Shop by Species - Find Your Perfect Freshwater Shrimp
Not sure which species is right for you? I've organized our freshwater shrimp for sale into specialized collections to make your choice easier. Each collection focuses on specific care requirements, experience levels, and tank goals.
Neocaridina Shrimp Collection – Vibrant, Hardy & Beginner-Friendly
The perfect starting point for new hobbyists
Neocaridina shrimp are the most popular freshwater shrimp in the aquarium hobby. Known for their hardiness and bright coloration, these shrimp thrive in a wide range of water conditions and breed readily in home aquariums. Perfect for planted and community tanks, they add motion, color, and natural cleaning power.
Why choose Neocaridina:
- Extremely hardy and forgiving
- Available in a rainbow of colors (Red Cherry, Blue Dream, Yellow, Green Jade & more)
- Breed easily for growing colonies
- Great algae and biofilm grazers
- Thrive in most freshwater setups
Caridina Shrimp (in Neocaridina Parameters) – Unique & Easy-Going
For keepers wanting something special without extra complexity
Some Caridina species are perfectly comfortable in the same water conditions as Neocaridina, making them ideal for mixed tanks. These include stunning Tiger and Orange Eye lines that offer exotic looks without the demanding water chemistry typical of other Caridina varieties.
Why they stand out:
- Compatible with Neocaridina tank parameters
- Distinctive striping and coloration
- Great for aquarists wanting variety without extra maintenance
- Peaceful and active grazers
Oddball Shrimp – Amano, Pinocchio, & Raccoon
Fascinating species for function and flair
Our Oddball Shrimp collection highlights species that don’t fit neatly into Neocaridina or Caridina categories. From the algae-devouring Amano to the long-nosed Pinocchio and the elusive Raccoon shrimp, these species are unique additions that bring utility and personality to any aquarium.
Highlights:
- Exceptional algae and detritus control
- Highly active and fun to watch
- Great for aquascapes and community tanks
- Ideal for aquarists seeking variety
Caridina Shrimp Collection – Premium Patterns & Refined Beauty
For aquarists ready to take shrimp keeping to the next level
Caridina shrimp represent the pinnacle of shrimp breeding. These species require softer, more specific water parameters but reward dedication with unmatched color and pattern variation. Within this group, you’ll find legendary lines like Taiwan Bee, Tiger, Pinto, and more.
Premium lines include:
Orange Eye • Taiwan Bee (King Kong, Blue Bolt) • Tiger • Pinto • German Series • Rare Variants
Why keep Caridina:
- Striking patterns and collector-grade color
- Rewarding for advanced keepers
- Ideal for specialized breeding tanks
- Showcase species for aquascapes
Rare & Collector Shrimp – For the Dedicated Enthusiast
Exclusive, limited-availability species for serious hobbyists
For collectors seeking the extraordinary, our Rare & Premium Shrimp category offers limited-availability lines selectively bred for exceptional coloration, pattern, and rarity. These are true centerpiece specimens for those who value distinction in their aquariums.
Why collectors love them:
- Extremely limited availability
- Exceptional visual quality and lineage
- Perfect for breeding or display tanks
- Hand-selected for advanced aquarists
BUYING GUIDE SECTION
Your Complete Guide to Buying Freshwater Shrimp Online
Buying live freshwater shrimp for sale online might seem daunting, but I've been shipping healthy shrimp nationwide for years. Here's everything you need to know to choose the perfect species for your tank and ensure their success.
Best Freshwater Shrimp for Sale for Beginners
Starting your first shrimp tank? Here is my suggestion for success.
If you're new to shrimp keeping, I always recommend starting with our hardy neocaridina varieties. These beginner-friendly freshwater shrimp for sale are incredibly forgiving and adapt to a wide range of water conditions. Most importantly, they'll breed readily once established, giving you the joy of watching your colony grow.
My top recommendations for beginners:
Recommended water parameters for beginner shrimp:
- pH: 6.5-8.0 (very forgiving range)
- Temperature: 68-78°F (room temperature works great)
- GH: 6-15 (moderate to hard water)
- KH: 2-12 (stable buffering capacity)
The beauty of neocaridina species is their adaptability. If your tap water is reasonably clean and you use a good water conditioner, they'll likely thrive without any special preparation.
Ready to set up your first shrimp tank? My comprehensive Tank Cycling Guide for Neocaridina Shrimp walks you through the crucial cycling process that ensures your new shrimp thrive from day one. Don't skip this step - it's the difference between success and heartbreak in shrimp keeping!
