Shrimp eat sinking pellets, algae wafers, and leftover food from fish in your tank

Shrimp are scavengers that spend most of their time on the tank floor and plants looking for food. In a home aquarium, they will eat commercial shrimp pellets (which sink to the bottom), algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and bits of uneaten fish food. Unlike fish that eat at the surface, shrimp need food that reaches them on the substrate or attached to plants. A well-established tank with algae growth also provides natural grazing material, though this alone is not enough to keep shrimp healthy.

The key is feeding small amounts regularly rather than large meals. Shrimp have slow metabolisms and can go several days without food if the tank has algae and plant matter. Overfeeding is the most common mistake—uneaten food decays, fouls the water, and stresses the shrimp. A pinch of pellets once or twice daily, plus one algae wafer every other day, is a good starting point for a small group.

Key Takeaways

  • Feed sinking shrimp pellets or algae wafers as your main food source, since shrimp eat on the bottom and cannot compete with fish at the surface.
  • Blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and carrot are safe occasional treats that shrimp will graze on for hours.
  • Shrimp will eat leftover fish food and algae in the tank, so reduce pellet portions if you have fish that drop food.
  • Feed small amounts once or twice daily and remove uneaten food after a few hours to prevent water quality problems.
  • Shrimp need calcium to molt properly, so choose pellets that include calcium or add a separate calcium supplement if your water is soft.

Commercial Shrimp Pellets and Wafers

Sinking pellets made specifically for shrimp are the easiest staple food. Brands like Hikari Shrimp Cuisine, Fluval Bug Bites, and Aqueon Shrimp Pellets are widely available and formulated with the nutrients shrimp need. These pellets sink when ready, so they reach the shrimp before fish eat them. Look for pellets that list vegetables and plant matter as the first ingredients, since shrimp are primarily herbivorous.

Algae wafers are compressed discs of spirulina and plant material that soften as they sink. Shrimp will gather around a single wafer and graze on it for hours. Feed one wafer every other day for a small group of 5 to 10 shrimp. If wafers disappear within 30 minutes, you are feeding the right amount. If pieces remain after several hours, remove them and feed less next time.

Check the ingredient list for calcium content. Shrimp need calcium to harden their exoskeleton after molting. If your tap water is soft (low mineral content), choose pellets that include calcium lactate or calcium carbonate, or add a separate calcium supplement like Salty Shrimp Mineral GH+.

Blanched Vegetables and Plant Matter

Shrimp enjoy blanched (briefly boiled) vegetables as occasional treats. Zucchini, spinach, carrot, and broccoli are all safe options. Blanch the vegetable for 2 to 3 minutes to soften it, then let it cool completely before dropping it into the tank. Shrimp will cluster around the piece and graze for several hours. Remove any uneaten vegetable after 24 hours.

Avoid starchy vegetables like potato and corn, which break down quickly and foul the water. Never use vegetables treated with pesticides or fertilizers. Organic produce is safer, though rinsing thoroughly under running water is usually enough.

Live aquatic plants also provide natural food. Java moss, anubias, and marimo moss balls shed dead leaves and plant matter that shrimp will consume. A tank with established plants requires less supplemental feeding than a bare-bottom tank.

How Much and How Often to Feed

The rule for shrimp feeding is: feed what they can finish in 2 to 3 hours. For a group of 5 to 10 shrimp, this usually means a pinch of pellets (about the size of a pea) once daily, or split into two smaller feedings. One algae wafer every other day is a good addition. If you have fish in the tank as well, reduce shrimp pellet portions because shrimp will eat the fish's leftover food.

Shrimp are opportunistic feeders and will eat more if food is available, but overfeeding causes water quality to crash. Excess food decays on the substrate, raising ammonia and nitrite levels. This stress can trigger mass die-offs, especially in young or molting shrimp. When in doubt, feed less—shrimp can survive weeks on algae and plant matter alone.

Adjust portions based on tank conditions. If you see algae buildup on glass and plants, the tank has enough natural food and you can skip a day of pellets. If the substrate looks clean and bare, increase feeding slightly.

Feeding Shrimp in a Tank with Fish

Fish and shrimp compete for food, but at different levels. Fish eat at the surface and middle of the water column, while shrimp forage on the bottom. Feed fish first, then add a small amount of sinking shrimp pellets after the fish have eaten their fill. This way, shrimp get food that reaches them before it decays.

Some fish, like plecos and corydoras catfish, also eat sinking pellets and algae wafers. In a mixed tank, you may need to feed more often but in smaller portions so each species gets enough. Watch the shrimp during feeding time—if they are not reaching food before fish grab it, add a feeding dish or plant a dense area of moss where shrimp can hide and eat undisturbed.

Avoid feeding large amounts of fish food in hopes that shrimp will eat the scraps. This approach leads to overfeeding and water quality problems. It is better to feed fish a measured amount and supplement shrimp with their own pellets.

Special Feeding Needs During Molting

Shrimp molt (shed their exoskeleton) every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on age and water temperature. During and after molting, they are soft and vulnerable. They need extra calcium to harden their new shell and extra protein to rebuild muscle. Increase feeding slightly during this time—add an extra small pinch of pellets or a calcium supplement.

Molting shrimp often hide and eat less visibly. Do not assume they are starving if you do not see them eating. They will emerge once their shell hardens. If you notice a shrimp that has molted and is still soft after 24 hours, may support calcium is available by adding a supplement or feeding calcium-rich pellets.

Signs of Overfeeding and Underfeeding

Overfeeding shows up as cloudy water, algae blooms, and a foul smell from the substrate. Shrimp may also become lethargic and hide more. If you see these signs, do a 25% water change, remove all uneaten food, and skip feeding for one day. Then resume with smaller portions.

Underfeeding is less common in established tanks with algae, but signs include shrimp becoming thin and spending more time searching the substrate. If shrimp look visibly smaller or less active, increase portions gradually. A healthy shrimp has a full belly and moves actively across plants and the floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can shrimp eat fish food?

Yes, shrimp will eat leftover fish pellets and flakes that sink to the bottom. However, fish food is not formulated for shrimp and may lack the calcium and plant matter they need. Use fish food as an occasional supplement, not a primary diet. Feed fish and shrimp separately when possible.

How long can shrimp survive without food?

Shrimp can survive 2 to 3 weeks without supplemental feeding if the tank has algae and plant matter. In a mature tank with established moss and plants, shrimp will graze continuously on natural food. However, they perform better and molt more reliably when fed regular pellets and wafers.

Is it safe to feed shrimp dried bloodworms or insect larvae?

Yes, dried bloodworms and insect-based pellets are safe occasional treats. Shrimp enjoy them and they provide protein. Feed sparingly—once a week or less—because they are protein-heavy and can foul water quickly if overfed. Stick to plant-based pellets as your main food.

Do baby shrimp need different food than adults?

Baby shrimp (shrimplets) eat the same food as adults but in much smaller amounts. They will graze on algae, moss, and tiny bits of pellets that fall apart in water. In a tank with plenty of plants and algae, shrimplets often thrive without supplemental feeding. Add small pinches of powdered pellets or liquid fry food if the tank is bare.

What should I do if shrimp stop eating?

Shrimp stop eating when stressed by poor water quality, temperature swings, or recent molting. Check ammonia and nitrite levels first—both should be zero. may support the temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If water quality is good, the shrimp may be molting or adjusting to a new tank. Wait a few days before concluding there is a problem.