Freshwater shrimp are one of the liveliest, interesting additions you can add to your tank. In addition to their unique quirks and fun mannerisms, they can also keep the algae population in your tank under control.
With dozens of different shrimp species available, you are bound to find one that’s perfect for your aquarium and its inhabitants.
One of the best ways to obtain healthy, good-quality aquarium shrimp is by shopping online. Here are some of our top recommendations!
Top Sources To Buy Aquarium Shrimp Online
Flip Aquatics
Flip Aquatics was founded over a decade ago as an outlet for founder Robert Lupton’s passion for raising shrimp. Over the years, the store has grown to encompass 250 aquariums and a breeding facility based out of Warren, Ohio. While the store still specializes in shrimp, it has also expanded to sell fish, plants, equipment, and other supplies.
A quick look at the store’s site makes its focus on shrimp abundantly clear. Flip Aquatic lists 58 different shrimp species for sale, each with a detailed listing of its origin. Most of its shrimp is imported and subjected to a 30-day quarantine and observation period, while the rest are bred in-house, or by other farms in the US.
Buyers who are hesitant about raising specific species of shrimp for the first time can also look to the site for detailed information on recommended substrates, water parameters, feeding guides, and other care instructions.
Flip Aquatics offers a 100% guarantee on all livestock and dried goods, provided that claims are submitted on the day of delivery. Refunds will be made through the original payment method used for the order, which can be an appealing draw for customers who prefer not to contend with store credits.
Aquatic Arts
Aquatic Arts probably has one of the most sincere origin stories among its peers. Founded by its owner after he was diagnosed with a degenerative spinal condition, Aquatic Arts has grown from a one-man operation based out of an apartment to a 4-acre warehouse complex staffed by dozens of employees. This online fish store is a classic example of a labor of love.
Though it currently stocks an extensive range of fish, invertebrates, plants, and supplies, Aquatic Arts has its roots as an eBay store selling red cherry shrimp. Given its history, it comes as no surprise that the store stocks one of the largest ranges of freshwater shrimp in the industry – boasting an impressive 54 varieties.
With prices that range from $3.50 to $323, it goes without saying that there’s something for everyone, no matter their budget or level of expertise. However, Aquatic Arts makes the hobby accessible as can be by providing detailed care guides for the most popular types of freshwater shrimp.
As is the case with most reputable companies, Aquatic Arts provides a live arrival guarantee on all livestock, which protects their customers and puts them at ease.
TheShrimpFarm.com
If you’ve been looking for an online store specializing in shrimp, check out the Shrimp Farm, which was established in 2005 and has since made a name for itself as one of the leading retailers of freshwater ornamental shrimp.
The site carries everything from the more common red cherry shrimp to the exotic-sounding Calceo Bee Golden Dragon shrimp. The Shrimp Farm also wants to establish itself as THE go-to source for shrimp-related information. Its Shrimp Farm University contains dozens of articles on caring for shrimp – everything from general guides to specialized care sheets for unique breeds.
In addition to live shrimp, the site also carries shrimp-keeping products such as food and water conditioners. Because this is a site run by shrimp enthusiasts, every item has been carefully selected for quality, value, and functionality.
The Shrimp Farm offers live arrival guarantees on all shipments made within the US and Canada, as long as the terms are met. They also offer a flat-fee shipping rate of $9.99 on all orders, which is one of the most affordable rates across the industry.
Petco
With more than 1,500 brick-and-mortar stores across the US, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, Petco has truly established itself as a big box pet store. Because Petco tries to cater to a diverse set of pet enthusiasts, its selection of freshwater shrimp isn’t as broad compared to most specialized stores. However, you can expect to find popular shrimp varieties, such as Ghost Shrimp, sold at reasonable prices.
A quick look at its site will reveal that most customers end up satisfied with the quality and health of shrimp they receive. In the unfortunate event that customers receive DOA or unhealthy shrimp, they can expect a refund under Petco’s industry-leading 30-day return policy on all freshwater live aquatics.
In short – If you’re looking for common shrimp varieties that are reasonably priced, it’s hard to go wrong with Petco.
Vivid Aquariums
Vivid Aquariums carry a small, but unique range of freshwater shrimp. Featuring species such as Harlequin Shrimp and the Red-Banded Pistol Shrimp, this online fish store has the perfect shrimp variety for both occasional hobbyists and diehard enthusiasts alike.
Founded by Dave Burr out of his passion for reef keeping, Vivid Aquariums does its best to make the hobby as accessible to beginners as possible. The site contains educational videos and articles on water parameters, filtration, and general fishkeeping advice to help buyers make an informed purchasing decision.
Buyers who are wary about purchasing online may be relieved to learn about Vivid Aquarium’s 10-day livestock guarantee, which provides the buyer with store credit in the event that things go awry. Their transparent terms clearly outline the required water parameters and photographic evidence that customers need to submit before they qualify for the guarantee.
Arizona Aquatic Gardens
Arizona Aquatic Gardens was founded with an interesting mission – to provide aquarists with natural means of combating algae growth in their tanks. As part of their goal, they provide an extensive selection of freshwater shrimp, crab, snails, and other invertebrates out of their aptly named Shrimp Factory.
This family-run business strives to make its livestock accessible to the masses, and they do not disappoint with their reasonable prices. This, coupled with the wide array of livestock you have to choose from, makes its livestock attractive options for buyers who are shopping online
However, one thing to bear in mind is their rigid DOA policies. While Arizona Aquatic Gardens will issue store credit for DOA livestock that is reported within four hours, they consider this a one-off courtesy gesture. Though strict, their policies are transparent and clearly outlined on their site.
FAQ
What Kind of Shrimp Eat Algae?
Most, if not all, freshwater aquarium shrimp eat algae.
Freshwater aquarium shrimp have a reputation for their ravenous appetites and will eat virtually anything they encounter while foraging for food at the bottom of the tank. This includes algae, which is a vital component of their omnivorous diets.
Though all freshwater shrimp eat algae, several species are capable of doing so quickly and efficiently. The top algae-busting freshwater shrimp species include Amano shrimp and cherry shrimp. Something to keep in mind if you need some help keeping the algae in your tank under control!
Can Shrimp Live Off Algae Alone?
Shrimp cannot survive on algae alone because algae does not contain the protein shrimp require to meet their nutritional needs. Like all omnivores, shrimp require a balanced diet composed of plant matter and animal-based protein.
Algae meets most of their nutritional needs by providing the former, but you will still need to supplement their diet with the occasional bloodworm or other protein sources to keep them healthy and address any vitamin deficiencies. Just be sure not to overdo it!
To learn more about what shrimp eat, check out this article!
How Quickly Do Shrimp Reproduce?
It takes shrimp between 3 to 5 months to reproduce. To induce reproduction, you will need to feed your shrimp with a high-quality, protein-rich diet in small quantities. As your female shrimp get acclimatized to these ideal breeding conditions, the odds of reproduction increase.
The odds of shrimp breeding are the greatest right after the female shrimp has undergone molting, during which she will release pheromones into the water to attract males. Shrimp eggs typically hatch in about 30 days.
Conclusion
Whether you opt to purchase shrimp online or from your local fish store, the number one factor you should consider is selecting the right type of shrimp for your tank. This will allow you to keep your new pets healthy, and allow you to adequately meet their needs!
Did you enjoy our article on the best places to buy shrimp online? If you found it helpful, do share it with someone else who might enjoy it! Have some input of your own? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading, and happy shrimping!
