Ever thought about keeping shrimp as pets? These tiny aquatic creatures have become increasingly popular in home aquariums over the past few years. And just like any pet, they deserve a name that suits their personality, appearance, or just makes you smile when you look at your tank.
I’ve been keeping shrimp for years now, and naming them has always been one of my favorite parts of the hobby. There’s something special about watching a little Cherry Red shrimp zooming around and thinking, “That’s definitely a Rocket!”
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of shrimp names, from the cute and funny to the mythical and scientific.
Catchy Shrimp Names With Meaning
- Bubbles – Meaning: Refers to the playful way shrimp swim and the bubbles in aquariums; Origin: English word describing air pockets in water
- Neptune – Meaning: Roman god of the sea; Origin: Roman mythology
- Coral – Meaning: Named after the colorful marine invertebrates; Origin: Greek “korallion”
- Flash – Meaning: Quick movement, like how shrimp dart around; Origin: English word for sudden burst of light or movement
- Pearl – Meaning: Precious gem from the ocean; Origin: Latin “perla”
- Splash – Meaning: Small burst of water; Origin: Imitative of the sound of water
- Marina – Meaning: From the sea; Origin: Latin “marinus” meaning “of the sea”
- Triton – Meaning: Son of Poseidon, messenger of the sea; Origin: Greek mythology
- Wave – Meaning: Water movement; Origin: Middle English “waven”
- Scuttle – Meaning: Quick, scurrying movement; Origin: Middle Dutch “schudden” meaning “to shake”
- Ripple – Meaning: Small wave or disturbance on water’s surface; Origin: Germanic origins related to “rip”
- Finn – Meaning: Referring to fish fins; Origin: Old Norse “finnr”
- Drifter – Meaning: One who moves with currents; Origin: English word derived from “drift”
- Oceana – Meaning: Of the ocean; Origin: Greek “okeanos”
- Swift – Meaning: Fast-moving; Origin: Old English “swift” meaning “quick, prompt”
- Mariner – Meaning: Seafarer; Origin: Latin “marinus” meaning “of the sea”
- Shimmer – Meaning: Soft, wavering light; Origin: Related to German “schimmern”
- Caspian – Meaning: Named after the Caspian Sea; Origin: Ancient Persian “kaspi”
- Delta – Meaning: River mouth formation; Origin: Greek letter and geographical term
- Cascade – Meaning: Waterfall; Origin: Italian “cascata”
- Jetty – Meaning: Structure extending into water; Origin: French “jetée”
- Abyss – Meaning: Deep ocean trenches; Origin: Greek “abussos” meaning “bottomless”
- Shoal – Meaning: Shallow area or group of fish; Origin: Old English “scolu”
- Misty – Meaning: Water droplets in air; Origin: Old English “mist”
- Tidal – Meaning: Relating to ocean tides; Origin: Medieval Latin “tidalis”
I named my blue velvet shrimp “Shimmer” because of the way his color seemed to change under different lighting. It was just perfect!
Funny Shrimp Names
- Shrimpy McShrimpface
- Sir Pinchington
- David Hasselhop
- Prawn Connery
- Cocktail Sauce
- Tiny Dancer
- Jumbo (ironically)
- The Incredible Bulk
- Scampi Vanilli
- Bubba Gump
- Shrimp Bizkit
- Captain Small
- Swimp Shady
- Shell Shocked
- Prawnce Charles
- Shrimpanzee
- Leonardo DiCrustaceo
- Shrimple Dimple
- The Shrimperator
- Shrimp Daddy
- Sir Swimsalot
- Prawn Star
- Swimothy
- Shrimply the Best
- Crustacean Sensation
My friend has a massive Amano shrimp she named “Jumbo,” and it always gets a laugh when she introduces him to visitors. The irony just works!
For more funny names, check out these hilarious cornhole team names!
Cute Shrimp Names
- Pebble
- Bubble
- Mochi
- Sprinkle
- Twinkle
- Button
- Marshmallow
- Cupcake
- Nibble
- Pip
- Squish
- Sparkle
- Jellybean
- Noodle
- Wiggles
- Tiny
- Dotty
- Peanut
- Giggles
- Snuggle
- Muffin
- Cookie
- Pinky
- Teeny
- Sweetpea
When I spotted a particularly small baby shrimp in my tank, “Peanut” immediately came to mind. He’s all grown up now but the name stuck!
