Question 1

How long can red shrimp go without eating?

Accepted Answer

They can survive for several weeks without food because they graze on biofilm growing naturally in the tank.

Question 2

Do red shrimp need saltwater or freshwater?

Accepted Answer

Neither exactly — they need brackish water, a mix of fresh water and marine salt mix, with a specific gravity around 1.005-1.015.

Question 3

How long do red shrimp live?

Accepted Answer

In stable conditions, red shrimp can live 10 to 20+ years, far longer than most other aquarium shrimp species.

Question 4

Can red shrimp live with fish?

Accepted Answer

It's best to keep them alone or with slow, non-predatory tank mates like nerite snails, since most fish will eat them.

Question 5

What size tank do red shrimp need?

Accepted Answer

A 1-5 gallon tank works well. Even a 1-2 gallon jar can house a starter colony of 8-12 shrimp.

Question 6

Do red shrimp need a filter?

Accepted Answer

No. They don't need a filter and actually prefer low or no water flow, similar to their still, wild rock-pool habitat.