Freshwater shrimp are the great scavengers and algae-eaters, feeding on algae and plant matter. Because they are bottom-feeders, freshwater shrimp won’t attack other fish.

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This is why they are the popular choice of pet fishes as they make good tank mates. Because they don’t attack or inflict harm on other fishes, freshwater shrimp are beneficial additions to the tank.

And of course, they clean off the tank with their feeding capability to consume leftovers and uneaten particles. Read on to learn more about “what do freshwater shrimp eat?”

Insects, Animals, and Fish

Freshwater shrimp are bottom-dwellers, exploring the seafloor in the aquarium. Relative to their size, freshwater shrimp consume minuscule particles or small aquatic creatures.

However, some species of freshwater shrimp can also feast on small fish or their kin as well. That said, freshwater shrimp eat meat, fish, snails, and other small aquatic meat particles like decaying matter.

Occasionally, freshwater shrimp eat themselves or their babies if there’s food scarcity. For that reason, it’s important to always supply them with their preferred diet following the feeding schedules.

That way, they won’t attack or eat fry of fish living together with them. Another thing to bear in mind is that freshwater shrimp eat their babies for the same reason. Hence, they should be offered specialized fish pellets should they run out of other food sources!

Fruit, Vegetables, and Plants

Given their bottom-feeding habits, the major part of their diet consists of algae and plant matter. You’ll always find them picking at the plant matter found at the bottom of the aquarium tank.

Hence, freshwater shrimp eat plants, algae, and fish waste as well. They like to obtain the essential nutrients from fish waste. 

What do freshwater shrimp eat in the wild

Freshwater shrimp would consume almost anything that is floating at the sea bottom.

Hence, freshwater shrimp eat algae, plant matter, dead fish particles, decaying matter, and other small organisms in the wild.

What freshwater shrimp don’t eat?

Freshwater shrimp don’t eat poop, fish poop, or snail poop as that’s not part of their diet.