Whisker Shrimp 101: Care, Feeding, Look & All

The whisker shrimp is a small, aggressive species of shrimp that is semi-transparent grey. They are native to freshwater environments and can be found in moderate plantings.

Whisker shrimp are dangerous to many fish and other shrimp, so they should only be kept with compatible species. This article will teach us about the complete care of whisker shrimp.

Species Summary

Scientific Name	Macrobrachium lamarrei
Common Names	Whisker shrimp, glass shrimp
Care Level	Easy
Temperament	Aggressive
Coloration	Semi-transparent grey
Life expectancy	1-2 years
Size	1.5 to 3.25 inches
Diet	Omnivore
Family	Palaemonidae
Minimum Tank Size	10 gallons
Tank Set Up	Freshwater with moderate plantings
Compatibility	Dangerous to many fish and other shrimp
Water Temperature	72° to 82 °F (22.2 to 27.8 °C)
Aquarium pH	6.5 to7.8 is optimal

The whisker shrimp is a small, aggressive species of shrimp that is semi-transparent grey. They are native to freshwater environments and can be found in moderate plantings. Whisker shrimp are dangerous to many fish and other shrimp, so they should only be kept with compatible species.

The whisker shrimp is native to freshwater environments. They can be found in moderate plantings.

The minimum tank size for whisker shrimp is 10 gallons. The tank should be freshwater with moderate plantings. The water temperature should be between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The pH should be between 7.0 and 7.8.

Whisker Shrimp Appearance

Adult whisker shrimp are typically 1 to 3.25 inches in length.

They have a translucent grey body with long, white whiskers. The females are usually smaller than the males.

Whisker Shrimp Lifespan

Whisker shrimp have a 1 to 2 years lifespan in captivity and the wild.

Whisker Shrimp Size And Growth Rate

The average size of a whisker shrimp is 1 to 3.25 inches. The growth rate is average. They reach sexual maturity at around 1 year old.

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Whisker Shrimp Breeding And Reproduction

Whisker shrimp are difficult to breed in captivity. The females lay eggs which the males fertilize. The larvae develop into juveniles and then into adults.

Whisker shrimp are dangerous to many fish and other shrimp, so they should only be kept with compatible species.

The gestation period for whisker shrimp is around 2 weeks. There are no visible pregnancy symptoms.

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How do you promote breeding?

To promote breeding, provide the whisker shrimp with a suitable environment and diet. The fry will be born alive and should be kept in a separate tank. The whisker shrimp lays eggs that the males fertilize.

The larvae develop into juveniles and then into adults. To condition the parents, provide them with a suitable environment and diet. The fry will be born alive and should be kept in a separate tank. The fry should be fed live food such as brine shrimp or bloodworms.

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Whisker Shrimp Care Guide

Here, we will explain about tank size, tank mates, etc.

Whisker Shrimp Tank Size

The minimum tank size for whisker shrimp is 10 gallons.

Whisker Shrimp Tank Mates

Whisker shrimp are dangerous to many fish and other shrimp, so they should only be kept with compatible species.

The friendly fishes are:

Tank Region

Whisker shrimp are active swimmers who prefer the tank’s middle and upper regions.

Tank Decorations

Whisker shrimp are not particular about tank decorations.

They prefer a tank with moderate plantings and plenty of hiding places, and prefer a tank with moderate plantings.

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Filtration Requirements

Whisker shrimp are not particular about filtration requirements. They do not require a strong filter, but the water should be well-oxygenated.

The suggested filters are:

Aquarium sponge filters
Canister filters
Undergravel filters
Powerhead filters
Hang-on-back filters

Substrate Requirements

Whisker shrimp are not particular about substrate requirements but prefer a sandy or gravel substrate.

The suggested substrates are:

Gravel
Sand
Pebbles
Aragonite
Calcium carbonate

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Lighting Requirements

Whisker shrimp are not particular about lighting requirements. They do not require special lighting, but the tank should be well-lit.

The suggested lights are:

Fluorescent lights
LED lights
Incandescent lights

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Water changes

Whisker shrimp are not particular about water changes. They do not require special water changes, but they should be well-oxygenated.

The suggested water changes are:

Weekly water changes of 10-20%
Monthly water changes of 30-50%
Bi-monthly water changes of 50-70%

Gravel Vacuuming

Whisker shrimp are not particular about gravel vacuuming. They do not require special gravel vacuuming, but the water should be well-oxygenated.

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Whisker Shrimp Water Parameters

The optimal water temperature is between 72° to 82°Fahrenheit.
The optimal water hardness is between 5 and 15 dGH.
The optimal ammonia level is 0 ppm.
The optimal nitrate level is between 20 and 40 ppm.
The optimal oxygen level is between 5 and 8 ppm.
The optimal pH level is between 7.0 and 7.8.
A protein skimmer is not required but helps clean and clear water.

Cleaning The Tank

The best way to clean the tank is to do a 10-20% weekly water change. You can also do a monthly water change of 30-50% or a bi-monthly water change of 50-70%.