Cool Shrimp Names
- Razor
- Vortex
- Phantom
- Blade
- Storm
- Zenith
- Onyx
- Avalanche
- Viper
- Rocket
- Slate
- Stealth
- Jagger
- Rogue
- Cobalt
- Frost
- Diesel
- Matrix
- Raven
- Blaze
- Shadow
- Echo
- Maverick
- Havoc
- Savage
My electric blue shrimp just had to be named “Cobalt” – he was the coolest little guy in the whole tank!
Male Shrimp Names
- Atlas
- Duke
- Titan
- Max
- Zeus
- Oscar
- Felix
- Apollo
- Rex
- Thor
- Bruno
- Dexter
- Goliath
- Hank
- Jack
- Leo
- Milo
- Otis
- Rocky
- Scout
- Toby
- Victor
- Winston
- Xavier
- Zeke
Male Neocaridina shrimp tend to be smaller than females, but I find they’re often more active swimmers. My little red male was “Rocky” because he was always climbing all over the hardscape!
Looking for more male-inspired names? Check out these dad team names!
Female Shrimp Names
- Luna
- Ariel
- Bella
- Cleo
- Daisy
- Ellie
- Fiona
- Ginger
- Holly
- Ivy
- Jasmine
- Kira
- Lily
- Marina
- Nova
- Opal
- Pearl
- Quinn
- Rose
- Stella
- Tilly
- Uma
- Venus
- Willow
- Zoe
My berried (egg-carrying) female Cherry shrimp was named “Stella” – she was definitely the star of the tank when she was carrying all those tiny eggs!
Baby Shrimp Names
- Dot
- Speck
- Mini
- Bitsy
- Pico
- Nano
- Pixel
- Crumb
- Spec
- Boop
- Smidge
- Snippet
- Teeny
- Micro
- Spot
- Wisp
- Fleck
- Byte
- Pinpoint
- Dash
- Morsel
- Mite
- Tidbit
- Speckle
- Droplet
Baby shrimp are so incredibly tiny! I called all of mine “Pixels” when they were first born because they literally looked like little moving pixels in the tank.
Unique Shrimp Names
- Zephyr
- Nautilus
- Krill
- Axiom
- Kraken
- Cipher
- Nebula
- Siren
- Meridian
- Valkyrie
- Tempest
- Quantum
- Oblivion
- Pulsar
- Eclipse
- Enigma
- Cosmos
- Solstice
- Helios
- Nyx
- Orion
- Polaris
- Phoenix
- Seraph
- Artemis
My friend breeds Crystal Black shrimp and gives them all unique celestial names. Her prize breeder is named “Nebula” – so fitting for a shrimp with striking white spots on a black body!
Nicknames for Shrimp
- Shrimpy
- Shrimpster
- Shrimplet
- Shrimperoo
- Swimmy
- Squiggle
- Prawny
- Squirmy
- Shrimpalicious
- Shrimpkins
- Bubbler
- Swimp
- Shrimpy-Dimpy
- Hop-Tail
- Splash-Back
- Whisker
- Antennae
- Pincher
- Skipper
- Prawnito
- Crustacean Cutie
- Tank Buddy
- Scooter
- Zippity
- Water Bug
I often call my whole colony “The Shrimpsters” when feeding time comes around. They all seem to respond to it!
For more nickname inspiration, check out these cool words for usernames!
Cute Pet Shrimp Names
- Bubble
- Cuddles
- Snuggles
- Pebbles
- Waffles
- Buttons
- Tootsie
- Gumdrop
- Muffin
- Pipsqueak
- Twinkles
- Sprinkles
- Cupcake
- Jellybean
- Butterscotch
- Pudding
- Snickerdoodle
- Taffy
- Noodle
- Popcorn
- Biscuit
- Pickles
- Peanut
- Marshmallow
- Cookie
When I added a particularly round and fluffy-looking Snowball shrimp to my tank, “Marshmallow” seemed like the only possible name for such a cute little creature!
Funny Shrimp Names (Second List)
- Albert Fineswine
- Shrimply Irresistible
- The Shriminator
- Prawn Jeremy
- Jumbo Paradox
- Pinchy Business
- Leonardo DiCrustaceo
- Prawna White
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (the Tank)
- Crabby Patty
- Forrest Shrump
- Swim Shady
- Shrimpleton
- Sir Swims-a-Lot
- King Shrimpie
- Swimothy
- The Fast and the Crustacean
- Prawnce Charles
- Clawdia
- Prawn Solo
- Swimona Ryder
- Bruce Gill
- Prawncé
- Shell-don Cooper
- Justin Shrimperlake
I couldn’t help but laugh when my friend showed me his tank with a shrimp he’d named “Shrimpston Churchrill” – complete with a tiny rock “cigar” in his décor!
