Why is my Ghost Shrimp turning white and cloudy?

A cloudy or milky white appearance is usually a sign of muscular necrosis, which can be caused by bacterial infection, poor water quality, old age, or a failed moult. It is often fatal, though maintaining pristine water conditions gives them the best chance of recovery.

Do Ghost Shrimp need saltwater to breed?

No. While some species sold as 'Ghost Shrimp' or 'Glass Shrimp' might require brackish water, the true Palaemon paludosus breeds entirely in freshwater. The larvae are free-floating for a few days before settling as miniature adults.

Will Ghost Shrimp eat my healthy aquarium plants?

No, Ghost Shrimp will not damage healthy aquatic plants. They strictly feed on decaying plant matter, algae, and biofilm, making them excellent cleanup crews for planted aquariums.

How can I tell a Ghost Shrimp from a Whisker Shrimp?

Whisker Shrimp (Macrobrachium species) often grow larger, have noticeably longer front claws, and lack the distinctive orange or red bands on the antennae and front legs that true Ghost Shrimp possess. Whisker shrimp are also considerably more aggressive.

Why do my Ghost Shrimp keep disappearing?

Ghost Shrimp are excellent hiders, but they are also seen as a natural food source by many fish. If a fish can fit the shrimp in its mouth, it likely will. Furthermore, if a shrimp dies, its soft body is quickly consumed by snails and other shrimp, leaving no trace.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Ghost Shrimp

Palaemon paludosus

A highly affordable, completely transparent freshwater shrimp that excels at scavenging in planted aquariums.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 18 – 28 °C
pH range: 7 – 8
Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 3 – 5 cm
Nano tank: 20 litres+
Lifespan: 1 – 2 years
Diet: Omnivore/Scavenger
Water flow: low to moderate
Preferred setup: Planted aquarium with abundant hiding places such as moss, driftwood, and leaf litter.

About the Ghost Shrimp

The Ghost Shrimp is a fascinating, almost entirely translucent invertebrate popular in the hobby as both a cleaner and, unfortunately for the shrimp, a feeder. True Ghost Shrimp are native to North America and are incredibly adept at scavenging uneaten food and detritus. Their see-through bodies are a marvel to observe, allowing keepers to watch internal organs function and track food passing directly through their digestive tracts.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Ghost Shrimp against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Ghost Shrimp comes from

Native range

North America, Southeastern United States

Countries / regions

United States

Habitat

Slow-moving streams, lakes, ponds, and marshes, particularly amongst dense submerged vegetation.

Widely introduced outside its native range due to bait bucket releases and the aquarium trade.

Similar species

Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Whisker Shrimp
Macrobrachium spp.
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Small, peaceful fish that occupy the middle water column and pose no threat to adult shrimp.
Great
Corydoras
Corydoras spp.
Placid bottom dwellers that will happily share the substrate without pestering the shrimp.
Great
Ramshorn Snail
Planorbarius corneus
Excellent peaceful co-inhabitants that help break down waste alongside the shrimp.
Great
Betta Fish
Betta splendens
Many Bettas will actively hunt and eat Ghost Shrimp, though some individuals may coexist peacefully in heavily planted tanks.
Compatible with caution
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Adult Angelfish are likely to view Ghost Shrimp as a natural food source.
Compatible with caution
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Will instantly consume any shrimp placed in the aquarium.
Not recommended
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Goldfish have large mouths and a voracious appetite; they will easily swallow Ghost Shrimp whole.
Not recommended

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