Not furry either, still lovely.

Ghost Shrimp

Palaemon paludosus (syn. Palaemonetes paludosus)

Also called Glass shrimp, Eastern grass shrimp

SpeciesShort profile

From South-eastern United States, east of the Appalachian Mountains, in fresh or slightly brackish lakes with water plants.1

At a glance the quick version

Length2.5 to 5 cm1 2

Lifespan1 years2

Sizetiny

Wikipedia gives up to 2.5 cm; Fishkeeping World gives about 3.8 cm for males and up to 5 cm for females.

About one year per Fishkeeping World.

Fascinating see-through body

Beginner friendly

Useful algae and leftovers cleaner

1 2

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton (freshwater shrimp)

An almost fully transparent shrimp, so clear you can watch food moving through it. It can shift tiny pigment cells to blend in with its surroundings.1 2

ColoursTransparentOccasional coloured spots1 2

Personality what they are like

A calm, peaceful shrimp. In the wild it feeds mostly at night; in tanks it is often out and about by day, scavenging the bottom or swimming mid-water.1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Active scavenger that roams the whole tank and may dig a little in sand.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy to keep. Add calcium if the water is soft to support moulting.2

Home where they are happiest

A planted tank of 5-10 US gallons (about 19-38 L) or more; temperature about 18-28 C (65-82 F), pH 7.0-8.0 and moderate hardness.2 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivore that eats algae, tiny aquatic insects and diatoms in the wild; in tanks it takes algae, leftovers and sinking pellets.1 2

Company who they like around

Fine in groups; gets on with small, gentle tank mates such as cherry and amano shrimp, kuhli loaches and corydoras.2 1

The story where it all began

Gibbes described the species in 1850 from the south-eastern United States. Cheap, hardy and easy to keep, it has long been a popular aquarium shrimp and a common choice for first-time keepers.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its body is clear enough that you can see what it has just eaten.2
2
Females can carry up to 85 eggs in a clutch.1
3
Wild populations tend to have more females than males, around 0.78 males per female.1
4
It can change its camouflage by moving pigment granules in its skin.1

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy (Gibbes, 1850): First described as Hippolyte paludosa; later placed in Palaemonetes and now in Palaemon (Palaemonidae).1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Ghost Shrimp. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amountsevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeSmall, gentle water changesevery week
Water testevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Ghost Shrimp?

Feed your Ghost Shrimp a small amount daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day with small portions, which matches their scavenging nature.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Ghost Shrimp eat, and what should it never eat?

Ghost Shrimp are omnivores that eat algae, leftovers, and sinking pellets. There is no specific list of foods they should never eat in our information, so ask your vet for guidance on safe options.1 2

How much space does a Ghost Shrimp need?

A planted tank of 5 to 10 US gallons (about 19 to 38 litres) or more is ideal. This gives them room to roam and scavenge comfortably.1 2

What temperature, light or water does a Ghost Shrimp need?

Keep the water temperature between 18 and 28°C (65-82°F), with a pH of 7.0 to 8.0 and moderate hardness. Light requirements vary, so ask a good breeder or vet for specific lighting needs.1 2

How often should I clean a Ghost Shrimp's home?

Perform small, gentle water changes every week and test the water weekly. Rinse the filter in old tank water (never tap water) once a month to keep the environment healthy. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Ghost Shrimp live with others?

Yes, Ghost Shrimp are peaceful and do well in groups. They also get along with small, gentle tank mates like cherry shrimp, kuhli loaches, and corydoras.1 2

How long does a Ghost Shrimp live?

Ghost Shrimp typically live for about one year. With good care, they can enjoy their full lifespan.2

Can I handle a Ghost Shrimp?

It is best not to handle Ghost Shrimp as they are delicate and can be stressed easily. For specific handling advice, ask an exotic-pet vet.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Whisker Shrimp

Amano Shrimp

Cherry Shrimp

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

Palaemon paludosus - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, taxonomy, range, habitat, size, appearance, diet, breeding facts
Ghost Shrimp - Fishkeeping World fishkeepingworld.comused for size by sex, lifespan, water parameters, tank size, diet, tank mates

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.