Cool Pet Shrimp Names
- Loki
- Rogue
- Nitro
- Rebel
- Ninja
- Bandit
- Cypher
- Ghost
- Savage
- Blade
- Havoc
- Jett
- Diesel
- Onyx
- Phoenix
- Enigma
- Raven
- Storm
- Axel
- Blaze
- Viper
- Zorro
- Reaper
- Wraith
- Vortex
My pitch-black Taiwan Bee shrimp earned the name “Onyx” the moment I saw him. He was just so sleek and cool-looking against the green plants!
For more cool names, check out these awesome football team names!
Color-Themed Shrimp Names
- Ruby
- Sapphire
- Amber
- Crimson
- Azure
- Emerald
- Indigo
- Scarlet
- Turquoise
- Jade
- Sienna
- Coral
- Magenta
- Cobalt
- Auburn
- Teal
- Russet
- Cerulean
- Garnet
- Lavender
- Burgundy
- Aquamarine
- Marigold
- Periwinkle
- Vermilion
The color-based names really make sense for shrimp tanks! I have a whole tank of blue shrimp, and I’ve named them all different shades of blue – Cobalt, Azure, Sapphire, etc. Makes it easier to tell them apart too!
Red Shrimp Names
- Ruby
- Cherry
- Cardinal
- Scarlet
- Crimson
- Apple
- Garnet
- Pepper
- Flame
- Blush
- Burgundy
- Cinnamon
- Valentine
- Rose
- Poppy
- Berry
- Rusty
- Cayenne
- Candy
- Brick
- Coral
- Ember
- Phoenix
- Sunset
- Sangria
My Red Cherry shrimp colony started with one beautiful female I named “Ruby” – and three generations later, her descendants are still the jewels of my tank!
Clear Shrimp Names
- Crystal
- Ghost
- Phantom
- Wisp
- Clarity
- Whisper
- Prism
- Glimmer
- Translucent
- Mist
- Specter
- Shadow
- Vapor
- Spirit
- Shimmer
- Glass
- Mirror
- Invisible
- Diamond
- Quartz
- Icicle
- Mirage
- Angel
- Cloud
- Apparition
Ghost shrimp were my first-ever aquarium shrimp, and I remember naming the lead shrimp “Phantom” because she seemed to appear and disappear among the plants like magic!
Want more clear and clean names? Check out these beautiful group names!
Blue Shrimp Names
- Sapphire
- Azure
- Cobalt
- Navy
- Sky
- Ocean
- Indigo
- Aqua
- Teal
- Marine
- Cerulean
- Turquoise
- Blueberry
- Atlantic
- Denim
- Pacific
- Midnight
- Robin
- Slate
- Arctic
- Periwinkle
- Steel
- Lapis
- Yale
- Cyan
Blue Dream shrimp have such a stunning color! My favorite in my collection was named “Cerulean” because his color was so vibrant and intense.
Unique Color Patterns
- Mosaic
- Speckle
- Motley
- Calico
- Rili
- Marble
- Tiger
- Bumblebee
- Pinto
- Leopard
- Zebra
- Patches
- Dapple
- Splash
- Stardust
- Galaxy
- Confetti
- Freckles
- Polka
- Rorschach
- Ripple
- Smudge
- Harlequin
- Splotch
- Jigsaw
The first time I saw a Red Rili shrimp with its transparent middle section, “Patches” immediately came to mind – such a unique and beautiful pattern!
Famous Pet Shrimp Names
- Sebastian (The Little Mermaid)
- Bubba (Forrest Gump)
- Jacques (Finding Nemo)
- Mr. Krabs (SpongeBob SquarePants)
- Pepe (Muppets)
- Moby (Moby Dick)
- Flotsam (Little Mermaid)
- Jetsam (Little Mermaid)
- Swimmy (Children’s book)
- Nemo (Finding Nemo)
- Dory (Finding Nemo)
- Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
- Neptune (Roman mythology)
- Poseidon (Greek mythology)
- Cthulhu (H.P. Lovecraft)
- Shamu (SeaWorld)
- Jaws (Movie)
- Willy (Free Willy)
- Spongebob (SpongeBob SquarePants)
- Marlin (Finding Nemo)
- Crush (Finding Nemo)
- Pearl (SpongeBob SquarePants)
- Triton (The Little Mermaid)
- Ponyo (Studio Ghibli film)
- Lilo (Lilo & Stitch)
I can’t tell you how many shrimp tanks I’ve seen with at least one shrimp named “Sebastian”! It’s practically a tradition in the hobby.
