In this article we will discuss betta fish and ghost shrimp.We will also discuss their relationship and other tank parameters which are suitable for them to survive together in aquarium settings.
Overview
- Can betta fish and ghost shrimp live in the same aquariums?
- Key specifications of betta fish and ghost shrimp
- Where are betta fish and ghost shrimp found?
- How long do betta fish and ghost shrimp live?
- What tank size do betta fish and ghost shrimp need?
- Are betta fish and ghost shrimp aggressive in nature?
- What do betta fish and ghost shrimp eat?
- Are water parameters the same for betta fish and ghost shrimp in aquarium conditions?
- Do betta fish and ghost shrimp need the same aquarium plants in their tanks?
- Do betta fish and ghost shrimp need the same light intensity in their tanks?
- Do betta fish and ghost shrimp need similar substrates in their tank?
- Is it easy to care for betta fish and ghost shrimp togethers in the same aquariums?
- Are betta fish and ghost shrimp both perfect community fish?
- Are betta fish and ghost shrimp beginner friendly or for experienced aquarists?
- Summary
- Frequently asked questions
- Reference
Can betta fish and ghost shrimp live together?
Yes they both can be kept together in similar tanks.But bettas are known to feed on ghost shrimps too.Some fishkeepers feed their bettas ghost shrimps.
So if you are keeping ghost shrimps with bettas then monitor them regularly.Ghost shrimps are very peaceful and silent creatures and rarely disturb bettas or other tank mates.They can definitely co-exist with bettas in the same aquariums.
Key specifications of betta fish and ghost shrimp
| Key specifications | Betta fish | Ghost shrimp |
| Scientific name Types Family | Betta splendens Dragon scale bettaButterfly bettaMarble bettaKoi bettadumbo bettaDifferent tailed bettasOsphronemidae | Palaemonetes paludosusThalassinideaCaprellidae Amphipods Palaemonidae |
| Temperament | Aggressive | Very peaceful |
| Diet | Carnivore | Omnivore |
| Habitat | Southeast Asia | Freshwater and slightly brackish water. |
Where are betta fish and ghost shrimp found?
Ghost shrimp are found in areas with great vegetation and live plants. They are found in areas where the water movements are slightly slow.
Ghost shrimp can be seen in both freshwater and brackish water too.They can be even seen near the fine sediments and rock crevices to hide in.
While bettas,the siamese fighting fish, come from Southeast Asia, especially Thailand.They are considered as the national aquatic animal of Thailand.
How long do betta fish and ghost shrimp live?
Ghost shrimp or glass shrimps have a very short lifespan of one year.They thrive well if the water conditions are fine.They should be taken care of because if the tank conditions are not fine then your ghost shrimps will die within 2-3 days in such tanks.
While bettas have a life span of 3-4 years due to their poor genetics.They are very sensitive to poor water conditions.They do well in spacious tanks with good oxygen circulation.
Bettas need a good and nutritious diet to maintain their finnage colouration and longevity.Both ghost shrimp and bettas have short lifespans due to poor genetics and poor water conditions.
It is very important to keep them properly without compromising with the quality of water.
What tank size do betta fish and ghost shrimp need?
Tank size for betta fish
- Minimum tank size 3 gallons.
- Additional tank size for each fully grown bettas is 1 gallons.
- Ideal tank size for single male or female betta is 5 gallons.
- Bettas do well in spacious tanks.
Tank size for ghost shrimp
- Ghost shrimps need a smaller tank of 5 to 10 gallons,minimum tank size.
- If they are kept as pets then they should be kept in a ratio of 3 to 4 ghost shrimps per gallon.
- Ghost shrimps are smaller in size but need space to roam in the aquarium.
Are betta fish and ghost shrimp aggressive in nature?
Ghost shrimps are known for their peaceful behaviour.They rarely get aggressive in tanks,but if many ghost shrimps are kept together in an overcrowded tank then they get aggressive with their own kind.They are not known for their aggression with other tank mates so far.
Bettas are popular for their aggressive nature especially male bettas.Its very difficult to keep male bettas with other tank mates in the aquarium.Male bettas fight with each other to death.
If too many male bettas are kept together which out numbers females in the tank.Female bettas are less aggressive than male bettas and can coexist with other tank mates in the aquarium.
What do betta fish and ghost shrimp eat?
Bettas are not picky eaters and happily accept whatever you give them but don’t start eating immediately after putting them in the aquariums, they take their own sweet time to adjust in the tank.A Protein rich diet is very important for your bettas.
Food preference for betta fish:
- Protein enriched floating pellets
- Frozen or dried brine shrimp
- Frozen Bloodworms (small pieces)
- Small insects
- Larvae
Ghost shrimps are omnivores and accept almost everything given to them.
Food preference for ghost shrimp:
- Algae
- Dead plant matter
- Detritus
- Fish pellets
- Shrimp pellets
- Fish flakes
- Algae wafers
- Leftovers or uneaten food of other fish or tank animals in their aquarium.