Advanced Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp for Sale
Ready for the next level? Let's talk caridina.
Once you've had success with neocaridina species and want a new challenge, our caridina collection offers some of the most beautiful freshwater shrimp for sale in the hobby. These species require more specific water parameters, but the payoff is incredible - intricate patterns, stunning colors, and the satisfaction of mastering advanced shrimp keeping.
Premium caridina varieties I recommend:
Thinking about breeding these premium species? The techniques are more advanced than neocaridina, but the rewards are incredible. Our Complete Guide to Breeding Freshwater Shrimp Successfully covers both beginner and advanced breeding strategies that actually work.
Required parameters for caridina success:
- pH: 6.0-6.8 (soft, slightly acidic)
- Temperature: 68-74°F (cooler than neocaridina)
- GH: 4-7 (soft water essential)
- KH: 0-2 (very low buffering)
- TDS: 120-180 ppm
Caridina shrimp typically require RO (reverse osmosis) water remineralized with shrimp-specific minerals. It sounds complicated, but once you get the system down, it becomes second nature.
If you're serious about caridina success, I've written an in-depth guide covering How to Breed Caridina Shrimp Successfully that covers not just water parameters, but the complete breeding setup that produces healthy, vibrant offspring.
Thinking about breeding these premium species? The techniques are more advanced than neocaridina, but the rewards are incredible. Our Complete Guide to Breeding Freshwater Shrimp Successfully covers both beginner and advanced breeding strategies that actually work.
Required parameters for caridina success:
- pH: 6.0-6.8 (soft, slightly acidic)
- Temperature: 68-74°F (cooler than neocaridina)
- GH: 4-7 (soft water essential)
- KH: 0-2 (very low buffering)
- TDS: 120-180 ppm
Caridina shrimp typically require RO (reverse osmosis) water remineralized with shrimp-specific minerals. It sounds complicated, but once you get the system down, it becomes second nature.
If you're serious about caridina success, I've written an in-depth guide covering How to Breed Caridina Shrimp Successfully that covers not just water parameters, but the complete breeding setup that produces healthy, vibrant offspring.
FAQ SECTION
Freshwater Shrimp for Sale - Your Questions Answered
I get these questions every week, so let me share the answers that will help you succeed.
What types of live freshwater shrimp do you have for sale?
I specialize in the most popular and successful freshwater aquarium shrimp for sale for home aquariums. Our selection includes hardy neocaridina species like cherry, blue dream, and yellow golden back shrimp that are perfect for beginners. For experienced keepers, I offer premium caridina varieties including crystal red shrimp, tiger shrimp, and rare collector-grade patterns.
I also stock essential utility species like amano shrimp (one of the best algae eaters in the hobby) and pinnochio shrimp (a quirky looking shrimp that is great for black beard algae)). Every live freshwater shrimp for sale in our collection has been chosen for its health, color quality, and success rate in home aquariums.
Do you really guarantee live arrival for shrimp orders?
Absolutely! I've been shipping live freshwater shrimp for sale nationwide for years, and I've perfected the packaging and shipping process. Every order comes with my comprehensive Live Arrival Guarantee - if any shrimp arrive deceased, I'll replace them immediately or provide a full refund.
I also include one extra shrimp per every 10 ordered as my way of ensuring your complete satisfaction. My careful packaging includes insulation in the boxes, temperature-appropriate heat or cool packs, and expedited shipping to minimize transit time. I ship every Monday and Tuesday to avoid weekend delays, ensuring your freshwater shrimp for sale arrive when you're available to receive them.
What's the best freshwater shrimp for beginners?
Without hesitation, I recommend neocaridina shrimp as the perfect starter species. I've seen more success with neos than any other variety - they're incredibly hardy, adapt to various water conditions, breed readily, and the bright colors never gets old. If I had to choose just one I'd go for Blood Orange, but it's really a matter of personal taste.
If you want something a bit different, amano shrimp are great! They're affordable, efficient algae eaters, and perfect for learning shrimp behavior before investing in more expensive varieties.
The key to beginner success is starting with proven, hardy species from our neocaridina freshwater shrimp for sale collection rather than jumping straight into challenging caridina varieties.
How do you ship live freshwater shrimp safely?
