As omnivores, shrimp have a wide range of food options that contribute to their well-being and vibrant colors. From plant-based delights like leaves, and vegetables to protein-rich sources such as pellets, there is an abundance of choices to meet their dietary needs.
What to feed
Just like humans, shrimp require a balanced diet to thrive. Variety in meals ensures that they receive all the necessary nutrients and minerals for optimal health. A lack of certain nutrients, such as calcium and iodine, could lead to problems with shell development and overall health. Moreover, a varied diet not only aids in preventing molting issues but also enhances the vibrant coloration of the shrimp. Avoid foods that are high in fat, salt, or sugar, as these might cause digestive issues. By offering a variety of food options, you can mimic their natural foraging behaviour and support their overall well-being.
Pellet food
Pellet food is a convenient and nutritionally complete option for feeding freshwater shrimp. These specially formulated pellets contain a balanced mix of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, providing a well-rounded diet for your shrimp. The downside is that most pellet foods don’t disitegrate easily. This entails that the most dominant and biggest shrimps will run away with the food, leaving nothing for the smaller shrimps.
When selecting pellet food, it is essential to choose options that contain high-quality ingredients and are specifically designed for shrimp. Some popular pellet food brands for shrimp include Shrimp King Complete and GlasGarten’s Shrimp Dinner. These pellets are easy to feed and ensure that your shrimp receive all the necessary nutrients in a single meal.
Powdered food
Powdered food is great for making sure even the the tiniest of shrimplets will be able to eat. Special powders foods can also promote the growth of biofilm.
Biofilm is a crucial component of shrimp’s natural diet. It consists of a thin layer of bacteria and microorganisms that grow on various surfaces in the aquarium, including glass walls, rocks, and plants.
Bacter AE from GlasGarten is an excellent choice for encouraging biofilm growth in your tank. This powder dissolve in water and spread throughout the tank, providing a continuous source of biofilm for the shrimp to graze on. Biofilm powders are particularly beneficial for baby shrimp, ensuring they have easy access to plenty of food.
Leaves and botanicals
In their natural habitats, shrimp feed on fallen leaves, which provide essential nutrients and serve as a valuable food source. You can recreate this natural feeding behavior in your aquarium by adding dried leaves from deciduous trees. Tried-and-tested classics like walnut-, oak-, and mulberry leaves are excellent choices.
To prepare the leaves, ensure they are completely dry and brown. Boil them with hot water to sink them immediately or add them as they are and let them float for a few hours until they become waterlogged. These leaves not only serve as a food source but also create a naturalistic environment for the shrimp.
Indian almond leaves are another popular option for shrimp tanks. These leaves release tannins into the water, which provide additional benefits such as a slight reduction in pH and a long-lasting food source. Leaves also offer hiding places for baby shrimp, ensuring their safety while they feed.
Snow flakes
Snowflake food, made from the husks of soybeans, is a popular and nutritious option for feeding freshwater shrimp. These small pellets sink and expand when placed in water, resembling fresh snow at the bottom of your tank. Snowflake food is rich in protein and serves as an excellent aid for shrimp after molting, helping them re-harden their new exoskeleton.
One of the greatest advantages of snowflake food is that it does not break down and pollute the water with ammonia or nitrate. You can leave the pellets in the tank for a long time, and the shrimp will continuously graze on them. This is a great food source for when you’re going on vacation.
Blanched vegetables
Fresh vegetables are another fantastic food option for shrimp. When blanched, vegetables like spinach, kale, cucumber, broccoli, and zucchini become soft and easily consumable for shrimp. These vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to the overall health and well-being of your shrimp.
To prepare blanched vegetables, wash them thoroughly under the tap and then boil them until they become soft. After boiling, transfer them to a jug of cold water to halt the cooking process. They can then be hung in the tank or placed on a feeding dish for the shrimp to graze on.
It is important to note that organic vegetables or homegrown produce are preferable to ensure that no harmful pesticides are present. Additionally, monitor the amount of vegetable matter left uneaten and remove any leftovers within a few hours to prevent water pollution.
Enhance colouration
Astaxanthin is a natural pigment that enhances the vibrant coloration of freshwater shrimp. It is commonly found in algae and gives flamingos their pink colour. By incorporating astaxanthin-rich foods into your shrimp’s diet, you can intensify their colors and create a visually stunning display in your aquarium. Do note that while diet can play a role in the overall coloration of your shrimp, the maximum intensity of these colours is largely determined by the shrimp’s genetics.
Many commercially available shrimp foods contain astaxanthin as an ingredient. Look for products that specifically mention the inclusion of this pigment to ensure your shrimp receive its color-enhancing benefits. Regular feeding of astaxanthin-rich foods can lead to more vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows in your shrimp.
Conclusion
Feeding Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp a varied and balanced diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. By offering a combination of pellet food, leaves and botanicals, powders, snowflake food, blanched vegetables, and astaxanthin-rich foods, you can provide a diverse and nutritious diet for your shrimp. Remember to feed them in appropriate quantities, remove any uneaten food promptly, and be mindful of food getting trapped in the substrate. With proper nutrition and care, your shrimp will thrive and display their vibrant colors, creating a stunning display in your aquarium.
