Shrimps
At Avonturia de Vogelkelder you will always find an extensive choice of shrimp. From the colorful Caridina species to robust Neocaridina varieties, our store in The Hague offers a variety of shrimp for lovers of these fascinating aquarium animals. Ranging from the colorful dwarf shrimp to the useful fan hand shrimp, there is something for everyone. Keeping shrimp, however, requires specific considerations depending on the species. Creating a suitable habitat is essential and should be tailored to the needs of the shrimp.
What are Shrimp?
Shrimp are small crustacean-like creatures belonging to the order Decapoda, meaning "decapods", they are closely related to lobsters and crabs. With their elongated, curved body, they come in different sizes and the brightest colors.
Almost all dwarf shrimp species can be divided into two main types: Caridina Shrimp and Neocaridina Shrimp. Each group includes a plethora of different dwarf shrimp, each with their own unique colors and patterns, which also require specific water parameters and care needs.
As omnivores, shrimps are true omnivores. Although they mainly consume plant foods and like to eat dead plant remains, they like to supplement their diet with faeces and other organic matter. Using their grasping claws on the front of their bodies, shrimp can grab food and bring it to their mouths. Shrimp are hard workers and therefore play an important role in cleaning up and keeping your aquarium clean.
Different Types Of Shrimp
There are many fascinating shrimp species that make a colorful and vibrant addition to any aquarium. They come in a wide variety of bright and unique colors, often accompanied by beautiful patterns. Take for example the Neocaridina shrimps, such as the bright red Fire shrimps and Red Sakura shrimps, the yellow Lemon shrimps and the deep blue Blue Dream shrimps.
We also have the Caridina shrimps, such as the Crystal Red shrimps with their red-white stripes and the Crystal Black shrimps with their black-and-white patterns, which each appear in different stripe patterns. Also the tiger shrimps with their tiger-like stripes and the beautiful Taiwan Bee shrimps that occur in various rich colors such as the blue blue bolt shrimp, the almost completely black King Kong and the wine-red red wine shrimp.
Let's not forget the Sulawesi shrimp, with their striking bright red color, white dots and long white feelers. With such a diverse and colorful variety of shrimp species, there is a favorite shrimp for every aquarist.
Keeping Shrimp
Keeping shrimps is a colorful and rewarding addition to any aquarium. By providing a suitable environment and offering suitable technical facilities, you can promote the health and well-being of your shrimps. With proper care, shrimp can thrive and make a wonderful addition to any aquarium.
For shrimp we recommend a minimum aquarium size of 15-20 litres. It is important to set up your shrimp aquarium with lots of plants, because shrimp like to have hiding places. Plants contribute to a healthy ecosystem and provide shrimps with a natural living environment. In addition, plants aid in nutrient retention, promoting a balanced environment.
A filter designed specifically for shrimp is important, as some filters may be too powerful and could suck in the young shrimp. A filter with fine holes or a sponge filter can be ideal for preventing shrimp from getting stuck.
It is critical to consider the specific water parameters each shrimp species needs to thrive. Each species of shrimp has its own preferences in terms of temperature, pH value and water hardness. It is therefore important to regularly check and adjust the water values to ensure that the shrimps live in an optimal environment. read here. more about keeping shrimp
Holding Shrimp Together
Shrimp are generally friendly animals and get along well with other aquarium inhabitants. Different shrimp species have specific requirements with regard to temperature, pH value and water hardness. It is therefore not ideal to keep shrimps of different species together.
When it comes to selecting tank mates for shrimp, it is important to consider their safety. Fish can see shrimp as prey and eat them. It is wise to avoid fish that are large enough to consume the shrimp. A general rule of thumb is that if a fish can get the shrimp in its mouth, it most likely will.
Shrimp, on the other hand, can coexist well with the small nano fish species such as the Rasbora brigittae and the Rasbora galaxy. These small fish pose no threat to the shrimp and can coexist peacefully.