Quick Summary:
Once my friend asked me, which shrimp would be better for aquarium – Ghost Shrimp or Cherry Shrimp? 🦐
If you have the same question, this ultimate guide compares Ghost Shrimp vs Cherry Shrimp based on their appearance, behavior, diet, breeding, and compatibility to help you choose the right shrimp for your tank.
Introduction
Both Ghost Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp are very popular among aquarium enthusiasts due to their small size, peaceful nature, and ability to keep tanks clean. But if you’re having trouble deciding between the two, you’ll need to understand the differences between them.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Ghost Shrimp vs. Cherry Shrimp – and this will help you make your choice. This guide describes both types of shrimp in detail, considering various factors, including:
* What do Ghost Shrimp eat?
* Are Ghost Shrimp aggressive?
* Can Ghost Shrimp live with Cherry Shrimp?
* How often do Ghost Shrimp breed?
* And the main differences in size, care, and breeding.By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which shrimp is right for your aquarium.
1. Ghost Shrimp vs Cherry Shrimp: Quick Comparison
| Parameters | Ghost Shrimp | Cherry Shrimp |
| Scientific Name | Palaemonetes paludosus | Neocaridina davidi |
| Color | Transparent, glass-like body | Bright red (varies by grade) |
| Size | 1.5–2 inches | 1–1.5 inches |
| Lifespan | 1–1.5 years | 1.5–2 years |
| Temperament | Semi-peaceful, can be aggressive | Peaceful and shy |
| Water Temperature | 70°F–82°F (21°C–28°C) | 72°F–78°F (22°C–26°C) |
| Breeding | Difficult – larvae need brackish water | Easy – breeds in freshwater |
| Diet | Omnivorous scavenger | Algae and biofilm grazer |
| Tank Size | 5+ gallons | 5+ gallons |
Both species are beginner-friendly, but your choice depends on your tank goals — cleaning efficiency vs color and colony breeding.
2. Appearance: Transparent vs Bright Red
When it comes to appearance, Ghost Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp look very different from each other.
* Ghost Shrimp are almost transparent, and interestingly, you can see their internal organs and food passing through their bodies. This is why they look ghostly, and they got their name because of their ghost-like appearance.
* Cherry Shrimp stand out and look very beautiful because of their bright red color, which comes in several grades such as Sakura Red, Fire Red, and Bloody Mary.
🔍 Ghost Shrimp vs. Cherry Shrimp Size:
There is only a slight difference in the size of Ghost Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp. Ghost Shrimp are generally larger (up to 2 inches) compared to Cherry Shrimp (approximately 1.2 inches). This slight difference in size also affects their behavior and dominance over food.
3. Temperament: Are Ghost Shrimp Aggressive?
A common question among new aquarium owners is: “Are ghost shrimp aggressive?”
While ghost shrimp are generally peaceful, their temperament can change during feeding time, and they can become slightly aggressive if space is limited. If food is scarce, they may nip at smaller cherry shrimp or fish fry.
In contrast, cherry shrimp are completely peaceful. They calmly graze on algae and biofilm without bothering other tank mates.
💡 Tip: To minimize aggression, keep five or more ghost shrimp in a tank so they have a group to live with and don’t feel isolated. Provide plenty of hiding places, plants, and food. (Such as Java moss, driftwood, or rock caves.) These are crucial – they help the shrimp molt safely and reduce stress. This will keep both species stress-free.
4. Diet: What Ghost Shrimp Eat vs What Cherry Shrimp Eat
Both species of shrimp are scavengers, but they have different feeding habits and preferences.
What do ghost shrimp eat?
Ghost shrimp are omnivores and will eat almost anything they can find, including:
- Algae and biofilm
- Leftover fish food
- Decaying plants
- Small insects or larvae
- Occasionally, if hungry, smaller shrimp
You can also feed them algae wafers, shrimp pellets, and blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, or cucumber).
What Do Cherry Shrimp Eat?
Cherry shrimp primarily feed on soft algae, biofilm, and detritus. To improve their health and coloration:
- Offer spirulina flakes, specialized shrimp food, or Indian almond leaves.
- Feed them small amounts once a day to avoid overfeeding.
🍃 Pro Tip: Both species love natural biofilm – adding moss or driftwood helps them graze naturally.
5. Breeding: Will Ghost Shrimp Breed Easily?
Cherry Shrimp Breeding
Cherry shrimp breed prolifically in freshwater. Females carry their eggs under their tails for about a month, and then release tiny shrimp (shrimplets). They often breed in still water and where there are plenty of hiding places.
Will Ghost Shrimp Breed?
Yes, ghost shrimp will breed, but raising their offspring is difficult. Their larvae require a brackish water environment (a mix of saltwater and freshwater) to survive. This makes keeping them alive in a tank very challenging.
In a freshwater tank, the eggs may hatch, but the larvae usually won’t survive for long.
How Often Do Ghost Shrimp Breed?
Under ideal conditions, female ghost shrimp can lay eggs every 3-4 weeks, but very few of the offspring will survive unless they are raised separately in brackish water.
🐣 Conclusion: For easy and consistent breeding, cherry shrimp are the clear winner.
6. Can Ghost Shrimp Live with Cherry Shrimp?
A big question for aquarists is: “Can Ghost Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp live together?”
