How to Breed Shrimp in an Aquarium – A Complete Guide for Beginners

If you've fallen in love with that tiny, colorful shrimp gracefully swimming in aquariums, you’re not alone! Shrimp breeding has become a popular hobby among aquarists due to how fascinating, rewarding, and beginner-friendly it can be. Whether you want to breed Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp, or Amano Shrimp, this guide covers everything you need to know about how to breed shrimp in an aquarium.

Why Breed Shrimp in an Aquarium?

• Shrimp are excellent tank cleaners and algae eaters

• They reproduce quickly under the right conditions

• It’s cost-effective compared to buying new shrimp regularly

• Watching the full life cycle is incredibly satisfying

• Shrimp colonies add life and color to planted tanks

What Do You Need to Start Shrimp Breeding?

1. Shrimp-Safe Tank Setup

• Tank size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger is better for stability)

• Sponge filter: Gentle filtration without sucking in baby shrimp

• Heater (optional): Keep stable temperatures between 22–26°C

• Substrate: Use shrimp-friendly substrates (e.g., ADA Amazonia, Fluval Stratum)

2. Water Parameters

• pH: 6.5 to 7.5 (species-dependent)

• GH: 4–6

• KH: 0–2

• TDS: 150–250 ppmUse RO water if your tap water isn't suitable.

3. Live Plants and Hiding Spots

• Mosses like Java Moss or Christmas Moss

• Driftwood and rocks for biofilm growth

• Indian almond leaves for tannins and hiding spaces

Choosing the Right Shrimp to Breed

Type of Shrimp	Breeding Difficulty	Notes
Cherry Shrimp	Easy	Great for beginners, high success
Crystal Red Shrimp	Medium	Sensitive to water parameters
Amano Shrimp	Difficult	Needs brackish water for larvae
Blue Velvet Shrimp	Easy	Similar care to Cherry Shrimp

Start with at least 10–15 shrimp, including both males and females.

Breeding Process Step-by-Step

✅ Step 1: Let Them Settle

Allow shrimp to adapt and mature for 4–6 weeks after introducing them to the tank.

✅ Step 2: Feed High-Quality Diet

Provide a balanced diet with:

• Blanched spinach, zucchini, or cucumber, kale

• Specialized shrimp food (e.g., Bacter AE, Shrimp King)

• Occasional protein foods like frozen bloodworms

✅ Step 3: Spot the "Saddle"

Female shrimp show a yellow saddle (eggs in ovaries). Once fertilized, she carries eggs under her tail—called "berried."

✅ Step 4: Let Nature Take Over

Shrimp breed without any human intervention! The female fans the eggs to oxygenate them.

✅ Step 5: Baby Shrimp Care

Eggs hatch in 3–4 weeks. Babies are tiny and hard to spot. They feed on biofilm, algae, and powdered food.

Don’t add any fish during this phase—they may eat the babies!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using filters without pre-filters (sucks in babies)

• High nitrates or unstable water parameters

• Overstocking the tank

• Keeping predatory fish with shrimp

Tips for a Successful Breeding Colony

• Do weekly 10–20% water changes with remineralized RO water

• Avoid copper-based medications (toxic to shrimp)

• Provide leaf litter or moss to grow biofilm

• Use shrimp mineral blocks to boost molting and shell health

• Maintain consistent temperature and TDS

Shrimp Breeding in Pune? Visit Blessings Aquarium!

Looking to start your shrimp breeding journey in Pune? At Blessings Aquarium, we offer:

• Premium shrimp varieties (Cherry, Crystal Red, Amano, Blue Dream & more)

• Safe substrates, driftwood, mosses, and complete shrimp tank kits

• Expert advice from our in-house aquascaping and breeding team

Come visit our gallery in Viman Nagar, Pune, or shop online for all your shrimp needs.

Breeding shrimp in an aquarium is not just easy but deeply rewarding. All it takes is a bit of patience, attention to water parameters, and a love for the hobby. Once you start, you’ll be amazed at how fast your shrimp colony grows—and how beautiful your tank becomes.