Feeder / Cull Shrimp

Feeder / Cull Shrimp

Affordable Starter Shrimp or Natural Live Feed for Your Aquarium

Feeder / Cull Shrimp are an excellent choice for aquarists looking for hardy, low-maintenance shrimp that serve a dual purpose — as beginner-friendly shrimp for community aquariums or as live feeders for predatory fish. These shrimp are typically lower-grade or mixed-colour variants from selective breeding projects, making them an affordable and practical option for those who value function and activity over perfect coloration or patterning.

Unlike high-grade shrimp bred for their vibrant colours and defined markings, Feeder / Cull Shrimp are selected for hardiness and utility. They thrive in a wide range of water conditions, making them suitable for both novice and experienced hobbyists. Their constant grazing behaviour helps reduce algae, uneaten food, and biofilm in the aquarium, contributing to a cleaner and more balanced ecosystem. For aquarists raising fish species that enjoy hunting, such as puffers, bettas, cichlids, or loaches, these shrimp provide an excellent live food source that encourages natural feeding behaviour.

You’ll receive a mix of colours or a single colour batch depending on availability. These shrimp may include low-quality Neocaridina types or a blend that may also feature ghost or feeder shrimp. Because they come from mixed lines, there’s always an element of surprise—some may develop attractive colours over time, while others retain their more neutral tones. Regardless of appearance, all are hardy, active, and beneficial members of the tank.

Why You’ll Love Feeder / Cull Shrimp

• Affordable & Practical: Ideal for hobbyists who want shrimp without the premium cost of high-grade strains.

• Hardy & Adaptable: Tolerant of a wide range of water parameters and easy to care for.

• Algae & Waste Control: Natural scavengers that help maintain tank cleanliness by feeding on detritus and leftover food.

• Natural Live Food: Excellent live prey option for predatory species, encouraging instinctive feeding behaviour.

• Great for Cycling Tanks: A hardy species that helps establish beneficial bacteria in new aquariums.

Care & Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Suitable for aquariums from 10L and up.

• Water Parameters: pH 6.5–8.0 | Temperature 20–28°C | GH 4–12 | KH 2–8

• Diet: Omnivorous; feed algae wafers, blanched vegetables, shrimp pellets, or leftover fish food.

• Tank Setup: Provide live plants, moss, and hiding spaces like wood or rock for natural grazing and protection.

• Compatibility: Peaceful with small fish and invertebrates but may be preyed upon by larger or predatory species.

Aquascaping & Community Use

Feeder or cull shrimp can bring life and activity to planted or natural-style aquariums. In community setups, they serve as clean-up crew members, constantly foraging along the substrate and plants. However, in tanks with predatory fish, they become a sustainable live food source that enhances fish vitality and colour. Their adaptable nature makes them a valuable addition to breeding tanks, grow-out tanks, or systems where nutrient cycling and algae management are key.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Group: Neocaridina or Palaemonetes species

• Origin: Captive-bred

• Size: Up to 2.5–3 cm

• Lifespan: 1–2 years

• Temperament: Peaceful and active scavenger

• Ideal For: Beginner shrimp keepers, community tanks, or as live feeders

Whether you’re establishing a new aquarium, looking for an efficient clean-up crew, or seeking a natural feeding option for predatory fish, Feeder / Cull Shrimp are a cost-effective and versatile choice. They might not boast the bright colours of premium shrimp varieties, but they excel in resilience, utility, and value — making them an essential addition to any practical aquarist’s setup.