✅ Yes, but with certain conditions.
Both species can share a tank if:
- The tank is at least 10 gallons
- You provide enough hiding spaces (moss, rocks, driftwood)
- You feed them adequately to avoid food competition
However, because Ghost Shrimp are faster and larger, they may outcompete Cherry Shrimp for food and occasionally harass smaller or baby shrimp.
Will Ghost Shrimp Eat Cherry Shrimp?
This is very interesting question when we compare ghost shrimp vs cherry shrimp, will ghost eat cherry? Adult Cherry Shrimp are safe, but baby Cherry Shrimp (shrimplets) can be at risk if Ghost Shrimp are hungry. Protect them with dense plants like Java moss or floating vegetation.
7. Water Parameters and Tank Setup
Both species thrive in stable, cycled freshwater tanks with minimal ammonia and nitrites.
Ghost Shrimp Care
- Temperature: 70–82°F
- pH: 7.0–8.0
- Hardness: Moderate to hard
- Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons
Cherry Shrimp Care
- Temperature: 72–78°F
- pH: 6.5–7.8
- Hardness: Soft to medium
- Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons
Use sponge filters and gentle water flow to prevent shrimp from getting sucked in.
8. Cherry Vs Ghost Shrimp Lifespan and Health
- Ghost Shrimp Lifespan: ~1 year
- Cherry Shrimp Lifespan: 1.5–2 years
Both species molt regularly — a natural process for growth. Ensure calcium-rich foods (like cuttlebone or mineral rocks) to aid molting and shell strength.
9. Cost and Availability
Let we compare Ghost shrimp vs cherry shrimp in terms of cost and their availability:
- Ghost Shrimp: Can cost around $0.50–$1.50 each, commonly sold as feeders or cleaners.
- Cherry Shrimp: Can cost around $2–$4 each depending on color grade and size.
If you’re on a budget or new to shrimp keeping, Ghost Shrimp are a good starting point. For a colorful and beautiful display tank, Cherry Shrimp are worth the investment.
10. Choosing Between Ghost Shrimp vs Cherry Shrimp
| Budget-friendly cleaner | Ghost Shrimp |
| Colorful aquascape | Cherry Shrimp |
| Easy freshwater breeding | Cherry Shrimp |
| Hardy beginner shrimp | Ghost Shrimp |
| Peaceful community setup | Cherry Shrimp |
| Active scavenger | Ghost Shrimp |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can Ghost Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp live together?
Yes, Ghost Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp can live together in the same aquarium if you provide enough plants, caves, and hiding spots. A calm environment with plenty of food helps both species thrive without stress or aggression.
2. Will Ghost Shrimp eat Cherry Shrimp?
Adult Ghost Shrimp rarely attack adult Cherry Shrimp, but they might eat baby shrimp if food is scarce. To prevent this, feed them regularly and keep a well-planted tank where baby shrimp can hide safely.
3. Are Ghost Shrimp aggressive?
Generally, Ghost Shrimp are peaceful and active scavengers. However, during feeding or breeding, they can show mild aggression toward smaller shrimp or slow-moving tankmates. Maintaining good food supply reduces aggressive behavior.
4. What do Ghost Shrimp eat?
Ghost Shrimp are omnivorous scavengers that eat algae, leftover fish food, detritus, and biofilm. You can also offer specialized shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables, or algae wafers to keep them healthy and vibrant.
5. How often do Ghost Shrimp breed?
Ghost Shrimp breed roughly every 3–4 weeks under stable tank conditions. However, their larvae require brackish water to survive, so successful breeding in freshwater tanks is quite rare.
6. What is the Ghost Shrimp lifespan?
The average Ghost Shrimp lifespan is about 1 to 1.5 years. Proper care — including clean water, stable temperature, and low stress — can help them reach their full lifespan.
7. What is the Cherry Shrimp lifespan?
The typical Cherry Shrimp lifespan ranges from 1 to 2 years. With ideal water parameters, a balanced diet, and a stress-free environment, many Cherry Shrimp can live even longer in aquariums.
8. Which shrimp is better for beginners — Ghost or Cherry?
For beginners, Cherry Shrimp are easier to care for and breed in freshwater. Ghost Shrimp are more affordable and great for observing cleaning behavior but have a shorter lifespan and are slightly harder to breed.
Final Verdict: Ghost Shrimp vs Cherry Shrimp
If you want an inexpensive and hardy shrimp that will keep your tank sparkling clean, choose ghost shrimp.
If you prefer a colorful, peaceful, and self-breeding shrimp colony, then cherry shrimp are a better option.
You can also keep both types of shrimp together – provided you pay close attention to certain factors, such as the number of shrimp, ensuring they have enough space, maintaining stable conditions, and consistently feeding them to prevent aggression. Once you gain more experience managing an aquarium, you’ll be able to keep both types of shrimp together easily.
Either way, both types of shrimp will enhance the beauty and balance of your aquarium.
Read More on FishioHub 🐠
- What Do Shrimp Eat in the Ocean?
- Red Claw Crab Care Guide
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Share Your Shrimp Experience With Me🦐
💬 Have you tried keeping Ghost Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp together? Share your experience in the comments!
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