Shrimp Name: Ghost/Glass/Grass Shrimp (Paleomonetes sp.) (Low Order)

Origin: U.S.A

Description: 4 cm in size when mature. I have four long “arms” with tiny pincher claws on the end. When feeding I use all four arms to grab food. I am called Ghost or Glass shrimp because of my near invisible appearance especially in a planted tank. My transparent color is not only intriguing because you can see food moving inside my body, but it also acts as a camouflage to elude potential predators. My lifespan is limited to an average of 2 years or less depending on how well I am cared for. I am one of the most fragile freshwater shrimp and if acclimation is not observed properly, I will not survive the transfer process. For some strange reason I am used as a feeder shrimp for all those carnivorous fish. You should shrimp me, you might like my overwhelming presence in your planted tank.

Characteristics/ Habits: I am an excellent scavenger and will eat flakes floating around. When food is put inside the tank, I don’t wait for it come down instead I am usually the first ones to reach the top. As a Ghost shrimp I can sometimes be aggressive towards my kindred especially if we are too many in a tank. Unlike some shrimp, Ghost shrimp do not hide but are always active whether looking for food or exploring. I will feed on soft algae, detrius, fish flakes and any left over food in the tank. I am an omnivore and can feed on other dead shrimp. 

Water Parameters: We are best kept in an aquarium with water temperatures ranging around 65-82 ° F/ 18-28 °C, pH 6.5-8.0, KH 3-10. We do well in warmer temperatures.

Sexing: Females are larger than males. They also have visible eggs underneath their swimrettes.

Breeding: I am easy to keep in an aquarium and can easily breed in captivity if kept in large numbers. The number of egg count is reduced though. When berried, the female carries the eggs (green or greyish) which are often oxygenated by the movement of the pleopods. It is difficult to raise the shrimplets but not impossible. The shrimplets go through a metamorphic stage until they are miniature adults. If there are some microscopic invertebrates like rotifers or brine shrimp, the shrimplets feed on them as source of food that is rich in nutrients. The existence of such microscopic creatures does increase their chances of survival.

Compatibility: Ghost Shrimp are a great addition to the aquarium hobby and can be put in the same tank with small fish like; small Livebearers, small Tetras, Rasboras, small Danios and other fish that are small enough not to eat the Ghost shrimp. One should avoid keeping them together with aggressive fish or they might become a quick snack. Please note that in high temperatures, Ghost shrimp became active. There have been reports of Ghost shrimp eating fish fry especially when they are active in high water temperatures. I am also compatible with any type of shrimp, what does that say about me?