For more pop culture name ideas, check out these Harry Potter team names!
Female Pet Shrimp Names
- Daphne
- Cora
- Shelley
- Mermaid
- Coral
- Misty
- Pearl
- Marina
- Shelly
- Ariel
- Nerida
- Oceana
- Serena
- Melody
- Venus
- Delta
- Brooke
- Sandy
- Ripley
- Bay
- Cove
- Isla
- Lily
- Ripple
- Pebbles
Female shrimp tend to get bigger and rounder, especially when they’re berried (carrying eggs). My biggest female Cherry shrimp was “Coral” – she was such a good mother!
Male Pet Shrimp Names
- Mariner
- Neptune
- Admiral
- Captain
- Sailor
- Triton
- Poseidon
- Drake
- Skipper
- Fisher
- Caspian
- Reef
- Rocky
- Finn
- Ace
- Jack
- Wave
- Hunter
- Anchor
- Gill
- Scout
- Tide
- Surfer
- River
- Diver
Male shrimp are typically smaller but often more active than females. My little male Blue Dream called “Sailor” would zoom around the tank like he was on a mission!
Check Out: 140+ Clever Fish Pick Up Lines for Aquatic Charm
Cartoon Shrimp Names
- Sebastian (The Little Mermaid)
- Mr. Krabs (SpongeBob SquarePants)
- Pepe (Muppets)
- Jacques (Finding Nemo)
- Bubba (Forrest Gump, though not cartoon)
- Pearl (SpongeBob SquarePants)
- Plankton (SpongeBob SquarePants)
- Sheldon (SpongeBob’s Plankton’s first name)
- Larry (SpongeBob’s lobster)
- Sandy (SpongeBob SquarePants)
- Splash (Little Mermaid’s fish friend)
- Flounder (The Little Mermaid)
- Scuttle (The Little Mermaid)
- Jiminy (Pinocchio)
- Dory (Finding Nemo)
- Marlin (Finding Nemo)
- Nemo (Finding Nemo)
- Bruce (Finding Nemo)
- Crush (Finding Nemo)
- Squirt (Finding Nemo)
- Gill (Finding Nemo)
- Bloat (Finding Nemo)
- Peach (Finding Nemo)
- Bubbles (Finding Nemo)
- Flo (Finding Nemo)
My little niece named all the shrimp in her tank after Finding Nemo characters. Her favorite was “Peach,” a pale yellow cherry shrimp variant!
Looking for more cartoon inspiration? Check out these Spongebob team names!
Ghost Shrimp Names
- Phantom
- Specter
- Casper
- Spirit
- Shadow
- Wisp
- Apparition
- Spook
- Wraith
- Mist
- Fog
- Vapor
- Whisper
- Transparent
- Ghostly
- Haze
- Spectral
- Invisible
- Hollow
- Clear
- Echo
- Ether
- Void
- Glimmer
- Clarity
Ghost shrimp are so fun to watch! I named mine “Casper” because he was so friendly and would always come to the front of the tank when I approached.
Badass Shrimp Names
- Kraken
- Reaper
- Venom
- Brutus
- Havoc
- Savage
- Fang
- Razor
- Blade
- Titan
- Fury
- Chaos
- Hunter
- Rogue
- Maverick
- Blaze
- Terminator
- Assassin
- Predator
- Destroyer
- Warlord
- Dagger
- Viper
- Talon
- Scorpion
My Sulawesi Cardinal shrimp with its intense red coloration just had to be named “Predator” – he looked absolutely fierce (even if he was only about an inch long)!
Aquatic Inspired Shrimp Names
- Coral
- Reef
- Ripple
- Wave
- Bay
- Marina
- Lagoon
- Delta
- Cove
- Channel
- Harbor
- Stream
- Brook
- River
- Ocean
- Sea
- Tide
- Current
- Cascade
- Splash
- Abyss
- Surf
- Jetty
- Dock
- Whirlpool
My tank has a little waterfall feature, and the shrimp that always hangs out under it is named “Cascade” – it just felt right!
For more aquatic inspiration, check out these small boat names!
