How to Rear Shrimp

There are many different types of shrimp, including freshwater and marine shrimp. Some shrimp are used to feed other larger aquatic creatures, such as fish or turtles. Other shrimp are found as decorative inhabitants in the home aquarium. Many of these shrimp are brightly colored in reds or yellows, or may even be patterned in stripes. Each shrimp species breeds slightly differently, so if you want to breed shrimp, you'll need to resource the needs of the specific shrimp you have. However, shrimp are considered easy to breed, and generally breed when they are feeling comfortable in their environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Mature aquarium
  • Java moss
  • pH test kit
  • Thermomete
  • Shrimp foods
  • Infusoria
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a male and female shrimp. In some shrimp species, the female is larger and more brightly colored. The female may have a larger tail, with a rounder shape. The female also may show some yellow markings on her abdomen. These are the eggs developing.

    • 2

      Place the male and female shrimp in a mature aquarium. A mature aquarium ensures that there is most likely some algae in the water, which the shrimp will eat. There should be no other fish in this aquarium, as most fish will eat the young shrimp.

    • 3

      Place clumps of java moss or other slow growing aquatic plants in the aquarium. These plants contain microfauna, which the young shrimp will eat.

    • 4

      Test the water pH level and temperature of the water daily with a pH test kit and a thermometer. Shrimp tend to breed when both the pH and temperature of the water stay very consistent. The pH should be between 6.5 and 8.0, while the temperature should be between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In some shrimp breeds, the pH and temperature needs may vary slightly, so research your specific shrimps' needs.

    • 5

      Provide a steady food source for the shrimp. Shrimp will generally scavenge and eat the available algae in the aquarium. However, for breeding shrimp, this may not be enough. Provide fish foods, blanched vegetables or algae wafers to supplement the shrimps' diet.

    • 6

      Wait for the shrimp to breed. Shrimp breed right after the female has molted, shedding her exoskeleton. During this time, the female releases pheromones, which attract the male. The male will swim to her, and they will mate.

    • 7

      Wait for the eggs to hatch. The female will carry the eggs under her tail until they hatch. The parents can them be removed from the breeding aquarium and placed in their own aquarium.

    • 8

      Add infusoria to the aquarium. Infusoria are tiny, single celled creatures, which the young shrimp can easily eat.

    • 9

      Leave the young shrimp in the aquarium by themselves until they are too large to fit in other fish's mouths, or they reach their mature size. Shrimp are mature between four and six months old.