The Complete Guide to Shrimp Nutrition: From Biofilm to Pellets
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If you’ve ever wondered what your shrimp actually eat all day — you’re not alone. Most new keepers assume the answer is “pellets,” but the truth is far more interesting. Shrimp are tiny grazers that thrive on a buffet of natural foods — from invisible biofilm to leafy botanicals — and each source plays a vital role in keeping your colony healthy, colourful, and constantly active.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned over years of feeding Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp — what they really eat, how to build a balanced feeding routine, and why less is often more when it comes to shrimp nutrition.
What Do Shrimp Eat in the Wild?
In the wild, shrimp don’t wait for pellets to drop from the sky. They spend their days grazing across rocks, leaves, and decaying plant matter, picking off tiny bits of algae, bacteria, and detritus. This constant grazing is what keeps them healthy — they’re designed to eat almost constantly, but in tiny amounts at a time.
That’s why in an aquarium, replicating that natural buffet is key. If your tank only offers clean glass and sterile décor, your shrimp will struggle. But if you fill it with moss, botanicals, and a few good quality foods, you’ll see them grazing all day long — just like in nature.
Biofilm: The Invisible Foundation of Every Shrimp Tank
Biofilm is the single most important food source for shrimp — and you can’t even see it. It’s a slimy layer made up of bacteria, micro-algae, and organic matter that coats every surface in the tank. Shrimp absolutely love it — it’s soft, nutritious, and available 24/7.
Baby shrimp, especially, rely on biofilm in their first few days of life. That’s why I always recommend giving a new tank at least a few weeks (ideally a couple of months) to mature before adding shrimp. You’ll often notice them grazing on the glass, sponge filter, and moss — that’s them feasting on biofilm.
If you want to boost biofilm growth, try adding Snowflake Pellets. They break down slowly and feed the micro-organisms that create biofilm, turning your tank into a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Leaves, Botanicals, and Natural Supplements
Another brilliant way to provide natural nutrition is through leaves and botanicals. Indian almond leaves, oak leaves, guava leaves, and alder cones all release tannins and organic matter that shrimp can feed on directly or indirectly (by encouraging biofilm).
I still remember the first time I dropped a dried nettle leaf into my shrimp tank — within hours, the entire colony was crowded on it like it was a five-star meal. That moment actually inspired our ShrimpSense Nettle Pellets — same natural benefits, but tidier and longer lasting.
Leaves are also fantastic for keeping your water slightly acidic and full of trace minerals that shrimp need for healthy moulting and colour.
Pellets and Prepared Foods
Pellets aren’t “bad” — they’re just one piece of the puzzle. In fact, the right pellets can provide a perfectly balanced mix of plant and protein nutrition that complements your natural foods.
Snowflake Pellets, for instance, are made from soybean hulls and act as both food and biofilm booster. Nettle Pellets add vitamins, minerals, and fibre that support digestion and shell strength. And as your colony grows, you can introduce other specialised foods like spirulina blends or colour-enhancing diets (such as our ShrimpSense Vibrance).
The key is variety — rotate your foods and watch how your shrimp respond. If they swarm instantly, you’ve hit the sweet spot. If they ignore it, remove leftovers after a few hours and try again later. Shrimp don’t eat on schedule; they eat when the tank feels balanced.
How to Build a Balanced Feeding Routine
Here’s what works for me after years of experimenting (and more than a few feeding mistakes):
- Biofilm always available: The real base of their diet. Keep your tank seasoned and full of surfaces like moss, wood, and sponge filters.
- Pellet day: Two or three times a week, feed small portions of Snowflake Pellets or Nettle Pellets.
- Botanical boost: Add a dried leaf or two every few weeks to encourage grazing and micro-life.
- Observation over measurement: The best feeding schedule is the one your shrimp tell you is right — watch how fast food disappears and adjust.
Remember, a hungry shrimp tank is often a healthy one. Overfeeding is far more dangerous than underfeeding, as leftover food can spike ammonia and destabilise your carefully balanced system.
My Personal Feeding Schedule (And What I Learned the Hard Way)
When I first started keeping shrimp, I overfed constantly. I’d drop food in every day, convinced they were starving — only to find leftovers rotting behind driftwood. Within weeks, my water quality crashed and I lost half the colony. Hard lesson learned.
These days, I feed modestly and let the tank do most of the work. My shrimp graze all day, babies grow strong, and water changes are minimal. The difference was night and day once I realised shrimp nutrition isn’t about feeding more — it’s about feeding smarter.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp thrive on variety, balance, and patience. Give them natural surfaces to graze on, supplement with quality foods, and resist the urge to overfeed. Over time, your tank becomes its own little ecosystem — full of life, microfauna, and quietly happy shrimp.
If you’re just starting out, try alternating Snowflake Pellets and Nettle Pellets each week. It’s a simple routine that keeps things balanced and your shrimp endlessly entertained.
And if you want to dive deeper into the “natural feeding” approach, have a read of our guide on how to create a self-sustaining shrimp tank next.