Other Names For Shrimp – A Complete Guide To Shrimp Terminology

If you have ever spent a Saturday afternoon browsing the aisles of your local fish store, you have likely noticed that the labels on the tanks can be a bit confusing. One tank might say “Cherry Shrimp,” while the one next to it says “Neocaridina davidi,” leaving you to wonder if they are the same thing or something entirely different.

I completely understand that frustration because we have all been there as beginners! Navigating the world of aquatic invertebrates involves learning a lot of jargon, but once you understand the other names for shrimp, the hobby becomes much more rewarding.

In this guide, I am going to break down the complex world of shrimp terminology, from scientific classifications to common trade names. By the end of this article, you will be able to identify your favorite scavengers like a pro and ensure you are buying exactly what your aquarium needs.

Decoding the Other Names for Shrimp in the Aquarium Trade

When we talk about the other names for shrimp, we are usually looking at three distinct categories: scientific names, common hobbyist names, and trade or “grade” names. Understanding these distinctions is the first step toward becoming a successful shrimp keeper.

For many years, I struggled to figure out why my “Crystal Red” shrimp were so much harder to keep than my “Yellow Flame” shrimp. It turns out, their common names didn’t tell me that they belonged to entirely different genera with vastly different water requirements!

The Importance of Scientific Names

Scientific names, usually in Latin, are the only way to be 100% sure of what you are buying. These names follow a Genus species format, such as Neocaridina davidi.

While common names change depending on who is selling them, the scientific name remains a constant anchor for researchers and serious hobbyists. If you see a name you don’t recognize, always ask for the Latin name to avoid any unpleasant surprises later on.

Common Names vs. Trade Names

Common names are the friendly labels we use every day, like “Ghost Shrimp” or “Amano Shrimp.” Trade names, however, are often marketing terms used to describe specific color variations or “grades” of a species.

For example, a “Blue Dream Shrimp” is simply a specific color morph of the Neocaridina genus. Knowing these other names for shrimp helps you understand that while they look different, their care requirements are often identical to their red or yellow cousins.

The Great Debate: Shrimp vs. Prawns

One of the most frequent questions I get from fellow hobbyists is whether there is a difference between a shrimp and a prawn. In many parts of the world, these terms are used interchangeably, but there are actually biological differences.

In the culinary world, “prawn” often refers to larger individuals, while “shrimp” refers to smaller ones. However, in the scientific community, the distinction lies in their body structure and how they carry their eggs.

Anatomical Differences

True shrimp belong to the suborder Pleocyemata, while many animals called prawns belong to the suborder Dendrobranchiata. One easy way to tell the difference is to look at their legs.

Shrimp have three pairs of claw-like legs, with the front pair being the largest. Prawns, on the other hand, have three pairs of claw-like legs where the second pair is the largest. Furthermore, shrimp overlap their shell segments in a way that allows them to curl their bodies tightly, whereas prawns have a more rigid structure.

How They Breed

Another fascinating difference involves how they handle their offspring. Most of the shrimp we keep in our home aquaria, like the Caridina species, carry their eggs under their tails (pleopods) until they hatch.

In contrast, true prawns often release their eggs into the open water to fend for themselves. This is why you will see your female Cherry Shrimp “fanning” her eggs—she is a true shrimp providing constant oxygen to her future shrimplets!

Scientific Classifications Every Hobbyist Should Know

If you want to move from a beginner to an intermediate shrimp keeper, you need to get comfortable with a few specific scientific names. These are the “real” other names for shrimp that determine whether your tank setup will be a success or a failure.

The two most popular genera in the hobby are Neocaridina and Caridina. While they might look similar to the naked eye, they have very different needs regarding water hardness and pH levels.

The Hardy Neocaridina

Neocaridina davidi is the superstar of the shrimp world. These are often sold under names like Red Cherry, Blue Velvet, or Orange Sakura. They are incredibly hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.

If you are just starting out, I always recommend Neocaridina. They are the perfect “gateway” shrimp because they are forgiving of minor mistakes and breed readily in standard tap water (provided it is dechlorinated, of course!).

The Sensitive Caridina

Caridina species, such as Caridina cantonensis, include the famous Crystal Red and Bee Shrimp. These beauties require much more specific conditions, often needing active substrates to keep the pH low and the water soft.

When you hear other names for shrimp like “Amano Shrimp” (Caridina multidentata), you are looking at a different branch of this genus. Amanos are famous for their algae-eating abilities but, unlike Bee shrimp, their larvae require brackish water to survive.

Color Morphs and Their Fancy Titles

One of the most exciting parts of this hobby is the sheer variety of colors available. Breeders have spent decades selectively breeding these tiny creatures to produce vibrant hues that look stunning against green aquatic plants.

However, this has led to a massive list of other names for shrimp that can be quite dizzying. Let’s break down some of the most common color-based titles you will see in the trade.

The Red Spectrum

Red is the classic shrimp color. You will see names like “Fire Red,” “Painted Fire Red,” and “Sakura.” These aren’t different species; they are simply grading terms for Neocaridina davidi.

A “Low Grade” Cherry shrimp might be mostly translucent with red spots, while a “Painted Fire Red” is completely opaque with a deep, solid crimson color. The care is the same, but the price tag certainly isn’t!

The Blue and Black Varieties

Blue shrimp have exploded in popularity recently. You might see them listed as “Blue Dream,” “Blue Jelly,” or “Blue Carbon Rili.” Each of these names refers to a specific intensity and pattern of blue.