I treat every shipment of live freshwater shrimp for sale like I'm sending them to my own family. Each shrimp is carefully packed in breather bags with just enough water for the journey. I include mesh for them to hold onto and Purigen pellets to help with any waste produced. These bags go into insulated bags that are surrounded by insulation to reduce movement and control temerature swings. Upon request I'm happy to include heat or cold packs. For detailed information about our complete shipping process, check out How Teacher's Pet Ships Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp to Ensure Safe Arrival. This behind-the-scenes look shows exactly how we package your shrimp for maximum safety and success.
Most importantly, I ship every Monday and Tuesday to ensure your shrimp don't sit in transit over weekends. This scheduling, combined with my packaging expertise, is why I can confidently offer a live arrival guarantee.
Want to ensure perfect acclimation when your shrimp arrive? Read our step-by-step Shrimp Acclimation Guide that eliminates guesswork and stress from the process.
Can I keep different species of freshwater shrimp together?
This is one of the most common questions I receive! The answer depends on what you're trying to achieve. Different neocaridina species (cherry, blue dream, yellow) can physically coexist peacefully, but they will interbreed and produce mixed-color offspring. This might be fine if you want a "skittles" tank, but problematic if you want to maintain pure breeding lines.
Amano shrimp, raccoon shrimp and pinocchio shrimp make excellent tankmates with any other freshwater shrimp for sale since they don't interbreed with dwarf shrimp species. I often recommend adding amano shrimp to any tank for algae control.
For our caridina freshwater shrimp for sale, I recommend species-only tanks to maintain genetic purity and because they require more specific water parameters. The one exception would be Taiwan Bees that can be kept together without hybridization. Mixing caridina and neocaridina is possible but requires compromise on water parameters that may not be optimal for either species.
What kind of tank setup do I need for freshwater aquarium shrimp?
Freshwater shrimp for sale thrive in well-established, stable environments. I always recommend starting with at least a 10-gallon tank - smaller tanks can work, but larger volumes are more stable and forgiving for beginners.
Essential equipment:
- Filtration: Sponge filters are perfect - gentle flow that won't suck up baby shrimp
- Heating: Most species do fine at room temperature, but a small heater adds stability
- Lighting: Any LED light suitable for live plants
- Substrate: Inert substrates for neocaridina, active buffering substrates for caridina
Critical requirements:
- Fully cycled tank (never add shrimp to new setups)
- Live plants for biofilm and hiding spots
- Stable parameters (avoid frequent changes)
- Copper-free environment (deadly to all shrimp)
The most important factor is patience - let your tank establish biofilm and beneficial bacteria before adding any live freshwater shrimp. A two-month-old planted tank will always be more successful than a brand-new setup.
Need detailed guidance on creating the perfect shrimp environment? Our comprehensive Best Practices for Setting Up a Shrimp Aquarium covers everything from substrate selection to plant choices that actually make a difference in shrimp success.
EXPERT CARE GUIDE SECTION
Expert Care Guide for Your New Freshwater Shrimp
Success with freshwater shrimp comes down to understanding their needs and maintaining consistency. Here's what I've learned from years of breeding and shipping these curious creatures.
Understanding Water Parameters for Freshwater Shrimp
Water quality is everything in shrimp keeping - get this right, and everything else becomes easier.
The biggest difference between successful and struggling shrimp keepers is understanding that consistency matters more than perfection. I've seen thriving colonies in less-than-ideal parameters that remained stable, and failed tanks with "perfect" numbers that fluctuated constantly.
Neocaridina Species (The Hardy Choice)
These are the freshwater shrimp for sale I recommend for most aquarists because they adapt to a wide range of conditions:
- pH Range: 6.5-8.0 (very forgiving)
- Temperature: 68-78°F (room temperature usually works)
- General Hardness (GH): 6-15 (moderate to hard water)
- Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2-12 (good buffering capacity)
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 150-300 ppm
The real secret: If your tap water produces healthy fish, it will probably work for neocaridina shrimp with just a good water conditioner. Test your parameters, but don't obsess over small variations.
Caridina Species (The Precision Challenge)
Our premium caridina freshwater shrimp for sale require more specific conditions, but the results are worth the extra effort:
- pH Range: 6.0-6.8 (soft, slightly acidic)
- Temperature: 68-74°F (slightly cooler than neocaridina)
- General Hardness (GH): 4-7 (soft water essential)
- Carbonate Hardness (KH): 0-1 (very low buffering)
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 100-120 ppm
Pro tip: Most caridina keepers use RO water remineralized with shrimp-specific products. It sounds complicated, but once you establish the routine, it becomes automatic. For a deep dive into getting caridina water chemistry perfect, check out our detailed Caridina Shrimp Water Parameter Requirements guide.