Oceanic Origins Shrimp Names
- Atlantic
- Pacific
- Caribbean
- Mediterranean
- Adriatic
- Aegean
- Baltic
- Coral (Sea)
- Bering
- Caspian
- Red (Sea)
- Dead (Sea)
- Black (Sea)
- Arctic
- Antarctic
- Indian (Ocean)
- Arabian (Sea)
- Java (Sea)
- Sargasso
- Barents
- Celtic (Sea)
- Norwegian (Sea)
- Tasman
- Weddell
- Yellow (Sea)
I’ve got a tank of blue shrimp that are all named after different seas – “Aegean” is my favorite because he has these beautiful turquoise highlights.
Freshwater Shrimp Names
- River
- Brook
- Stream
- Spring
- Cascade
- Pond
- Lake
- Creek
- Rapids
- Basin
- Tributary
- Waterfall
- Delta
- Bayou
- Marsh
- Wetland
- Swamp
- Reservoir
- Channel
- Inlet
- Pool
- Estuary
- Oasis
- Lagoon
- Fjord
Since most pet shrimp are freshwater species, these names are perfect! My favorite neo shrimp is named “Creek” because he’s always exploring the little water flow in the tank.
Color and Pattern-Inspired Shrimp Names
- Speckle
- Marble
- Freckle
- Dot
- Stripe
- Blotch
- Spot
- Patch
- Mosaic
- Dapple
- Motley
- Swirl
- Ripple
- Splash
- Zigzag
- Galaxy
- Nebula
- Stardust
- Pixel
- Polka
- Tie-dye
- Plaid
- Dash
- Constellation
- Kaleidoscope
The Galaxy Fishbone shrimp I have looks exactly like a night sky with stars scattered across it – “Constellation” was the perfect name!
Chromatic Choices
- Rainbow
- Prism
- Spectrum
- Kaleidoscope
- Hue
- Iridescent
- Gradient
- Neon
- Vibrant
- Pastel
- Shade
- Tint
- Pigment
- Tone
- Technicolor
- Vivid
- Ombre
- Metallic
- Gloss
- Matte
- Glitter
- Shimmer
- Radiant
- Glow
- Luster
I’ll never forget when I got my first Crystal Red shrimp with that stunning red and white pattern – “Kaleidoscope” was the perfect name since his colors seemed to shift as he moved around the tank!
Motif Monikers
- Pixel
- Zigzag
- Checkers
- Polka
- Stripe
- Swirl
- Wave
- Plaid
- Herringbone
- Argyle
- Paisley
- Houndstooth
- Floral
- Geometric
- Honeycomb
- Pinstripe
- Tartan
- Damask
- Confetti
- Doodle
- Mosaic
- Brocade
- Jacquard
- Batik
- Filigree
My Golden Back Yellow shrimp has this amazing pattern that reminded me of a honeycomb design – guess what I named him? Yep, “Honeycomb”!
For more pattern inspiration, check out these duo team names!
Size and Species-Inspired Shrimp Names
- Bamboo (for Bamboo shrimp)
- Amano (for Amano shrimp)
- Cherry (for Red Cherry shrimp)
- Crystal (for Crystal shrimp)
- Ghost (for Ghost shrimp)
- Bee (for Bee shrimp)
- Snowball (for Snowball shrimp)
- Tiger (for Tiger shrimp)
- Fan (for Fan shrimp)
- Vampire (for Vampire shrimp)
- Babaulti (for Caridina babaulti)
- Cardinal (for Sulawesi Cardinal shrimp)
- Neocaridina (scientific genus)
- Caridina (scientific genus)
- Blue Bolt (for Blue Bolt shrimp)
- Blue Dream (for Blue Dream shrimp)
- Blue Velvet (for Blue Velvet shrimp)
- Rili (for Rili pattern shrimp)
- Pinto (for Pinto shrimp)
- Tangerine (for Orange shrimp)
- Dwarf (for smaller species)
- Macro (for larger species)
- Jumbo (for larger species)
- Micro (for smaller species)
- Whisker (referring to antennae)
I have a tank with different species, and I named them all after their species type. Makes it way easier when talking to other shrimp keepers about which one is doing what!
Giant Shrimp Names
- Goliath
- Titan
- Colossus
- Behemoth
- Atlas
- Hercules
- Leviathan
- Cyclops
- Gargantua
- Mammoth
- Hulk
- Jumbo
- Giant
- Mountain
- Boulder
- Everest
- Kong
- Maximus
- Colossal
- Godzilla
- Mega
- Gigantor
- Zeus
- Thor
- Kraken
I have an Amano shrimp that grew to be almost 2 inches long – way bigger than all my other shrimp. Had to name him “Goliath” – what else could fit such a giant?
