Ghost Shrimp (Macrobrachium jelskii)

The Ghost Shrimp (Macrobrachium jelskii) is an excellent invertebrate to have in the fish tank, if all settings and parameters are stable.

They have a life expectancy of around 1 to 2 years, and can live even longer. Furthermore, for amateur aquarists, they can be an interesting addition to the tank. Just be careful not to place them with larger fish, as they can become irresistible meals.

Ghost shrimps need to feel safe, that is, the tank needs to have many hiding places. You can keep several of these shrimp in a single tank, however, as long as they are large enough to support them.

The ghost shrimp can become aggressive, with each other, during breeding periods. They are excellent “cleaners”, and will go after any fish food that falls to the bottom.

Make sure they are getting enough to eat by adding species-specific background rations. If the tank has several fish and some of them have diseases, always treat the animal outside the main tank, because the shrimp are sensitive to medicines that contain copper.

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Technical Details

Name: Ghost Shrimp

Scientific Name: Macrobrachium jelskii (Miers, 1877)

Family: Palaemonidae

Species Origin: South America;

Length: Up to 3 – 5 cm;

Life Span: From 1 – 2 years;

Care Level: Easy;

Water Parameters

pH: Keep the pH of the water between 6.5 – 8.0

Water Hardness: Between 3 ° – 10 ° dH

Temperature: Should be kept between 18 ° C – 27 ° C

Care

Food

The ghost shrimp is omnivorous. However, they will eat almost everything you put in the fish tank. Preferably, feed them with rations specific to the species. In addition, they will feed on algae, spinach leaves and feed left over from fish in the tank.

Temperament / Behavior

The species Macrobrachium jelskii is generally peaceful, but can fight each other during the breeding period. They tend to be more active at night. Above all, the ideal is that the tank has at least 5 individuals.

See Also:

• Physa Acuta Snail (Physa acuta);

Compatibility

Larger fish can see them as food. Therefore, the ideal is to live with small fish.

Reproduction / Mating

Reproduction of this species is very easy. However, if you add several ghost shrimps, you will possibly see the females carrying eggs in their belly after some time. Females can carry 20 to 60 eggs. Gestation lasts about 20 to 35 days. The puppies will be miniature versions of their parents.

Fish Tank Size

The fish tank for the ghost shrimp needs to be at least 45 liters and a good amount of plants, mosses and hiding places.

References

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Profiles. Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Gulf of Mexico). Grass Shrimp.. Biological Report 82 (11.35). Washington, D.C.: United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985.

Soares, M.R.S. (2008) Biologia populacional de Macrobrachium jelskii (Crustacea, Decapoda, Palaemonidae) na represa de Três Marias e no rio São Francisco, MG, Brasil. Master Thesis, Curso de Pós-graduação em Biologia Animal, Área—Conservação de Grupos Silvestres, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, 74 pp.