Creating the Perfect Shrimp Tank Environment
Your tank setup can make or break your shrimp keeping success. Here's what really matters.
Tank Size Recommendations
I always recommend starting with at least 10 gallons for freshwater aquarium shrimp. Smaller tanks can work, but they're less stable and more challenging for beginners. Larger tanks buffer against parameter swings and give you more room for error.
If you're interested in smaller setups, our Complete Guide to Setting Up Your First Nano Shrimp Tank covers the specific challenges and solutions for successful small-volume shrimp keeping.
My preferred setups:
- 10-20 gallons: Perfect for single-species colonies
- 20-40 gallons: Can't go wrong here! There's room for hundreds of shrimp!
- 5 gallons or less: Only for experienced keepers who understand the challenges
Filtration That Works
Sponge Filters are the gold standard for shrimp tanks, and here's why: gentle flow that won't suck up baby shrimp, excellent biological filtration, and surface area for biofilm growth that shrimp love to graze on.
I use dual sponge filters in most of my breeding tanks with DeNitrate in the barrels - if one gets clogged or needs cleaning, the other maintains biological filtration. Hang-on-back filters can work if you cover the intake with sponge pre-filters.
Water flow rate is often overlooked but critically important for shrimp health and breeding success. Our detailed guide on The Importance of Water Flow in Shrimp Tanks explains how to get the flow rate just right for optimal shrimp behavior and tank health.
Substrate Choices
For neocaridina species: Almost any aquarium substrate works. I prefer darker substrates because they make shrimp colors pop. Generally any sand or gravel, once rinsed, works fine.
For caridina species: Active buffering substrates are essential. These special substrates help maintain the low pH and soft water that caridina require. Popular brands include ADA Amazonia, Fluval Stratum, and SL-Aqua. I use Brightwell Rio Escuero in all my tanks, but every brand has minor pros and cons.
Plant Selection
Live plants are non-negotiable for successful shrimp keeping. They provide hiding spots, improve water quality, and most importantly, surfaces for biofilm growth - the natural food source that keeps shrimp healthy.
My top plant choices:
- Java Moss (or any other type of moss): Shrimp breeding paradise, collects food particles
- Anubias: Hardy, broad leaves perfect for grazing
- Java Fern: Similar to Anubia, broad leaves for the shrimp to hang out on and nearly indestructable
- Floating Plants: Natural filtration and cover for baby shrimp
🍽️ Feeding Your Freshwater Shrimp Properly
Less is more when it comes to feeding shrimp - let me explain the approach that actually works.
Understanding Natural Diet
Freshwater shrimp in your tank should spend most of their time grazing on biofilm - the microscopic layer of bacteria, algae, and organic matter that grows on all surfaces in established aquariums. This is their primary food source in nature and should be in captivity too.
A healthy shrimp tank has visible biofilm on glass, rocks, plants, and decorations. If your tank is too clean, your shrimp may struggle even with supplemental feeding. You can promote biofilm growth with BacterAE or Dead Shrimp Powder.
Supplemental Feeding Done Right
I feed my shrimp 2-3 times per week with high-quality shrimp pellets, and that's it for most tanks. Overfeeding is the number one killer of freshwater aquarium shrimp- it pollutes water, disrupts beneficial bacteria, and can trigger dangerous parameter swings.
Feeding guidelines:
- Amount: Only what they can consume in 2-3 hours
- Frequency: 2-3 times per week maximum
- Quality: High-protein pellets designed for shrimp
- Variety: Occasional blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, peas)
Special Considerations for Baby Shrimp
Newly hatched shrimp are tiny and need microscopic food sources. This is another reason why established biofilm is crucial - it provides the perfect first food for shrimplets.
In tanks with good biofilm, baby shrimp feed themselves. In newer or overly clean tanks, you might need specialized baby foods or liquid supplements, but established biofilm is always better.
Want to master shrimp nutrition and avoid the common feeding mistakes that kill more shrimp than any other factor? Read our comprehensive How to Feed Freshwater Shrimp Guide - it covers natural diet, supplemental feeding, and the feeding schedule that actually works.
