrimp or Ghost Shrimp can often be purchased for less than $2 per shrimp.

Popular marine shrimp like Peppermint Shrimp or Cleaner Shrimp tend to cost $3-5 per shrimp when purchased from a local fish store.

There are a few reasons for this price difference. Freshwater shrimp are often bred locally in freshwater shrimp farms, making them more readily available. Marine shrimp need to be captured from reefs and shipped longer distances, increasing costs.

Additionally, marine shrimp like Cleaner Shrimp play an important clean-up role in saltwater tanks, so they are in high demand.

Ongoing Equipment and Care

When it comes to habitat equipment and ongoing care, marine shrimp tend to have higher costs. Saltwater tank setups require protein skimmers, strong lighting, live rock, and specific gravity and calcium testing kits.

The water also needs supplements to maintain proper pH and mineral levels. These specialty saltwater supplies can cost $200-300 more than freshwater tank setups.

Marine shrimp also tend to be more sensitive than freshwater shrimp. Their water parameters must be kept very stable or they can quickly become stressed and die. This requires diligent monitoring and maintenance of water quality.

Freshwater shrimp, on the other hand, are generally hardier and have lower care requirements as long as their water is kept clean. They can thrive in most freshwater tank setups with adequate filtration and heating. This makes their ongoing costs more affordable.

Time Commitment

Both freshwater and marine shrimp tanks take dedication, but saltwater tanks tend to require a greater weekly time commitment. This is because water parameters can fluctuate much more rapidly in marine tanks, so testing and monitoring is vital.

Tasks like checking specific gravity, calcium levels, alkalinity, and feeding can take 30-60 minutes per week for a saltwater tank. Freshwater tanks, after they have matured, may only require 15-30 minutes per week for water testing, water changes, and feeding.

Additionally, saltwater tank equipment generally needs more frequent maintenance. Protein skimmers, pumps, tubing and lighting may need cleaning or calibration every 4-6 months. Freshwater shrimp systems tend to be more “set and forget” when they are established.

Conclusion

With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the information needed to decide whether freshwater or saltwater shrimp are the right fit. Key differences come down to factors like their tank requirements, availability, colors and patterns, average size, and culinary versatility.

While marine shrimp boast flashier appearances, freshwater shrimp provide an easier keeping experience for beginners. Either can make for rewarding, long-lived pets and tasty dishes when cared for properly.

Weigh your priorities as well the commitment involved when choosing between these two types of shrimp. Just remember that regardless of whether you pick a Neocaridina species or a Lysmata, these aquatic crustaceans promise to liven up any home or restaurant menu!