In nature, dwarf shrimp spend all day foraging for food. They are the "scavengers" of the water, which actually makes feeding them in an aquarium very straightforward.
What do dwarf shrimp actually eat?
Shrimp are omnivores, but their main diet consists of tiny particles.
Algae & Biofilm: This is their natural main food source. Shrimp constantly graze on stones, roots, and glass surfaces for fine algal growth and bacterial films.
Specialty food: There are great shrimp foods in the form of sticks, granules, or pads. These often contain important minerals and vitamins.
The "superfood" leaves: Dried leaves (e.g., catappa leaves, brown oak or beech leaves) belong in every shrimp tank. They serve as a continuous food source, as valuable microorganisms form on them, and at the same time release health-promoting substances (humic substances) into the water.
How do I know if my shrimp is sick?
Shrimp are masters at hiding problems, but if you look closely, you can spot warning signs:
Inactivity: If the usually lively animals are just lethargically sitting in one spot and no longer searching for food with their tiny legs ("fanning"), something is wrong.
Loss of color: A sudden fading of color (the shrimp appears "milky" or glassy) can indicate stress or a bacterial infection.
Flight reflexes: If shrimp shoot uncontrollably through the tank or try to climb out of the water, this often indicates a problem with the water parameters.
Why do my shrimp die shortly after being introduced?
This is the biggest scare moment for any buyer. Most of the time, it's not due to illness, but to what is called translocation shock.
Incorrect acclimatization: Shrimp are sensitive to sudden changes in osmotic pressure (different water hardness/pH value). Simply cutting open the bag and dumping the animals into the tank risks their lives.
The solution: The drip method. Aquarium water is slowly dripped into the transport water over 1-2 hours until the values have equalized.
New plants: Be careful with freshly bought plants from the store! These are often treated with pesticides that are highly toxic to shrimp. New plants should always be watered for a few days before being introduced to the shrimp. Exception: In-vitro plants - These are plants cultivated in a laboratory, which are free of pesticides and germs. These plants are optimally suited for shrimp tanks and can therefore be used directly.
Are you still looking for the perfect food for your animals? Here you can find species-appropriate food and provide your aquarium inhabitants with all important nutrients and minerals.
