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Monday, August 12, 2013

Dwarf Shrimp in the Planted Aquarium

Planted tanks are quickly becoming one of the more popular types of freshwater aquariums. As this hobby continues to grow, so does the interest in keeping dwarf shrimp in the planted aquarium. Freshwater shrimp are great additions to any aquarium for many reasons, some of which are they add wonderful colors, they are good algae eaters, and they eat detritus.

The colors of dwarf shrimp range from bright red, found in the Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina heteropoda) to the striking candy cane pattern of the Crystal Red Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis). The colors of shrimp are quite variable and can even vary in individuals of the same species. The wild form of the Cherry Shrimp, the Neocaridina heteropoda can range from a pale brown to a nice red to even displaying some blue.

Algae is naturally found in all home aquariums, and it is often found in greater mass in planted tanks. Enter the dwarf shrimp! Many shrimp are great algae eaters, and can help keep an algae outbreak in check. The Amano Shrimp is one of the best algae eaters. In a large group, Amano Shrimp can keep a small to medium algae out break at bay.

When food goes uneaten by fish it can fall to the substrate and rot, causing water parameters to decline in quality. Most freshwater aquarium shrimp will eat any food that makes its way down to the substrate. Care must be taken to make sure no food that is added to an aquarium with dwarf shrimp contains copper, as it is very toxic to any freshwater invertebrate.

Keeping dwarf shrimp with freshwater aquarium plants is beneficial in many ways. They add a splash of color, help control algae outbreaks, and they aid in keeping water parameters in check. While care must be taken not to add fish that will make a snack out of the dwarf shrimp, most are quite hardy and do well in a community aquarium. From the popular Amano Shrimp to the brightly colored cherry shrimp or many of the newer shrimp entering the hobby, dwarf shrimp are welcome additions.

Author: Daniel Hagan

Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp

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