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Whisker Shrimp Food & Diet

They are omnivores and will eat just about anything. They are especially fond of algae, detritus, and plant matter.

They should be given a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet.

The suggested foods are:

Algae wafers
Bloodworms
Brine shrimp
Daphnia
Krill
Mysis shrimp
Plankton
Spirulina
Vegetables

Whisker Shrimp Diet Foods To Avoid

Whisker shrimp should not be given foods that contain high levels of copper.

These foods include the following:

Crayfish
Mussels
Oysters
Scallops
Shrimp
Snails
Squid

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Whisker Shrimp Feeding Frequency

Whisker shrimp should be fed 2-3 times per day.

What About Freshwater Aquarium Plants?

They are not particular about freshwater aquarium plants. They do not require special plants, but the tank should be well-lit.

The suggested plants are:

Anacharis
Cabomba
Egeria
Elodea
Hydrilla

Whisker Shrimp Potential Fish Diseases

Whisker shrimp are not susceptible to diseases but can be carriers of diseases. The most common disease is shell rot. Bacteria or fungi and results in tissue loss cause shell rot. They can also carry velvet, fin rot, and white spot disease.

Shell Rot: Shell rot is caused by bacteria or fungus, resulting in tissue loss. Symptoms of shell rot are white patches on the shell, red lesions, and ulcers. Shell rot is fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with antibiotics or anti-fungal medications.

Velvet: Velvet is a parasitic infection that results in a velvet-like coating on the fish’s body. Symptoms of velvet are loss of appetite, lethargy, and increased respiratory rate. Velvet is fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with copper-based medications.

Fin Rot: Fin rot is a bacterial infection that results in the deterioration of the fins. Symptoms of fin rot are frayed or ragged fins, redness, and increased respiratory rate. Fin rot is fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with antibiotics or anti-fungal medications.

White Spot Disease: White spot disease is a parasitic infection that results in white spots on the fish’s body. Symptoms of white spot disease are flashing, scratching, and increased respiratory rate.

White spot disease is fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with copper-based medications.

Ich: Ich is a parasitic infection that results in white spots on the fish’s body. Symptoms of ich are flashing, scratching, and increased respiratory rate. Ich is fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with copper-based medications.

Columnaris: Columnaris is a bacterial infection that results in the deterioration of the fins. Symptoms of columnaris are frayed or ragged fins, redness, and increased respiratory rate.

Columnaris are fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with antibiotics or anti-fungal medications.

Oodinium: Oodinium is a parasitic infection that results in a velvet-like coating on the fish’s body. Symptoms of oodinium are loss of appetite, lethargy, and increased respiratory rate. Oodinium is fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with copper-based medications.

Hexamita: Hexamita is a parasitic infection that results in white spots on the fish’s body. Symptoms of hexamita are flashing, scratching, and increased respiratory rate. Hexamita is fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with copper-based medications.

Chilodonella: Chilodonella is a parasitic infection that results in white spots on the fish’s body. Symptoms of chilodonella are flashing, scratching, and increased respiratory rate. Chilodonella is fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with copper-based medications.

Flavobacterium: Flavobacterium is a bacterial infection resulting in the fins’ deterioration. Symptoms of flavobacterium are frayed or ragged fins, redness, and increased respiratory rate.

Flavobacterium is fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with antibiotics or anti-fungal medications.

Mycobacterium: Mycobacterium is a bacterial infection resulting in the fins’ deterioration. Symptoms of mycobacterium are frayed or ragged fins, redness, and increased respiratory rate.

Mycobacterium is fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with antibiotics or anti-fungal medications.

Pseudomonas: Pseudomonas is a bacterial infection resulting in the fins’ deterioration. Symptoms of pseudomonas are frayed or ragged fins, redness, and increased respiratory rate.

Pseudomonas is fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with antibiotics or anti-fungal medications.

Streptococcus: Streptococcus is a bacterial infection resulting in the fins’ deterioration. Streptococcus symptoms are frayed or ragged fins, redness, and increased respiratory rate.

Streptococcus is fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with antibiotics or anti-fungal medications.

Vibrio: Vibrio is a bacterial infection that results in the deterioration of the fins. Symptoms of vibrio are frayed or ragged fins, redness, and increased respiratory rate. Vibrio is fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with antibiotics or anti-fungal medications.

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Preventative Measures

The best way to prevent disease is to quarantine new fish and treat them with a prophylactic before adding them to the main tank. Maintaining good water quality and avoiding overstocking the tank is also essential.

Quarantine tanks should have their own filter and heater. New fish should be quarantined for at least 2 weeks.

The best way to prevent fish diseases is to quarantine new fish before adding them to the tank. You should also regularly test the water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.

Treatment And Medications For Diseases

Many diseases can affect whisker shrimp.

Some of the more common diseases include:

Protozoan infections: Protozoan infections are caused by single-celled organisms. Symptoms of protozoan infections include white spots on the body, flashing, and increased respiratory rate.

