How Long Do Ghost Shrimp Live?

Some people don’t know about ghost shrimp. These shrimp are hard to see at night or in the muddy water because of their translucent bodies. Ghost shrimp are bottom-feeders and scavengers. They eat decaying plants, algae, fish eggs, zooplankton, and insects. Ghost shrimp eat pretty much anything they find on the floor of water.

Ghost shrimp eat a lot of tiny organisms. That is good because it keeps the water clean. It reduces bacteria. It also recycles nutrients back into the ecosystem through decomposition. Shrimp are an essential part of the food chain in the wild and your aquarium.

What Is The Average Ghost Shrimp Lifespan?

Ghost shrimp are short-lived shrimp. In captivity, the average lifespan of ghost shrimp is from 2 months to 1 year. How long your shrimp live depends on how old the shrimp are when you get them. Water conditions in your tank can also shorten or lengthen their lifespan.

Ghost Shrimp

What Affects Your Ghost Shrimps Lifespan?

Ghost shrimp often die soon after you place them into a tank. They usually die within a day or two. It doesn’t matter if you have an already established tank with stable water. Shrimp are a little more sensitive than fish. You must be cautious when acclimating shrimp to a new environment.

Ghost shrimp are sometimes sensitive to changes in water parameters. They may die when they are not treated well at the pet store. They may die due to stress during transport from the store to your home. Some die from shock. It would be best if you did not worry about a few of your ghost shrimp dying because it is not uncommon, and you are not at fault.

How To Make Ghost Shrimp Live Longer?

To help your ghost shrimp live longer, keep them in a tank with harmless tank mates. Your ghost shrimp will do best in tanks with good water conditions, many plants, and hiding spots. Feeding your ghost shrimp a blend of algae wafers and live foods can also help prolong their life.

Final Thoughts

Ghost shrimp are fun creatures to keep. To help your ghost shrimp live a long, healthy life, take care when transporting it. Take the slow route when acclimating to a new environment. Ghost shrimp that live in a tank with suitable water parameters, lots of food, and hiding places also survive longer.