For more powerful names, check out these warrior team names!
Tiny Shrimp Names
- Nano
- Micro
- Pixel
- Dot
- Speck
- Atom
- Pebble
- Crumb
- Mite
- Mini
- Tiny
- Bitty
- Petite
- Wee
- Little
- Teeny
- Itsy
- Bitsy
- Smidge
- Morsel
- Fleck
- Pinpoint
- Sprinkle
- Chip
- Nibble
Why Naming Your Shrimp Matters
You might be wondering, “Why bother naming something so small?” Well, naming your shrimp creates a personal connection to these fascinating creatures. When you name something, you tend to care for it more deeply and pay closer attention to its well-being.
The hobby of keeping ornamental shrimp has exploded in popularity recently. What was once a niche interest has become mainstream, with dedicated shrimp-only tanks becoming a common sight in homes worldwide.
Shrimp come in an incredible variety of species, colors, and patterns. From the vibrant Cherry Red shrimp to the stunning Blue Bolt and the transparent Ghost shrimp, there’s a type for every aesthetic preference. With such diversity, finding the perfect name becomes all the more important!
Check out these amazing badminton team names for more naming inspiration!
Fun and Creative Shrimp Names
Cute Shrimp Names
Sometimes the tiny size and adorable movements of shrimp just call for sweet, cute names:
- Bubbles
- Marshmallow
- Cupcake
- Tiny
- Sprinkle
- Pebble
- Sparkle
- Button
- Nugget
- Dot
My first Cherry shrimp was named Sprinkle because she had these tiny white specks that looked like someone had sprinkled confetti on her.
Funny Shrimp Names
Who says pet names can’t make you laugh? These humorous names are guaranteed to bring a smile:
- Shrimpy McShrimpface
- Sir Swimsalot
- Captain Crunch
- Cocktail
- The Shrimperator
- Shrimpleton
- Bubba Gump
- David Hasselhop
- Prawn Connery
- Jumbo (ironically)
I once named a particularly active shrimp “Zoomies” because he never seemed to stop darting around the tank!
Unique Shrimp Names
Stand out from the crowd with these distinctive names:
- Zephyr
- Kraken
- Nautilus
- Nebula
- Eclipse
- Zenith
- Cipher
- Vortex
- Axiom
- Prism
Looking for more unique ideas? Check out these cool club names!
Food-Inspired Shrimp Names
There’s something delightfully ironic about naming shrimp after food (especially seafood dishes):
- Sushi
- Gumbo
- Biscotti
- Noodle
- Mochi
- Wasabi
- Cookie
- Cashew
- Pepper
- Popcorn
Color-Based Shrimp Names
Many shrimp varieties are known for their stunning colors, making these names particularly fitting:
- Sapphire
- Jade
- Crimson
- Indigo
- Ruby
- Amber
- Cobalt
- Coral
- Scarlet
- Sienna
When I got my first Blue Dream shrimp, I immediately named him Sapphire, and it suited him perfectly.
Nature-Inspired Shrimp Names
The aquatic world provides endless inspiration for shrimp names:
- Coral
- Reef
- Tide
- Storm
- River
- Pebble
- Wave
- Misty
- Brook
- Delta
Pop Culture & Movie-Inspired Shrimp Names
Reference your favorite films, shows, or characters with these names:
- Sebastian (The Little Mermaid)
- Bubba (Forrest Gump)
- Nemo or Dory (Finding Nemo)
- Mr. Krabs (SpongeBob SquarePants)
- Jacques (Finding Nemo)
- Flotsam
- Jetsam
- Aquaman
- Poseidon
- Neptune
Mythical and Fantasy Shrimp Names
Tap into legends and mythology for these powerful names:
- Phoenix
- Hydra
- Siren
- Triton
- Medusa
- Atlas
- Nereid
- Calypso
- Leviathan
- Merlin
For more mythical inspiration, check out these magical team names!
Gender-Specific Shrimp Names
While it can be challenging to determine the sex of some shrimp species, others show clear differences. Here are some gender-specific name ideas:
Male Shrimp Names
- Finn
- Titan
- Thor
- Goliath
- Max
- Duke
- Admiral
- Flash
- Scout
- Ace
Female Shrimp Names
- Pearl
- Luna
- Marina
- Daisy
- Bella
- Coral
- Misty
- Ariel
- Venus
- Lily
I once had a particularly large female Cherry shrimp that I named “Empress” because she seemed to command respect from all the other shrimp in the tank.