Protozoan infections are fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with copper-based medications.

Bacterial infections: Bacteria cause bacterial infections. Symptoms of bacterial infections include redness, swelling, and increased respiratory rate.

Bacterial infections are fatal if left untreated. Whisker shrimp can be treated with antibiotics or anti-fungal medications.

Fungal infections: Fungi cause fungal infections. Symptoms of fungal infections include white spots on the body, flashing, and increased respiratory rate. Fungal infections are fatal if left untreated. Whisker shrimp can be treated with anti-fungal medications.

Viral infections: Viruses cause viral infections. Symptoms of viral infections include lethargy, loss of appetite, and increased respiratory rate. Viral infections are fatal if left untreated. There is no known cure for viral infections in fish.

Tetracycline: Tetracycline is an antibiotic that is effective against many bacteria. Tetracycline can be used to treat bacterial infections.

Sulfa-based drugs: Sulfa-based drugs are antibiotics that are effective against a wide range of bacteria. Sulfa-based drugs can be used to treat bacterial infections.

Nitrofurazone: Nitrofurazone is an antibiotic that is effective against many bacteria. Nitrofurazone can be used to treat bacterial infections.

Malachite green: Malachite green is an anti-fungal medication effective against various fungi. Malachite green can be used to treat fungal infections..

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is an anti-fungal medication effective against various fungi. Formaldehyde can be used to treat fungal infections.

Copper sulfate: Copper sulfate is a copper-based medication effective against many protozoan infections. Copper sulfate can be used to treat protozoan infections.

Methylene blue: Methylene blue is an effective medication against a wide range of protozoan infections. Methylene blue can be used to treat protozoan infections.

Furazolidone: Furazolidone is an anti-fungal medication effective against various fungi. Furazolidone can be used to treat fungal infections.

Kanamycin: Kanamycin is an antibiotic that is effective against many bacteria. Kanamycin can be used to treat bacterial infections.

Streptomycin: Streptomycin is an antibiotic that is effective against many bacteria. Streptomycin can be used to treat bacterial infections.

Triclosan: Triclosan is an anti-bacterial medication that is effective against many bacteria. Triclosan can be used to treat bacterial infections.

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Advantages Of Having Whisker Shrimp In Your Tank

They Keep The Tank Clean: They are scavengers and help keep the tank clean by eating uneaten food and detritus.
They Control Algae: They are known to control algae growth in aquariums. They do this by eating algae off of rocks and glass.
They aerate the substrate: They constantly sift through it, looking for food. This action aerates the substrate and prevents it from becoming anaerobic.
They are fun to watch: They are fascinating creatures to watch as they go about their daily activities.
They are easy to care for: They are very easy to care for and can be kept in a wide range of aquariums.
They are peaceful: They are generally peaceful creatures that will not bother other tank mates.
They are good beginner shrimp: They are a good choice for beginner shrimp keepers because of their easy care requirements.
They add color to the aquarium: They come in various colors, including red, blue, and green. They can add some much-needed color to a drab aquarium.
Low maintenance: They do not require much care and can be left to their devices in most cases.
They are relatively hardy: They are fairly robust creatures that can withstand various water conditions.

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Disadvantages Of Having Whisker Shrimp In Your Tank

They are aggressive: They are very aggressive and will often fight with each other. They can also be aggressive towards other tank mates.
They are known to eat fish: They are known to eat small fish and inverts. They will also eat shrimp and crayfish.
They are not reef safe: They are not reef safe and will often pick at corals and other invertebrates.
They are challenging to breed: They are difficult to breed in captivity.
They have a short lifespan: They have a relatively short lifespan of 1-2 years.
They require brackish water to breed: Salty water to breed successfully in captivity.
They are sensitive to water conditions: They are very sensitive to changes in water conditions and will often die if the water conditions are not ideal.
They are difficult to find: They are not commonly available for purchase and can be challenging.
They are expensive: They can be pretty expensive, especially if you are looking for rarer colors.
They require a lot of food: They require a lot of food and will often starve if they do not have enough to eat.

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Conclusion

Whisker shrimp are a great addition to any freshwater aquarium. They are easy to care for and are fascinating to watch. Whisker shrimp can be kept with other fish but may become aggressive as they grow older.

It is important to monitor the tank’s water quality and ammonia levels. Whisker shrimp should be fed 2-3 times per day and given a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet.

Whisker shrimp is a small, aggressive species of shrimp that is semi-transparent grey. They are native to freshwater environments and can be found in moderate plantings. Whisker shrimp are dangerous to many fish and other shrimp, so they should only be kept with compatible species.

This article taught us about the complete care guide for whisker shrimp. We learned about their size, lifespan, diet, and tank requirements. We also learned about their breeding compatibility and how to promote breeding.

Lastly, we learned about the advantages and disadvantages of having whisker shrimp in your tank.

Whisker Shrimp 101: Care, Feeding, Look & All | Updated|2024

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