Freshwater aquarium shrimp, such as the widely kept Neocaridina and Caridina species, are small invertebrates popular for their vibrant colors and active grazing behavior. Many aquarists introduce aquatic plants like Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) into their tanks, observing the shrimp constantly picking at the dense foliage. This interaction often leads to the question of whether the shrimp are actually consuming the plant material itself. Understanding the true relationship between these tiny grazers and the moss is important for maintaining a healthy and balanced aquatic environment. This article clarifies the distinction between consuming the plant and consuming the microscopic life that thrives on its surface.
The Role of Moss in a Shrimp Habitat
Aquatic mosses provide much more than just decoration, offering significant functional benefits that improve the quality of life for dwarf shrimp. The intricate, branching structure of moss creates a massive surface area within the aquarium environment. This extensive surface is a perfect substrate for the growth of microbial communities.
These dense clusters of foliage offer important physical utility for the shrimp population. Newly molted shrimp, which are temporarily vulnerable, use the moss as a secure hiding spot until their new exoskeleton hardens. Egg-carrying females (“berried” shrimp) retreat into the thickets for security during gestation. The moss provides a safe haven for shrimplets, protecting them from larger tank mates and the filter intake.
Do Shrimp Consume Moss Directly?
The short answer to whether shrimp eat living aquatic moss is no; they do not possess the necessary mouthparts or digestive enzymes to break down the tough cellulose of healthy plant matter. The perceived “eating” is actually a process of continuous grazing on the surface of the plant. Shrimp are constantly foraging for a thin, slimy layer known as biofilm, which consists of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and micro-algae.
This biofilm forms readily on all submerged surfaces, but the dense, fine structure of moss traps organic particles and encourages a thick, rich layer of this microbial film. The shrimp use their specialized appendages to scrape and consume this highly nutritious layer, which is a primary food source in their natural habitat. They also consume detritus, which is non-living organic material that gets caught within the moss’s fine leaves. Should a piece of moss begin to die or decay, the shrimp will readily consume the softened, rotting plant tissue, as it is easier to digest than healthy foliage.
Primary Dietary Needs of Aquarium Shrimp
While biofilm grazing is constant, it is usually insufficient to meet the full nutritional requirements of a thriving shrimp colony. Aquarium shrimp are omnivorous scavengers that require a well-rounded diet for growth and reproductive health. Protein is necessary for proper development and is important for successful molting, the process where the shrimp sheds its old exoskeleton.
High-quality commercial shrimp foods (pellets or wafers) provide a balanced ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. These foods also contain calcium, a mineral needed to build the new, hardened exoskeleton after molting. Supplemental foods, such as blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini, can be offered occasionally for additional vitamins and fiber. The shed exoskeleton is often consumed by the shrimp to reclaim valuable calcium and other nutrients.