There are so many different kinds of aquatic pets out there. With so many aquarium hobbyists, each with their own unique interests, you’re bound to see some interesting posts online. One of these posts comes from the Instagram account @shrimp.archives. They show a group of colorful shrimp feeding hungrily on a slice of cucumber. Read here to learn more about these shrimp!
Freshwater dwarf shrimp come in a variety of colors and patterns.
©Narongrit Sritana/ via Getty Images
Shrimp as Pets?
Aquarium hobbyists often keep shrimp as pets, but only those of specific species. The shrimp in the video are most likely freshwater dwarf shrimp from the genera Neocaridina and Caridina. Freshwater dwarf shrimp are extremely small, typically growing from half an inch to a full inch in length, as seen in the video above. These shrimp come in a variety of colors and patterns, which add liveliness to any tank they inhabit. Neocaridina shrimp are the colorful ones, with colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, black, and white. Caridina shrimp are famous for their unique patterns and translucent bodies.
These shrimp are perfect beginner pets for an aquarium. They are relatively easy to care for and do not require large tanks. Feeding is simple, as they eat the algae that occurs naturally in the tank, helping to keep it clean. Having a group is for the best, as they are social creatures. Freshwater dwarf shrimp help to clean each other, making it important to have a community. Their beautiful colors make them extremely popular, acting like gems in the water. While they feed on algae, they also enjoy snacks such as cucumbers. As seen in the video, the shrimp are scraping at the surface of the cucumber to eat it. The softness of the cucumber makes it easy for the shrimp to consume, and it is a popular snack among hobbyists. Whether you are interested in getting freshwater dwarf shrimp for yourself or are just curious about these beautiful pets, hopefully, you have learned something new about these colorful creatures.
