Yes, shrimp do eat algae.
Understanding the Shrimp Diet
Shrimp have a varied diet that changes as they mature. While larval shrimp consume plankton, which includes microscopic plants and animals carried by water currents, their food choices expand significantly as they develop into adults.
Based on available information, as they grow, shrimp will also eat: Algae. This indicates that algae becomes a part of their diet as they mature.
Why Shrimp Eat Algae
Algae are a readily available food source in many aquatic environments where shrimp live. They provide nutrients that support shrimp growth and development. Different types of shrimp may consume various forms of algae, from soft filamentous types to biofilm-like layers found on surfaces.
Shrimp Diet Evolution
The diet of a shrimp changes throughout its life cycle:
- Larval Stage: Primarily plankton (microscopic plants and animals).
- Juvenile to Adult Stage: Includes a wider variety of foods, such as:
- Algae
- Detritus (decaying organic matter)
- Small invertebrates
- Leftover food particles
This dietary shift highlights their adaptability and ability to utilize different food sources available in their environment as they grow and become more capable hunters or scavengers.
Reference Information Used:
- As larvae, shrimp don't have much of a choice about where they are carried with the water current. So they eat whatever is floating along with them, which is usually plankton (microscopic plants and animals). As they grow, shrimp will also eat: Algae.04-Sept-2023
This information confirms that algae is indeed a food source for shrimp once they have grown past the larval stage.
