7 Stunning Shrimp Species For Your Aquarium

Looking to add shrimp to your aquarium?

Here are our top picks to transform your tank!

Adding the right beautiful shrimp species to your aquarium not only enhances its visual appeal but also brings important benefits to the ecosystem.

Shrimp are fascinating creatures that play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy aquarium environment. They help keep your tank clean by eating leftover food, algae, and detritus, which contributes to better water quality and a more balanced ecosystem.

A well-chosen shrimp species can also add vibrant colors and dynamic movement, transforming your tank into a lively, captivating display.

At Everything Aquariums, we are committed to educating aquarium enthusiasts on how to create thriving, beautiful aquatic environments.

Our expert recommendations aim to help you choose the right shrimp to complement your tank's aesthetic and promote the well-being of its inhabitants.

In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 7 stunning shrimp species that will elevate your aquarium to the next level!

Neocaridina Shrimp

Pro’s

  • Vibrant Colors and Aesthetics
    Neocaridina shrimp are available in a wide variety of stunning colors, including red, blue, yellow, green, and orange.

  • Hardy and Easy to Care For
    These shrimp are resilient and adaptable to various water conditions, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced aquarists

  • Algae and Debris Cleaners
    Neocaridina shrimp help maintain water quality by consuming algae, leftover food, and biofilm, reducing tank maintenance.

  • Easy to Breed
    Neocaridina shrimp breed easily in captivity, allowing you to establish and grow a thriving shrimp colony with minimal effort.

Cons

  • Sensitive to Water Quality Changes
    While hardy, they still require stable water conditions, as sudden changes in pH or ammonia can cause stress or death.

  • Vulnerable to Predators
    Neocaridina shrimp are small and can be eaten by larger or aggressive fish, so it’s important to choose peaceful tankmates.

Caridina Shrimp

Pro’s

  • Stunning Colors
    Caridina shrimp come in vibrant and unique colors like Crystal Red, Blue Tiger, and more.

  • Great for Experienced Aquarists
    They thrive in specific water conditions, making them ideal for more advanced aquarium hobbyists who can maintain stable, soft, acidic water.

  • Effective Algae Eaters
    Like other shrimp, Caridina shrimp help keep your tank clean by consuming algae, biofilm, and leftover food, promoting a healthy environment.

Cons

  • Difficult to Breed
    Breeding these shrimp can be tricky, as they require soft, acidic water to successfully reproduce and can be challenging for beginners.

  • Caridna vs Neocaridina: Color difference Due to the opaque bodies of Neocaridina shrimp, colors tend to stand out more than Caridina shrimp.

Blue Dream Shrimp

Species: Neocaridina davidi (color variant)
Care Level: Easy
Water Parameters: 65–80°F, pH 6.5–8.0

Blue Dream Shrimp are known for their rich, deep blue hue that creates a stunning contrast against green plants and darker substrates.

They’re a hardy variant of Neocaridina davidi, thriving in a range of water conditions. This makes them an excellent choice for beginners.

With a peaceful temperament, Blue Dream Shrimp integrate well into community tanks.

They’re also prolific breeders and maintain their vivid coloration through generations. Their active foraging behavior adds life and movement to your aquarium.

Green Jade Shrimp

Species: Neocaridina davidi (color variant)
Care Level: Easy
Water Parameters: 65–80°F, pH 6.5–8.0

Green Jade Shrimp display a captivating range of green shades—from bright lime to deep forest green.

This rare and eye-catching shrimp adds a unique visual element to planted tanks.

Hardy and low-maintenance, Green Jades adapt well to varied conditions. Their peaceful nature and active behavior make them ideal for peaceful community setups.

They're also known to breed easily, making them a satisfying long-term choice for hobbyists.

Crystal Red Shrimp

Species: Caridina cf. cantonensis
Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Water Parameters: 68–74°F, pH 6.0–7.2

Crystal Red Shrimp are famous for their bold red-and-white stripes. As more sensitive Caridina shrimp, they require stable and slightly acidic water.

Due to this, they’re best suited to experienced aquarists who can maintain tight control over tank parameters.

Their beauty is unmatched, and they thrive in established tanks with ample hiding spots and biofilm.

They also benefit from a diet of shrimp pellets, vegetables, and protein-rich treats. These shrimp are rewarding for those who can meet their needs.

Orange Pumpkin Shrimp

Species: Neocaridina davidi (color variant)
Care Level: Easy
Water Parameters: 65–80°F, pH 6.5–8.0

The vibrant orange coloration of Pumpkin Shrimp adds a cheerful pop to any aquarium.

These hardy shrimp are adaptable and easy to care for, making them a popular choice among shrimp-keeping beginners.

Their peaceful disposition allows them to live harmoniously with other tank mates.

They're also prolific breeders and benefit from a diet rich in plant matter and occasional protein. With minimal care, they’ll brighten your tank for years to come.

Amano Shrimp

Species: Caridina multidentata
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Water Parameters: 68–78°F, pH 6.5–7.5

Amano Shrimp are legendary for their algae-eating abilities. They’re larger than most shrimp species and are perfect for maintaining a clean aquarium.

While they’re less colorful, their clear bodies with subtle greenish hues allow them to blend into the environment.

They’re active, hardy, and compatible with a wide range of fish and invertebrates.

Though they don’t breed in freshwater, their utility in algae control makes them indispensable in planted tanks.

Black Panda Shrimp

Species: Caridina cantonensis variant 'Panda'
Care Level: Advanced
Water Parameters: 68–74°F, pH 6.0–6.8

Black Panda Shrimp are highly prized for their striking black-and-white banded appearance.

These Caridina shrimp are more delicate, requiring soft, acidic water and stable conditions.

Though not ideal for beginners, their visual appeal makes them worth the extra effort.

Provide lots of moss, hiding places, and a well-cycled tank to help them thrive.

Red Cherry Shrimp

Species: Neocaridina davidi (Red Cherry)
Care Level: Very Easy
Water Parameters: 65–80°F, pH 6.5–8.0

Red Cherry Shrimp are a staple in the aquarium hobby thanks to their brilliant red color, adaptability, and ease of care.

They thrive in a wide range of conditions and are perfect for beginners.

These shrimp are peaceful, active, and great at grazing on algae and biofilm.

Their coloration intensifies with proper nutrition and tank stability, making them a vibrant and functional addition to any setup.

Trusted Source for Live Shrimp Delivery

Every shrimp species listed here can be found through the product links provided, which take you to Shrimp Farm, a reputable online supplier of freshwater shrimp.

Shrimp Farm ensures that all shrimp are shipped alive, healthy, and ready to thrive in your aquarium. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, they’re a top choice for hobbyists seeking vibrant, well-cared-for livestock.

Whether you’re looking for bold color, natural algae control, or a peaceful tank companion, there’s a shrimp species perfect for your aquarium. Explore your favorites and let your underwater world come to life!

All products are linked to affiliate programs.