In recent years, freshwater shrimp, also known as ornamental shrimp, have become a favorite pet in aquariums. Therefore, the market for trading ornamental shrimp is also expanding. With a variety of species, colors, and sizes for customers to choose from. In this article, AquaKing will provide you with information on how to raise freshwater ornamental shrimp in an aquarium in the most methodical and accurate way.

1. What species is freshwater shrimp or ornamental shrimp?

They are a crustacean, living in freshwater environments. Exploited by humans for ornamental purposes in tanks. This species of shrimp has many colorful, eye-catching colors such as red, orange, blue, white, etc. With the ability to climb on decorative tree branches or even rocks in the tank. Ornamental shrimp are very popular because they add liveliness to the aquarium.

Ornamental shrimp

2. How to raise freshwater shrimp in an aquarium in detail?

– Choose shrimp:

Currently, there are many varieties of ornamental shrimp with prices ranging from several tens of thousands to several hundred thousand. It can even be up to several million dong per fish. You can consider your financial ability and needs to make the appropriate choice. But the following criteria need to be met:

• You should choose shrimp that are colorful, not pale. The shrimp still has eight legs and two claws, and a beautiful tail.
• Pay attention to observing shrimp activities. You should not choose animals that lack vitality or lethargy, but instead choose flexible individuals. Able to climb and dig holes well.

– Ornamental shrimp tanks and farming environment:

Freshwater shrimp is a species that easily adapts to new environments. However, farmers also need to pay attention to a few important factors such as:

• The pH of the water needs to be within the range of 6.5 – 8.2;
• Ambient temperature from 20oC and not exceeding 30oC;
• The water in the tank needs to be dechlorinated;
• Provide adequate oxygen;
• Change the water 1-2 times/week, be careful not to change all the water at once, only change about 30-50% of the water in the tank each time;
• The tank needs to be carefully covered because shrimp are very flexible. They often follow pipes and filters to escape.
• Arrange more stream gravel and lava rocks for the shrimp to dig holes. In addition, tree branches and rock ledges can be placed in the tank for the shrimp to freely climb.

Once you have purchased the shrimp, put them in a container with water from the old tank. Attach an additional generator to provide oxygen. Then, gradually add water from the new tank to the container, letting the shrimp get used to the new environment.

How to raise shrimp in an aquarium

– Choose food for shrimp:

Freshwater shrimp are omnivores, so choosing food is not too complicated. Basically, their food can be divided into 3 groups:

• Main food groups: Worms, small fish, moss, chopped boiled cabbage, dried almond leaves,…
• Supplemental food group: Artemia supplements protein, supporting shrimp during the peeling process. In addition, some other complementary foods such as algae tablets, carrots, cucumbers, mulberry leaves,…
• Dry food group: Synthetic foods, pay attention to origin and ingredients when choosing to buy to avoid affecting shrimp health.

– What types of fish can be raised with ornamental shrimp?

To have a beautiful aquarium, we will certainly not only raise ornamental shrimp but also other types of fish. Therefore, it is necessary to choose suitable fish breeds. So that shrimp and fish don’t fight each other “all-or-nothing”. Here are a few suggestions for you in choosing fish raised with freshwater shrimp:

• Catfish
• Tram fish
• Pygmy rat fish
• Yellow stems
• Pleco fish lines: Butterfly Pied, Common Pied,…

– Peeling shrimp care process:

Peeling is a natural process of crustaceans such as shrimp, crabs, etc. For freshwater shrimp farmers, special attention should be paid to peeling shrimp to ensure the health and appearance of the shrimp.

First of all, we need to recognize the signs that shrimp are about to peel so we can prepare as carefully as possible. If you see shrimp showing signs of loss of appetite or stopping eating. When you observe two faint white spots appearing under the shell, it means the shrimp is entering the period of molting. Ideally, you should separate the shrimp into separate tanks for ease of care. Make sure the shrimp does not collide, leading to broken claws, soft tissue damage or even death of the shrimp.

Besides, farmers need to provide adequate oxygen and food sources. Especially the group of protein supplements that support the peeling process.

3. Conclusion

Above are all the steps to raise freshwater shrimp in an aquarium. Hopefully after this article, those who are just starting to raise shrimp will have more knowledge about this creature as well as how to set up a tank and how to care for them to keep them healthy and beautiful.