Scientific and Common Names of Shrimp
Overview of Scientific Naming
Shrimp taxonomy can get complex, but it follows the standard scientific classification system:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
- Class: Malacostraca
- Order: Decapoda
- Infraorder: Caridea (true shrimp)
Popular Shrimp Species and Their Scientific Names
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Typical Color |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Shrimp | Neocaridina davidi | Red |
| Amano Shrimp | Caridina multidentata | Transparent/Gray |
| Crystal Red | Caridina cantonensis | Red and White |
| Blue Dream | Neocaridina davidi var. blue | Blue |
| Ghost Shrimp | Palaemonetes paludosus | Transparent |
| Bamboo Shrimp | Atyopsis moluccensis | Brown/Tan |
| Snowball Shrimp | Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. white | White |
| Black King Kong | Caridina cantonensis | Black |
Differences Between “Shrimp” and “Prawn”
The terms “shrimp” and “prawn” are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different crustaceans:
- Shrimp typically have:
- Claws on two pairs of legs
- Side plates that overlap (first over second)
- More bent bodies
- Prawns typically have:
- Claws on three pairs of legs
- Side plates that overlap differently (second over first)
- Straighter bodies
That said, these distinctions aren’t consistently applied across regions and cultures.
Challenges in Standardizing Shrimp Names Globally
Shrimp naming can be confusing because:
- The same common name may refer to different species in different regions
- The same species might have multiple common names
- Translation issues across languages complicate international trade
- Marketing often creates new names for familiar species
For example, “white shrimp” can refer to at least nine different species worldwide!
Check out beach themed team names for more aquatic inspiration!
Shrimp Facts and Useful Information
Shrimp Anatomy
Did you know a shrimp’s heart is located in its head? It’s one of many fascinating aspects of shrimp anatomy:
- They range from tiny 0.5-inch species to impressive 9-inch giants
- Most have transparent bodies with pigment cells that determine coloration
- They have ten legs (making them decapods)
- Their exoskeleton must be molted as they grow
- They have compound eyes that detect movement well but see fuzzy images
Life Cycle and Reproduction
- The average shrimp lifespan is about one year
- Female shrimp can lay thousands of eggs at once
- Eggs typically hatch in 3-10 weeks, depending on species
- Most ornamental shrimp go through several molts as they mature
- Water parameters significantly impact reproduction rates
I once watched one of my female Cherry shrimp carry eggs for what seemed like forever (about 3 weeks). When they finally hatched, I had dozens of tiny baby shrimp no bigger than grains of sand!
Shrimp Behavior
- They swim backwards by quickly flexing their tails
- Most are omnivorous scavengers
- Many species are highly social and thrive in groups
- They regularly molt their exoskeletons as they grow
- Some species have cleaning behaviors and will clean fish
Shrimp in Cuisine and Culture
- Shrimp are consumed worldwide, with Japan, USA, Mexico, Thailand, and India leading in consumption
- They’re the most popular seafood in the US
- Gulf shrimp account for 69% of domestic US production
- They feature prominently in dishes from paella to tempura to gumbo
- The shrimp industry employs millions of people globally
Nutritional Value of Shrimp
Shrimp are not just tasty; they’re nutritious too:
- Low in calories (approximately 84 calories per 3-ounce serving)
- High in protein
- Rich in selenium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus
- Good source of iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Lower in fat than chicken, beef, or pork
Environmental Role of Shrimp
In their natural habitats, shrimp serve vital ecological functions:
- They clean up detritus and uneaten food
- Serve as food for larger aquatic animals
- Some species help control algae growth
- They can indicate water quality health
- Aid in nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems
Tips for Naming Your Shrimp
Factors to Consider
When picking the perfect name, think about:
- Appearance: Is your shrimp a vibrant red, deep blue, or crystal clear?
- Personality: Is it shy, bold, always eating, or particularly active?
- Species: Some names might better suit certain species
- Color: Color-based names can make identification easier
- Size: Is your shrimp notably larger or smaller than others?
