Do Red Cherry Shrimp Eat Fish Poop?

I usually steer clear of internet debates, but the other day, I found myself on a shrimp forum offering advice to a new shrimp keeper when another member jumped in with an all-caps declaration: RED CHERRY SHRIMP DO NOT EAT FISH POOP.

Alright, I thought, let’s see where this goes. I asked him what made him say that and if he had any evidence to support his claim. His response? "Oh, I don’t need evidence, I just know they don’t!"

Well, based on the thousands of Red Cherry Shrimp that have lived in my fish room over the years, I’d say they absolutely do eat fish poop.

How do I know? I watch them do it. Almost daily, in one of my tanks, I see a Red Cherry Shrimp nibbling away at fish poop.

Now, to be clear, I’m not suggesting that fish poop alone is a suitable diet for Red Cherry Shrimp. You should absolutely provide them with a balanced diet. However, from my own firsthand observations, Red Cherry Shrimp do consume fish poop.

Red Cherry Shrimp are opportunistic detritivores. They feed on fish waste, decaying plant matter, leftover fish food, and even deceased tank inhabitants, including fish and other shrimp. This is one of the many reasons they make an excellent addition to an aquarium's clean-up crew.

If I shine a flashlight into my Fancy Goldfish tank after lights out, I’ll often find my goldfish resting while the Red Cherry Shrimp emerge to feast on the small sausage-like poops left behind throughout the day.

Fish poop still contains some nutrients, and shrimp—along with Ramshorn Snails, Malaysian Trumpet Snails, and Mystery Snails—are well aware of this. Additionally, fish waste often has undigested food particles, making it a viable food source for shrimp.

Nature is incredibly efficient—nothing goes to waste. Red Cherry Shrimp certainly don’t turn their noses up at an easy meal.

One key benefit of keeping Red Cherry Shrimp is that they help break down fish waste, making it easier for the filter to process.

That said, they’re not a substitute for regular aquarium maintenance. You’ll still need to gravel vac and perform routine water changes. However, having Red Cherry Shrimp in your tank can certainly help reduce maintenance and contribute to a cleaner aquarium.

Another interesting aspect of Red Cherry Shrimp is their adaptability. They thrive in a range of conditions, from heavily planted aquariums to bare-bottom breeder tanks. Their scavenging nature means they are constantly on the hunt for food, which is why they’re often seen sifting through the substrate, searching for any edible bits.

Some shrimp keepers report that shrimp populations do better when kept with fish that produce a fair amount of waste. This could be because fish poop provides a secondary food source, ensuring the shrimp never go hungry. While I wouldn’t recommend relying on fish poop as the primary food source for Red Cherry Shrimp, it does seem to contribute to their diet in a meaningful way.

Beyond their role in aquarium maintenance, Red Cherry Shrimp add a unique charm to any setup. Their bright coloration makes them stand out against green plants and dark substrates, and their constant activity provides endless entertainment. Watching a group of shrimp methodically pick through the tank in search of food is a fascinating sight.