Mediterranean Glass Shrimp Complete Care Guide

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Fish species

Mediterranean glass shrimp

Origin

Mediterranean Sea

Habitat Size

50-150 Liters

Care & Expertise

Intermediate

Life Span

2-3 years

Water Type

Brackish

Water Temperature

18º-24ºC

Cost in India

₹80 - ₹150

Size

2 - 3 inches (Small)

Diet

Omnivore

A Mediterranean glass shrimp with yellow and black stripes rests on a colorful coral formation

A striped translucent Mediterranean glass shrimp rests on bright yellow and pink coral underwater

A translucent shrimp with black stripes and yellow spots stands on a piece of orange coral

by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 11 Nov 2025

Mediterranean Glass Shrimp (Palaemon elegans) Detailed Introduction

The Mediterranean Glass Shrimp is a transparent to slightly semi-transparent shrimp native to the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and the Baltic Sea. It is often known as Rockpool shrimp or Rockpool prawn. The glass shrimp is known for its scavenging habits and interesting behavioural traits.

What is the Mediterranean glass shrimp size?

It ranges anywhere between 4 to 6 cm (1.5 - 2.5 inches). Males are often smaller as compared to females.

How long do Rockpool Shrimp live?

The life expectancy of the glass shrimp is between 1 to 2 years. Some populations in Black Sea live longer, up to 2.5 years, because of a good diet and water quality.

Interested in Mediterranean Glass Shrimp?

You can purchase them from online aquarium stores or local shops, typically priced between ₹100 and ₹200.

Best Compatible Tank Mates:

Small peaceful fish that do not prey on shrimp
Other shrimp and invertebrates of similar size
Algae/ grazers & detritus feeders

Avoid Pairing With:

Large predatory fish
Fish or animals that are known shrimp-eaters
Species requiring very different water parameters

Characteristics

Temperament

Aggressive

Friendly

Compatibility with other fishes

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Habitat Size

Small

Large

Habitat Requirements for Mediterranean Glass Shrimp

Initial Setup Cost

₹4,000 - ₹12,000

Water Temperature

18º -24ºC

Water Type

Brackish

PH Level

7 - 8

The living conditions of the glass shrimp affect their life expectancy. Hence, it is important that they live in the right environment to survive the longest.

Water Type & Salinity	Can tolerate broad salinity from oligohaline (~1 PSU) to full marine (~30-40 PSU) depending on origin.
Temperature	12-25 °C - Very low temperatures or rapid fluctuations can be harmful.
pH & Hardness	- Neutral to slightly alkaline.
Tank Size & Setup	- Include hiding spaces like rocks, plants, substrate - Moderate flow or mimic tidal/ pool conditions
Lighting & Substrate	- Dim to moderate lighting helps mimic natural crepuscular/nocturnal behaviour - Substrates should allow for scavenging and safe hiding.

Essential Equipment

Aquarium tank

Water filter

Heater

Light

Substrate

Decor

Nutrition Guide to Mediterranean Glass Shrimp

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹80 - ₹ 150

The Mediterranean Glass Shrimp is an omnivore with a diet that includes algae, detritus, and a variety of small live or frozen foods. Providing a balanced diet is essential for its health and well-being. Offer high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and occasional live foods such as baby brine shrimp or daphnia. This variety ensures the shrimp receives all the necessary nutrients for growth and vibrant coloration.

Feeding should be done in small amounts 1-2 times a day to avoid overfeeding, which can impact water quality. A well-balanced diet not only supports the shrimp’s health but also helps maintain a clean aquarium by promoting natural scavenging behaviors. Regularly adjust the diet based on the shrimp’s consumption and tank conditions.

Health

Common Health Issues

Ammonia poisoning

Fungal infections

Bacterial infections

White spot / ick

Parasitic infections

Velvet disease (yellowish-brown spots on the skin)

Signs of good health

Active

Bright coloration

Good apetite

Signs of sickness

Loss of appetite

Frequent hiding

Dull coloring

White film

Reduced activity

Issues often stem from unstable water (salinity fluctuations, temperature swings), improper molting (due to poor hardness / calcium), overcrowding, or poor diet. Watch for failed molts, lethargy, abnormal coloration, loss of appetite.

Failed Molts	Low calcium, unstable hardness, poor nutrition	Shrimp stuck in old shell, lethargy	Maintain proper water hardness, provide mineral supplements, ensure a balanced diet.
Stress from Water Fluctuations	Sudden changes in salinity, temperature, or pH	Reduced activity, hiding excessively, sudden deaths	Keep parameters stable; acclimate shrimp slowly to new water.
Overcrowding Stress	Too many shrimp or aggressive tank mates	Fights, hiding, reduced feeding	Provide enough space, hiding places, avoid aggressive species.
Nutritional Deficiencies	Poor or one-sided diet	Loss of appetite, slow growth, weak exoskeleton	Feed varied diet: algae wafers, pellets, frozen foods, blanched vegetables.
Parasitic / Fungal Infections	Poor tank hygiene, dirty substrate	Discoloration, abnormal spots, reduced movement	Maintain clean substrate, regular water changes, isolate affected shrimp.
Rare Bacterial Infections	Pathogens like Rickettsia-like organisms (in wild P. elegans)	Cytopathology, tissue damage, lethargy	Monitor for abnormal signs, maintain water hygiene.

Prerequisites for a Fish

Adequate tank space

Cleanliness

Effort & commitment

Enriching Environment

Written by

Happy Pet Team

Author

Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often to perform water changes?

Perform water changes of 10-20% of the tank volume weekly or bi-weekly. This helps maintain water quality and ensures a healthy environment for the shrimp

Can Mediterranean Glass Shrimp be kept with other fish or invertebrates?

Yes, Mediterranean Glass Shrimp can be kept with other small, non-aggressive species in a brackish water setup. Ensure the tank mates are compatible to avoid conflicts.

Are Mediterranean Glass Shrimp difficult to care for?

They require intermediate care. Proper maintenance of water conditions and a balanced diet are essential for their well-being, making them suitable for hobbyists with some experience in shrimp keeping.