What size tank do ghost shrimp need?
At least 5 gallons (19 liters) for a group of 3. The smallest standard tank that works is the 5 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. Scientific name: Palaemonetes paludosus.
How many ghost shrimp in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if ghost shrimp are the only animals in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many ghost shrimp |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | up to 21 |
| 10 gallon | up to 38 |
| 20 gallon long | 60 or more |
| 29 gallon | 60 or more |
| 40 gallon breeder | 60 or more |
| 55 gallon | 60 or more |
| 75 gallon | 60 or more |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check ghost shrimp against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 3. Ghost shrimp feel safe in numbers and come out into the open more.
Tank mates for ghost shrimp
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Endler's livebearer
- Chili rasbora
- Guppy
- Neon tetra
- Ember tetra
- Celestial pearl danio
- White Cloud Mountain minnow
- Sparkling gourami
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as ghost shrimp.
Questions and answers
What size tank do ghost shrimp need?
At least 5 gallons (19 liters) for a group of 3. The smallest standard tank that works is the 5 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many ghost shrimp should be kept together?
At least 3. Ghost shrimp are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can ghost shrimp live in a 10 gallon tank?
Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries up to about 38 as the only animals in the tank.
What temperature do ghost shrimp need?
64–82 °F (18–28 °C), with a pH of 6.5–8. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can ghost shrimp live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
- Black ghost knifefish
- Tinfoil barb
- Iridescent shark
- Bamboo shrimp
- Ramshorn snail
- Assassin snail
- All 118 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.