Family: Palaemonetes
Distribution: Palaemonetes paludosus, better known as Grass Shrimp, is native to freshwater lakes and rivers of southern parts of the United States, particularly in Florida.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 18 – 30°C (64 – 85°F)
Hardness: 3 – 10 dH
Description: Palaemonetes paludosus has a transparent appearance which allows it to blend into the wild. This shrimp will reach a maximum length of 6 cm; males are smaller than females. It also has an orange or yellow spot in its tail, a segmented body, and a whopping 10 sets of legs. The Grass Shrimp has a life expectancy of 1.5 – 2 years.
Diet: The Grass Shrimp is an omnivore and, as such, will eat most things you throw at it. It will eat algae and detritus, but provide it with a quality flake or pellet food as a supplement.
Breeding: Many people believe the Grass Shrimp needs brackish water to breed properly, but freshwater is actually just as fine. This species has a larval stage in which the shrimps hatch from the egg before developing. This differs to the Red Cherry Shrimp, for example, which will hatch as a miniature version of its parents. You should raise young Grass Shrimp on a diet of baby brine shrimp, fry food and miniature algae.
Comments: Be aware that this shrimp has a high mortality rate, which is due to poor care during capture. If your Grass Shrimp has a milky colouration then prepare yourself to say its last rites. You should house this species in a tank around 20 litres in volume and provide sand or gravel for it to create burrows in.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: This shrimp should be kept in a species-only tank as it will attack smaller shrimp (and will be eaten by larger predators).
Originally posted 2010-01-24 19:26:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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