Are water parameters the same for betta fish and ghost shrimp in aquarium conditions?
| Water parameters | Betta fish | Ghost shrimp |
| Water typeTemperature Breeding temperatureWater pHWater hardness Water movement | Freshwater 75F-80F78F6.8-7.53 to 4 dGH and 3 to 5 dKHCalmer water | Freshwater 65-75F85F7.0-8.0 (slightly hard)3 to 10 dGH and 3 to 15 dKHLight flow of water |
Ghost shrimps share almost similar water preferences with bettas and are an asset to any tank they are kept in.
Bettas prefer calm water in their tanks.They do well in optimum temperature conditions. If these parameters are not maintained then they will become inactive and can become sick.
The levels of ammonia and nitrite should be 0ppm and nitrate should be <20 ppm in their tanks.
Do betta fish and ghost shrimp need the same aquarium plants in their tanks?
| Tank plants for betta fish | Live and overhanging plants are best for your bettas as they act as a natural oxygen purifier and can help them to conceal themselves to avoid aggressive tank mates or predators.Live plants can provide good hiding space for your bettas when they feel threatened or stressed.Hydrilla aka waterthymes can be used in bettas aquariums because it gives bush like views in the tanks. Indian almond leaves are recommended as they can keep their immune system strong. |
| Tank plants for ghost shrimp | In nature they are found in areas with great vegetation. Tank plants give them space to hide when they feel threatened.They even feed on dead plants.Java mossJava fernsAnubias nanaCryptocyonesDwarf liliesVallisneriaWater wisteria |
Do betta fish and ghost shrimp need the same light intensity in their tanks?
Ghost shrimps have no special preferences for lighting in their aquarium.They do well in both standard aquarium lighting and bright lights too.They just need space to hide in when they feel shy.
Betta fish like both Natural and artificial light in their tank and they need enough light during day time and proper dimness during night time.Exposing them to direct sunlight can increase algal growth in their aquarium.
Do betta fish and ghost shrimp need similar substrates in their tank?
Ghost shrimps don’t have any special requirements of substrate in their tanks.A sandy substrate or gravels or planted tank substrate will do the needful.They really look good in black aquariums.
Bettas don’t need substrate,as it doesn’t really matter in bettas tanks.
They don’t interact with the bottom that much.Some sand or gravel substrate would be fine.
Both shrimps and bettas have no special requirements for substrate in their tanks.A simple sandy substrate or gravel substrate will do the needful.
Is it easy to care for betta fish and ghost shrimp togethers in the same aquariums?
Ghost shrimps are easy to care for.they thrive well in almost every condition.All they need is food resources in their tank to munch on them.They do well in established tanks and are an asset to aquariums.
Bettas are not so easy to care for,since they are very aggressive and intimidate other species alongside similar tanks.They need a spacious tank to swim freely.
Bettas need proper tank filtration,warm water,lots of hiding space to hide when they feel threatened,nutritious food to maintain their colors and tank maintenance practice.
They can be taken care of well together,because ghost shrimps mind their own business and rarely mess with bettas or other tank mates in the tank they are kept in.
Bettas only attack when someone invades their personal space and fights with them for food resources.Ghost shrimp don’t mind eating leftovers of other fish in the tank and are very peaceful.
Are they both perfect community fish?
Ghost shrimps are very peaceful creatures and do really well in tropical community aquariums with small and non-aggressive tank mates.They are very social and get along really well in groups.
You can keep ghost shrimps in any community tanks without worry. They have a good temperament and rarely mess or hurt other tank mates.
Bettas can be a good community fish but they cannot live with brightly coloured species, finnippers,aggressive fish and multiple male bettas together.
Female bettas are more sociable than male bettas.Male bettas get aggressive with one another and fight with each other to death.
It is very important to have male and female bettas ratio maintained in tanks to avoid clashes.
Are they beginner friendly or for experienced aquarists?
Ghost shrimps are very peaceful and sociable and really don’t have extraordinary tak requirements or tank setups.
Ghost shrimps just need hard water conditions and food resources near them to thrive well.They are suitable for both beginners and experienced fishkeepers.
Bettas are good for both newcomers and experienced fishkeepers. They are very attractive,especially male bettas.These have specific water parameters and food habits to maintain their finnage colourtion.
Summary
Ghost shrimps are an asset to any community tanks they are kept in.They are famous for their silent and peaceful temperament.
Ghost shrimps rarely get aggressive with other tank mates,but if they are kept with their own kinds in overcrowded tanks then definitely they might show aggression towards their own kind.
Ghost shrimps keep the tank clean by feeding on uneaten food of other fish and even feed on dead and rotting plants.
Bettas are known for their fighting behavior.They may end up eating ghost shrimps if they want.You have to monitor their interactions daily to avoid such situations,if you want ghost shrimp alive in the tank.
Frequently asked questions
Do bettas eat ghost shrimps?
Yes,bettas do eat ghost shrimps.They are given as food by some fishkeepers to bettas.
