Shrimp need hiding spots to hide during molting and other stressful events. They also appreciate places to explore and scavenge food in a heavily planted tank.
Some fish, such as danios and rasbora, can eat newly hatched shrimp babies, so having plenty of hiding spots is especially important in these cases.
Caves
Rare shrimp like caves, which they can use as a place to hide from predators or bright light. They will appreciate any type of large cave, if there is enough room for them to take refuge in, but even small crevices under or around rocks can help as well. Adding hardscapes to the aquarium that are very natural looking, such as terra cotta pots smashed up into different sizes and then topped with moss, can look great and provide tons of little hiding spots for your shrimp.
A good quality aquarium cave is not only an excellent hiding spot but also adds an exotic look to the tank. Besides being ideal for shrimp breeding and hiding, these caves can be used for hiding, resting, and playing for other aquatic creatures too. It is made up of aquarium safe materials and can be a great addition to any tank.
However, keep in mind that your shrimp will not stay inside their shelter 24/7. It is not the way of life for them to hide all the time; they need to roam freely and swim as much as possible. They will just find a good place to hide, when they are stressed by something, like sudden light changes or from a predator.
Tunnels
Adding some sort of tunnel to the tank helps shrimp find their place in the scape and gives them another safe haven from potential predators. This can also be a great way to break up the tank and give a visual relief from any bright lights in the aquarium. There are several types of tunnels on the market, including Cholla Wood and Ceramic Shrimp Tubes. You can also make your own with driftwood or rocks that you have in the tank and a little bit of moss.
Shrimp are very territorial and absolutely need hiding spots. Providing multiple places where they can hide can help them avoid getting into fights with each other or even from other tankmates. This is very important, especially for new shrimp who may not be familiar with the other shrimp in their tank.
In addition to the tunnels, there are plenty of other ways to create hiding spots for your shrimp. Some of the most popular include driftwood, lava rock, and other hardscape materials that are aquarium safe. Dragon stone, for example, has natural crevices that are perfect for sticking moss into. Lava rock, on the other hand, has a texture that allows it to be easily cut and can be used to build structures.
The most important thing to remember is that while it’s great to ask questions, you must also be willing to roll up your sleeves and do some homework. There is a lot of information out there, and it’s worth taking the time to read up on the subject before you start asking. Fortunately, there are tons of articles and care sheets here on the forum that can help you get started!
Rocks
Adding rocks to a tank can help provide hiding spots for shrimp. Some have massive amounts of nooks and crannies that can offer refuge from bright light or potential predators. Combine them with moss and your shrimp will have a hideout that’s almost like their own personal cave. Moss is a great addition to any aquarium because it helps with nitrogen cycling, by soaking up ammonium and nitrates during photosynthesis.
There’s a new trend going on in towns and cities all over the United States: painting and hiding rocks for others to find. It’s similar to a game of geocaching or “love on the rocks” or “kindness rocks,” and it’s an excellent way to spread a little joy.
Kids of all ages are enjoying the challenge, and even adults are joining in to paint and hunt for these hidden gems. There are countless themes and messages that can be painted on the rocks: anything from Willy Wonka chocolate bars and toilet-shaped rocks with poop emojis to inspirational quotes about kindness and generosity. There’s no minimum or maximum age to participate, and it’s a fun way for families to spend time together.
The rules are simple: Gather a few supplies (flat, smooth rocks, acrylic paint and sealer), decorate and finish your rock with the message of your choice. Paint the back of the rock with the name of the group that you’re participating in to make it easier for people to search for your creations. You can also write your first name or the date if you prefer. Once the paint is dry, seal your rock with a waterproof product such as Mod Podge or Deco Art Multi-Purpose Seal.
Then, head to your local park or playground and start hunting. Many parks have designated areas that are a safe place to hide a rock, and family-friendly hiking trails can be perfect for this kind of adventure. Just be sure to check with the manager of a public space before hiding a rock, and remember that the goal is to bring a smile to someone’s face!
Plants
Shrimp enjoy hiding among plants and rocks as a way to stay safe and out of sight. This makes them more comfortable to explore their habitat and follow their instincts. It also helps baby shrimp and females who have recently molted avoid being stressed out by male aggression.
Some good choices for plants include crypts, Java fern and water sprite. These are fairly quick growing plants that offer loads of surface for shrimp to graze on and provide a nice backdrop for the tank. The biggest downside to these plants is that they are very sensitive to water changes. This is especially true of crypts, which are notorious for melting when there is a dramatic change in water parameters. This can be extremely frustrating for beginners, and it is important to keep this in mind before adding a new plant to the tank.
Water sprite is a very popular choice for aquariums because of its bright green leaves and beautiful stems. It is not as fast-growing as a crypt and is easy to maintain. However, it can grow rather quickly towards the surface of the water and may become covered with algae, which can be difficult to clean off.
Another great option for a background plant is Java fern, which has a beautiful texture and color and doesn’t require much care. It is slow-growing and requires very little trimming, making it easy to care for and keep healthy. It also doesn’t get too ragged or beat up looking, which can be a problem with some fast-growing plants. Java fern can grow a lot of algae, and it’s important to monitor it regularly to make sure the tank doesn’t become too crowded with greenery.
These plants all do well in a wide variety of soil conditions, from loose loam to sandy, acidic or neutral pH. They do best in partial to full shade, but can also withstand some sun as long as it isn’t intensely direct. In their native tropical environment, these plants are often found under the canopy of larger trees, where dappled sunlight filters through. Replicating this natural light environment in a garden or indoor space will help them thrive.