TRUST & GUARANTEE SECTION
Why Experienced Aquarists Choose Teacher's Pet NW
After years in this hobby, I've learned what really matters when buying freshwater shrimp online. Here's what sets us apart.
Hand-Selected Quality You Can Trust
Every shrimp matters - to you and to me.
I don't just sell freshwater shrimp for sale - I'm a shrimp keeper myself with tanks running in my home. Every single shrimp that goes out meets the same standards I keep for my own breeding projects.
When you order neocaridina, you're getting specimens I'd be proud to keep in my display tanks. When you invest in rare caridina varieties, you're getting genetics I'd use for my own breeding programs. This isn't just business - it's my hobby, and it shows in every shipment.
What hand-selection means:
- Color quality: Vibrant, consistent coloration
- Health screening: Active, alert, feeding normally
- Size selection: Appropriate sizes for shipping stress tolerance
- Pattern quality: For patterned species, clear markings and good genetics
Shipping & Packaging That Actually Works
I've shipped thousands of packages nationwide - here's how I guarantee success.
My packaging system has been refined through years of experience and customer feedback. I don't cut corners because I know how heartbreaking it is to receive a poorly packaged shipment.
My shipping guarantee includes:
- Live arrival or immediate replacement - send a picture within 2 hours of receiving the package
- One extra shrimp per 10 ordered - my way of ensuring satisfaction
- Insulated packaging with newspaper padding and temperature control
- Expedited shipping only - USPS priority or UPS 2nd day are the most popular
- Weather monitoring - I won't ship into dangerous conditions
- Monday/Tuesday shipping - no weekend delays
I also include detailed, species-specific acclimation instructions and my personal contact information. If you have any concerns about your live freshwater shrimp for sale, you can reach me directly.
Education & Support That Continues After Your Purchase
Your success is my success - and I'm here for the long haul.
Buying freshwater aquarium shrimp for sale online shouldn't end when your package arrives. I provide detailed care guides, answer questions personally, and maintain an educational blog that addresses real challenges shrimp keepers face.
Ongoing support includes:
- Species-specific care sheets with every order
- Personal email support - reach out anytime with questions
- Educational blog content covering advanced topics
I want you to succeed because successful customers become lifetime customers. More importantly, I genuinely love helping people discover the joy of shrimp keeping.
Portland-Based with Nationwide Reach
Local expertise, national availability.
Based in Portland, Oregon, I offer local pickup for area customers who want to avoid shipping stress. For everyone else, I ship nationwide with the same care and attention I'd give to local customers.
Benefits of working with me:
- Pacific Northwest quality - high standards, friendly service
- Nationwide shipping from a climate-controlled facility
- Local pickup available for Portland area customers
- Direct communication - you work with me, not a call center
CUSTOMER SUCCESS STORIES
Real feedback from real customers - because results speak louder than promises.
"I was nervous about ordering shrimp online, but Daniel's packaging was incredible. Every single cherry shrimp arrived alive and more colorful than the photos showed. Three months later, I have babies swimming around - couldn't be happier!"
"I've ordered from several online shrimp sellers, and Teacher's Pet is in a league of their own. The crystal red shrimp I received were show quality, arrived perfectly healthy, and Daniel's acclimation instructions were spot-on. These are now the centerpiece of my display tank."
"The blue dream shrimp I ordered exceeded every expectation. Not only did they arrive safely with an extra shrimp as promised, but Daniel followed up to make sure they were settling in well. That level of customer care is rare these days."
"As someone new to caridina species, I appreciated Daniel's honest assessment of difficulty levels and his recommendation to start with hardier species first. The cherry shrimp colony is thriving, and I'm already planning my caridina tank with his guidance."
COMPLETE YOUR SHRIMP TANK SETUP
Everything you need for freshwater shrimp success.
Premium Shrimp Food & Supplements
High-quality nutrition designed specifically for freshwater shrimp health, color enhancement, and successful breeding.
Essential Shrimp Supplies
Specialized equipment including sponge filters, water conditioners, testing supplies, and breeding accessories.
Not sure what equipment you actually need vs. what's just marketing hype? Check out our Top 5 Aquarium Supplies Every Shrimp Keeper Needs - it cuts through the confusion and focuses on the gear that makes a real difference.
Ready to start your freshwater shrimp journey? Browse our complete collection of healthy, hand-selected freshwater shrimp for sale and discover why experienced aquarists across the country trust Teacher's Pet NW for their most important aquarium investments.