Shrimp have been known to live from 1 year to as long as over 20 years in captivity. According to the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, the life cycle varies based on geography and the species of shrimp.

There are many kinds of shrimp; depending on the species, attributes such as size, color and lifespan change drastically. Most dwarf shrimp live between 18 months and 3 years, while the ope ula (Hawaiian red shrimp) is a very long-lived species that has been known to survive beyond 20 years in captivity. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Neocaridina davidi var. red (cherry shrimp) that only lives about 1 year.