How to Choose a Name That Stands Out
- Consider unusual mythology or literature references
- Look to languages other than English for unique options
- Think about your personal interests or hobbies
- Create a name that tells a story
- Match the name’s meaning to the shrimp’s characteristics
Naming Multiple Shrimp
When you have a whole colony, try these approaches:
- Theme-based: Name all shrimp after planets, flowers, or gemstones
- Series-based: Use sequential names (Alpha, Beta, Gamma)
- Family-based: Create family groups with related names
- Color-coded: Name according to color variations, even within the same species
- Alphabetical: Work through the alphabet for new additions
Popular Naming Trends
In the shrimp-keeping community, I’ve noticed these trends:
- Pop culture references (especially from aquatic movies)
- Ironic or pun-based names
- Food names, particularly for colorful species
- Mythological water deities
- Descriptive names based on unique markings or behaviors
Find inspiration with these creative group names for 3 friends!
The Role of Shrimp Names in Aquaculture and Trade
Importance of Standardized Names
Standardized naming is crucial for:
- Scientific research and conservation efforts
- International trade regulations
- Consumer information and transparency
- Disease tracking and prevention
- Breeding program documentation
Examples of Confusing Common Names
Common naming confusion includes:
- “White shrimp” can refer to nine different species globally
- “Tiger shrimp” might mean different species in different regions
- “Cherry shrimp” originally referred to one specific color variant, but now describes many
- “Amano shrimp” are sometimes sold under various names like “Algae Eating Shrimp” or “Japanese Marsh Shrimp”
- “Crystal shrimp” might refer to several different Caridina varieties
International Efforts to Standardize
Several organizations work to standardize seafood naming:
- The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- The Marine Stewardship Council
- Regional fisheries management organizations
- International scientific bodies
- Seafood industry associations
Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Names
Can Shrimp Recognize Their Names?
No, shrimp don’t have the cognitive capacity to recognize or respond to names. However, they may associate human presence with food and respond to your approach to the tank.
How Many Shrimp Species Are There?
There are over 2,000 species of shrimp worldwide, with around 318 species of penaeid shrimps (the group commonly used for food). In the pet trade, there are several dozen species, with new color varieties being developed regularly.
What Are the Most Popular Shrimp Names?
Based on aquarium hobbyist forums and social media, popular names include:
- Bubba (from Forrest Gump)
- Cherry (for red varieties)
- Ghost (for transparent species)
- Sebastian (from The Little Mermaid)
- Shrimpy
Are There Naming Conventions for Breeding Programs?
Yes, breeders often use systematic naming conventions:
- Color + grade (e.g., “Blue Dream S-Grade”)
- Location + type (e.g., “Taiwan Bee”)
- Breeder name + variety (e.g., “Joe’s Fire Reds”)
- Pattern descriptors (e.g., “Rili,” “Tiger,” “Pinto”)
- Numerical tracking systems for genetics
Resources and Further Reading
Shrimp Name Generators
Several websites offer random name generators specifically for aquatic pets:
- PetNameGenerator
- AquaticPetNames
- ShrimpCentral Name Tools
Recommended Books and Websites for Shrimp Enthusiasts
- Freshwater Aquarium Shrimps by James Needham
- Shrimp Keeping & Breeding by Werner Klotz
- ShrimpSpot Forum
- Shrimp Tank community on Reddit
- Planetinverts.com
Organizations and Associations Related to Shrimp
- International Association of Aquatic Hobbyists
- American Fisheries Society
- European Aquaculture Society
- Various national shrimp farming associations
- Regional aquarium societies often have shrimp-focused sub-groups
Looking for more creative naming ideas? Check out some awesome tag team names!
Final Thoughts
Naming your shrimp might seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of aquarium keeping, but it adds a layer of personal connection to these fascinating creatures. Whether you go for something cute like “Bubbles,” something majestic like “Poseidon,” or something playful like “Shrimpleton,” the perfect name can make your aquatic pets feel like true members of your family.
I still remember how excited I was when I saw my first batch of baby Cherry shrimp in my tank. I ended up naming them all after different types of candy because they were so tiny and sweet!
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your shrimp names, and remember that the best names often come from observing your shrimp’s unique characteristics and personalities. And if you’ve come up with some particularly clever or meaningful shrimp names, share them with the community – other shrimp enthusiasts are always looking for fresh inspiration!
What will you name your next shrimp?
Greetings, I’m Alex – an expert in the art of naming teams, groups or brands, and businesses. With years of experience as a consultant for some of the most recognized companies out there, I want to pass on my knowledge and share tips that will help you craft an unforgettable name for your project through TeamGroupNames.Com!