hornet shrimp

Black and yellow bands warn of a sting it does not possess.

Hornet shrimp: peaceful black-and-white striped freshwater shrimp ideal for planted nano tanks. Easy to care for, they add unique beauty and algae control.

• Water Conditions: Hornet shrimp thrive in stable, clean water with parameters that mimic their natural habitat. They prefer a temperature range of 20–24°C (68–75°F), though they can tolerate up to 26°C if kept stable. The ideal pH is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.2 and 7.2. General hardness (GH) should be 4–6 dGH, and carbonate hardness (KH) 1–3 dKH. Total dissolved solids (TDS) are best kept between 120 and 180 ppm. Ammonia and nitrite must always be zero, and nitrate should be below 20 ppm. These shrimp are sensitive to rapid fluctuations, so acclimatise them slowly using a drip method over 1–2 hours. Avoid copper-based medications and ensure the tank is fully cycled before adding hornet shrimp. A consistent maintenance routine with small, regular water changes (10–15% weekly) will help keep parameters stable and your shrimp healthy.
• Suitable Tank Mates: Hornet shrimp are completely peaceful and spend most of their time grazing on biofilm and algae. They can be kept safely with small, non-aggressive fish such as micro rasboras (e.g., Boraras brigittae), small tetras (e.g., Ember Tetras), and peaceful bottom dwellers like Pygmy Corydoras. Other shrimp species, including Neocaridina and other Caridina, can also coexist, though interbreeding may occur with closely related species. Snails like Nerite and Ramshorn are excellent companions and help clean algae without harming shrimp. Avoid any fish that are large enough to eat shrimp, such as most cichlids, goldfish, angelfish, and loaches. Also steer clear of aggressive invertebrates like crayfish and larger crabs. Providing plenty of hiding places—dense moss, Indian almond leaves, and ceramic tubes—will give your hornet shrimp a sense of security and allow them to thrive even in a community setting.
• Feeding Habits: Hornet shrimp are omnivorous scavengers that primarily feed on biofilm, algae, and detritus in a mature aquarium. To ensure they receive complete nutrition, supplement their diet with high-quality shrimp pellets or wafers designed specifically for Caridina species. They also relish blanched vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, and cucumber, as well as dried leaves like Indian almond, mulberry, or guava leaves, which promote biofilm growth and provide essential tannins. Spirulina and powdered algae supplements are excellent for boosting their diet. Feed small amounts once daily or every other day, removing any uneaten food after a few hours to prevent water quality issues. Overfeeding is a common mistake and can lead to molting problems and poor water conditions. Because they are continuous grazers, a well-established planted tank with plenty of natural food sources will keep them happy and reduce the need for heavy supplemental feeding.
• Care Requirements: Caring for hornet shrimp is rewarding but requires attention to detail. A minimum tank size of 5 gallons (20 litres) is recommended for a small colony, though larger is always better for stability. The tank should be heavily planted with mosses (Java moss, Christmas moss), ferns, and floating plants to provide grazing surfaces and hiding spots. A sponge filter with a gentle flow is ideal, as strong currents can stress shrimp. Maintain a consistent lighting schedule of 6–8 hours daily to support plant growth without encouraging excessive algae. Hornet shrimp are sensitive to copper, so always check the ingredients of any medications or fertilisers. They moult regularly, and you may see shed exoskeletons—this is normal; leave them in the tank as a source of calcium. If breeding is desired, they will readily reproduce in freshwater, with females carrying eggs for about 30 days before releasing fully formed miniature shrimp. Keep the water parameters stable, perform regular small water changes, and avoid sudden temperature shifts. With proper care, hornet shrimp can live for 1–2 years and will add constant activity and striking contrast to your aquascape. Their peaceful nature and unique black-and-white banding make them a standout choice for nano and community tanks alike.