Palaemonetes paludosus for Research Labs, Universities and Schools

About Palaemonetes paludosus

Palaemonetes paludosus is a freshwater shrimp in the family Palaemonidae. Animal Diversity Web describes it as a species of ponds, lakes and streams in the southeastern United States, most abundant among dense submerged plants. Adults are typically around one to one and a half inches, with a clear body that shows the gut, gills and, in egg-carrying females, the brood.

That combination of size, freshwater care and a translucent body is why instructors and some research groups use it. For natural history and range, see Florida ghost shrimp.

Use in biology teaching

In a teaching lab, students can observe a living decapod without a large marine system. Common classroom activities include watching locomotion and feeding, identifying external anatomy, and following a molt. Because the body is clear, students can often see the heart and gut in a healthy, recently settled shrimp.

Molting, or ecdysis, is a clear demonstration of how crustaceans grow. Our molting guide and breeding guide give practical background for instructors. Lifespan in a stable tank is often in the 12 to 18 month range, which is enough for a semester or a year-long culture if water quality stays high; see ghost shrimp lifespan.

Use in aquatic toxicology and lab studies

Small freshwater shrimp in the genus Palaemonetes are a standard invertebrate in aquatic toxicology and related lab work. Researchers use them when they need a freshwater crustacean that is practical to hold and observe. Palaemonetes paludosus fits that role for freshwater protocols.

This page does not summarize individual papers or claim that our stock matches a published strain. If a protocol names a species, a size class or a health standard, send those notes with your quote request and we will tell you honestly whether we can help.

What we can and cannot claim

We can identify the animals as live Palaemonetes paludosus, tell you the listed pack sizes and prices, and ship them from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, with a live arrival guarantee. We can also discuss a standing schedule once we know we can fill it.

• We do not claim the shrimp are parasite-free, pathogen-free or otherwise laboratory certified.
• We do not describe them as farm-raised or wild-caught.
• We do not offer a named genetic strain or a guaranteed sex ratio or age class beyond a natural mix of adults and juveniles.
• We do not promise a weekly volume until we have confirmed a schedule we can keep.

If those limits rule this stock out for your protocol, it is better to know before you order.

Ordering for a lab or classroom

Listed packs are 250 for $223.99 ($0.90 each), 500 for $448.99 ($0.90 each) and 1000 for $848.99 ($0.85 each), all with free expedited shipping. Custom quotes apply above 1000, and to any recurring class or lab schedule. Send the wholesale request form with your institution, the course or project, the count, the date you need the animals, and any purchase-order or receiving instructions. We quote within 24 hours.

Public aquariums ordering for exhibits should use the aquarium and zoo page. Retail shops should use bulk feeder shrimp for pet stores. For a repeating ship date, see standing orders.

Shipping and receiving

We ship Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Wednesday preferred. Give the carrier a receiving dock or lab address that is staffed on arrival day. Float the sealed bags to match temperature, then move the shrimp with a net or cup. Never pour shipping water into a culture or exhibit. Acclimation steps are on our acclimation page. Live arrival guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions