Breeding the ghost shrimp
A true freshwater shrimp: females carry the eggs under the tail and the larvae pass through a short development of about three stages in fresh water; no brackish water is needed. Larvae are tiny and need very fine food.
Step by step
Buy 8-10 shrimp. Females become clear and have a green saddle.
A 20-40 L tank with plants and sponge filter. Water of any normal hardness.
Warm water and good food. They breed easily.
Females carry 8-85 eggs (average about 36); larvae hatch after about 12-14 days at 26-28 °C.
The young stay planktonic for a few days to weeks. Feed infusoria and baby brine shrimp, with plenty of plants. Mild brackish water helps in some species.
- Keeping with fish that eat them
- Starving the fry
- Dirty water
Male or female
Females are larger with a thicker abdomen and a greenish 'saddle' (developing eggs) on the back; males are smaller and slimmer.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- The larvae need brackish or sea water, which takes a second, salty tank.
- Good for a first breeding project.
Day-by-day plan
Typical for need salty water for larvae
- Day 0Eggs or larvae
These need brackish or sea water to raise. Not a beginner project.
- Day 30Back to fresh water
Surviving young are slowly moved back to fresh water.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Simulator: guided
These need brackish or sea water to raise. Not a beginner project.
Simulator: try it yourself
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
- Without live or frozen food the parents aren't in breeding condition.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.