Black shrimp are often called “Black Rose” or “Chocolate Shrimp.” These dark varieties look incredible on light-colored sand or gravel, but be careful—they can be hard to spot if you use a dark substrate!

Regional and Culinary Names You Might Encounter

Sometimes, the other names for shrimp come from different languages or the seafood industry. While we don’t plan on eating our pets, knowing these terms can help you understand the global context of these animals.

In many European countries, you might see shrimp referred to as “Crevettes” (French) or “Gambas” (Spanish). In the UK, the term “prawn” is used almost exclusively for anything that looks like a shrimp, regardless of its biological classification.

Scampi and Langoustines

You might also hear the names “Scampi” or “Langoustines.” While these are often associated with shrimp dishes, they actually refer to the Norway Lobster (Nephrops norvegicus).

These are much more closely related to lobsters than the tiny shrimp we keep in our 10-gallon tanks! It is a great example of how common names can lead to confusion if we aren’t careful with our terminology.

Ghost Shrimp and Glass Shrimp

In the US, “Ghost Shrimp” is a very common name for several species of transparent shrimp, most notably Palaemonetes paludosus. These are often sold as “feeder shrimp,” but they make fascinating pets in their own right.

Because they are clear, they are also frequently called “Glass Shrimp.” If you are looking for a budget-friendly way to start your journey, these transparent wonders are a fantastic choice.

Why Knowing the Right Name Matters for Care

You might be wondering, “Does it really matter what I call them as long as they look cool?” The answer is a resounding yes! Knowing the specific other names for shrimp is vital for their survival in your home.

Different species have evolved in different environments. A shrimp from a fast-flowing, high-oxygen river has very different needs than one from a stagnant, leaf-littered pond.

Matching Parameters to Species

If you buy a shrimp labeled as a “Bee Shrimp” but treat it like a “Cherry Shrimp,” it likely won’t survive the month. Bee shrimp (Caridina) need soft, acidic water, while Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina) prefer slightly harder, alkaline water.

Always use the scientific name to look up ideal parameters for:

• pH Level: The acidity or alkalinity of the water.
• GH (General Hardness): The amount of calcium and magnesium.
• KH (Carbonate Hardness): The buffering capacity of the water.
• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): The overall “cleanliness” or mineral content.

Avoiding Hybridization

Another reason to know your names is to prevent unwanted cross-breeding. If you put two different colors of the same species (e.g., Yellow Neon and Red Cherry) together, they will breed.

The result is often a return to the “wild type” coloration, which is usually a mottled brown or grey. If you want to keep your colors pure, you need to know which other names for shrimp belong to the same scientific species!

Identifying Shrimp by Physical Characteristics

If you find yourself with a shrimp and no label, don’t panic! You can often use physical clues to narrow down what you have. This is a skill that comes with experience and observation.

Look closely at the rostrum (the “nose” or horn-like projection between the eyes). The length and the number of “teeth” on the rostrum are key identifiers for scientists.

Size and Shape

Amano shrimp are significantly larger than most other dwarf shrimp, reaching up to 2 inches. They also have a very distinct pattern of broken lines and dots along their sides.

Ghost shrimp have a very distinctive “hump” in their back and are almost entirely see-through. If you see tiny orange bands on their front claws, you are almost certainly looking at a Palaemonetes species.

Behavioral Clues

Behavior can also give away a name. Bamboo shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) are often called “Fan Shrimp” because they have specialized fans instead of claws.

If you see a shrimp sitting in the flow of the filter, waving its “hands” in the water, you’ve got a filter-feeder! These other names for shrimp like “Wood Shrimp” or “Flower Shrimp” all point back to this unique feeding behavior.

FAQ: Common Questions About Shrimp Names

Is a “Prawn” just a big shrimp?

In culinary terms, yes, but biologically, no. They have different gill structures and leg configurations. In the aquarium hobby, most of what we keep are true dwarf shrimp.

What does “SSS Grade” mean?

This is a trade name used for Crystal Red or Crystal Black shrimp. It refers to the amount of white on the body. The more white and the more solid the color, the higher the grade.

Can I keep different names of shrimp together?

You can, but be careful! If they are the same species (like different colors of Neocaridina), they will interbreed and lose their bright colors. If they are different species (like Amanos and Cherries), they generally won’t interbreed.

Why do some people call them “Skittles”?

A “Skittles Tank” is a hobbyist term for an aquarium that contains a mix of many different colored Neocaridina shrimp. It looks like a bag of candy, but remember that their babies will eventually turn brown!

What is a “Vampire Shrimp”?

This is one of the other names for shrimp known scientifically as Atya gabonensis. They are large, blue-grey filter feeders that are completely peaceful despite their intimidating name!

Conclusion: Mastering the Language of the Shrimper

Stepping into the world of aquatic invertebrates is a journey filled with color and life. While the many other names for shrimp can feel like a lot to learn at first, remember that every expert was once a beginner.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, use your Latin names when researching, and always double-check the water requirements before bringing a new friend home. Whether you call them cherries, neos, or decapods, these little creatures will bring endless joy to your aquarium.

I hope this guide has given you the confidence to navigate your next trip to the fish store with ease. If you found this helpful, why not share it with a fellow hobbyist? Happy shrimp keeping, and may your tanks always be clear and your shrimp always be colorful!