Sometimes the most modest inhabitants of an aquarium turn out to be the most amazing. Glass shrimp, also known as Indian or ghost shrimp, are living works of art. Their bodies are so transparent that you can see every internal detail, as if looking into a miniature world teeming with life.
These small creatures are not just decoration. They are tireless cleaners who help keep the aquarium clean day after day. Watching their unhurried, painstaking work is a truly meditative pleasure.
Their transparency is not only a unique physical trait, but also a symbol of the fragility of the underwater world. Let's learn more about these living mirrors of nature, their life, their benefits, and how to create a comfortable home for them in your aquarium.
Habitat, biotope
Macrobrachium ehemals is an Indian glass shrimp of the Palaemonidae family.
Common English names for the shrimp:
In Russian-speaking aquarium circles, the Indian shrimp is often referred to as the ghost shrimp. The Indian shrimp should not be confused with the American “ghost” shrimp Palaemonetes paludosus or the Asian shrimp Macrobrachium Lanchesteri. Outwardly, these species are very similar, but their living conditions differ. The Asian shrimp is more aggressive and requires more space in the aquarium, while the American shrimp requires different water parameters.
The habitat of the Indian glass shrimp is the rivers and lakes of southern India. The biotopes are quite specific — shallow water covered with foliage, with a muddy or sandy bottom. The current is moderate or almost completely absent. Shrimp are often found in swampy areas or in places where rivers flood.
A distinctive feature of ghost shrimp is that some populations live in brackish water in areas where rivers flow into the Indian Ocean. As of 2021, no morphological differences between freshwater and “marine” populations have been found. Aquarium practice has shown that “wild” ghost shrimp caught in brackish water do not thrive in freshwater aquariums.
In its natural habitat, ehemals feeds on plankton, algae, and insect larvae. There is no precise scientific data, but there is no doubt that plant food is the basis of the ghost shrimp's diet.
Appearance, dimorphism
The entire body of the glass Indian shrimp is transparent. You can even read through the shrimp — otherwise it is not Macrobrachium ehemals. The shell is also always transparent. The internal organs of ehemals should be visible.
Vertical dark stripes on the front part of the body are a characteristic feature of ehemals. The stripes should be narrow and not detract from the overall impression of transparency. The tail of the ideal ghost shrimp has characteristic small dark spots.
The main distinguishing feature of the Indian glass shrimp is the “hump” on the back. The hump on the Indian glass shrimp is less pronounced than on its distant and not very close relatives:
Populations of ehemals in brackish waters are distinguished by a less pronounced “hump” and degree of transparency. Asian and American glass shrimp (Indonesia, Thailand, Gulf of Mexico) are not related to Indian shrimp: they do not have pronounced stripes on their bodies, and the “hump” on their backs is larger. These species usually have no coloration, and their shells are not transparent.
It is almost impossible to distinguish males from females by appearance. Sexual dimorphism is practically absent. Usually, the male is 0.5 cm larger than the female, but this depends on age. It is easier to distinguish the male during spawning. Impulsive movements and active behavior are sure signs of a male.
— Izmail Kustanai
Care. Aquarium and diet
Macrobrachium ehemals in aquarium conditions — paired. In the wild — the species has not been studied, but young individuals form shoals. A minimum of 5 liters is required for one individual. A group of 7-8 individuals requires 60-80 liters of water.
Weekly water change: 20-25%.
Every conscientious aquarist should always have a set of drop tests on hand, at least for nitrate and phosphate. Fortunately, they are now inexpensive, and there are no problems with their range and purchase. In offline stores in your city, you can find inexpensive
The most important thing is to ensure that there are no excessive concentrations in the aquarium.
Nitrogen compounds
Vladox tests
Can be found in a trusted FF online store
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The black phantom is a peaceful fish and is well suited for community aquariums. As already mentioned, it should be kept in a school of 7 or more individuals, as this allows the ornate fish to express themselves better and be more noticeable. It is best to keep the school with small and calm fish, such as marble gouramis, black neons, cardinals, and lalius.
Preparations, equipment, and other useful products for aquarists.
There are no varieties of glass shrimp. They can be considered a subspecies of the “sea” population, but they are not scientifically recognized. And you should not buy “wild” shrimp — they are poorly adapted to aquarium conditions.
American and Asian relatives do not count. They just look similar, nothing more. Australian and New Zealand glass shrimp, as well as Himalayan glass shrimp, are completely different species of other genera and families.
Compatibility and coexistence
In general, ehemals are compatible with any peaceful and proportionate species. Indian shrimp are peaceful and calm shrimp. Other shrimp species will not suffer from living alongside ghost shrimp. Keeping Indian shrimp together with fish is not recommended. Even relatively peaceful fish species can be aggressive towards ehemals.
It is relatively safe to place glass shrimp with small and relatively peaceful fish species:
More care tips:
Advice for owners
Don't be fooled. Indian shrimp are bred artificially and caught in the wild. There is no shortage of ehemals on the market. The real price is 100-200 rubles. It is better to buy “artificial” ones — ‘wild’ ones are often caught in brackish water. Such “sea” glass shrimp may not survive in a freshwater aquarium.- Pay attention to the substrate. Sand should be the base. Other fillers are acceptable, but fine sand and dry oak, almond, and hazelnut leaves are a must.
- There should be no large or aggressive fish in the general aquarium. Indian shrimp are peaceful and practically defenseless.
Video review of glass shrimp
Glass shrimp are not just unusual aquarium inhabitants. They are like living jewels that can decorate any underwater world. Their main charm lies in their almost magical transparency, which allows you to observe life itself.
They are fairly easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. These shrimp are peaceful and hard-working, helping to keep the aquarium clean. They are interesting to watch and bring a sense of natural harmony to your home aquarium.
Ultimately, these transparent creatures remind us of the fragility and amazing diversity of life. They are a small but vivid testament to how beautiful and unusual nature is, even in its most miniature manifestations.
