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Crystal Red Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis var. Crystal Red
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae
📍 Japan (captive developed)
Crystal red shrimp are selectively bred bee shrimp featuring striking white and red banding, graded S to SSS by pattern clarity. They demand very soft, slightly acidic water and are highly sensitive to temperature swings, dissolved solids, and trace copper. Dedicated shrimp-only tanks using buffered aquasoil are strongly recommended.
Care Guide
Diet
Crystal red shrimp are omnivores that primarily graze on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter in the substrate and on hardscape. Supplement with high-quality shrimp-specific powdered foods (2-3 times weekly) and occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach. Avoid copper-containing foods and medications, as they are highly toxic to shrimp.
Behavior
Crystal red shrimp are peaceful, slow-moving foragers that spend most of their time grazing on substrate and plants. They are primarily nocturnal and will hide in dense vegetation or under hardscape during the day. Males are smaller and more active than females; they exhibit minimal aggression toward conspecifics but may compete for food.
Breeding
Breeding is moderately difficult and requires pristine water conditions with stable parameters (pH 5.8–6.8, TDS 100–150 ppm, temperature 20–24°C). Females carry eggs for 20–30 days before releasing fully-formed shrimplets; no parental care is needed. Success rates improve significantly in dedicated shrimp-only tanks with abundant biofilm and minimal disturbance.
Tank Mates
Similar water requirements and peaceful temperament; both are algae grazers with minimal aggression
Compatible water parameters, though slightly less sensitive; may interbreed, producing lower-grade offspring
Nearly identical care requirements and peaceful behavior; both thrive in soft, acidic water
Low-light plant that provides grazing surfaces and shelter without requiring high nutrients
Dense moss creates biofilm-rich surfaces and hiding spots essential for shrimp security
Peaceful algae eater with similar water tolerance; does not compete aggressively for food
Common Diseases
Bacterial Infection (Septicemia)
Discoloration, lethargy, molting problems, white spots or lesions on body
Perform 25% water changes daily, maintain pristine water parameters, isolate affected individuals; antibiotics are rarely effective in shrimp tanks
Parasitic Infection (Vorticella)
White fuzzy coating on body and appendages, reduced feeding, lethargy
Increase water changes, improve water quality, raise temperature slightly (within safe range); salt baths are not recommended for freshwater shrimp
Molting Syndrome
Difficulty shedding exoskeleton, incomplete molts, death shortly after molting
Ensure stable pH and GH; provide calcium-rich foods (blanched spinach, specialized shrimp foods); avoid sudden parameter changes
Copper Poisoning
Sudden death, erratic swimming, loss of color, paralysis
Prevention is critical—use only copper-free medications and fertilizers; perform immediate large water changes if copper exposure is suspected
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Varieties
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – biofilm, shrimp-specific powdered food, leaf litter
- breeding
- Moderate; requires stable, species-appropriate parameters
- lifespan
- 1.5–2 years
- max size
- 3 cm (1.2 in)
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 5.8–6.8
- tds
- 100–150 ppm
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <10 ppm
- hardness
- 0–6 dGH
- temperature
- 68–75°F (20–24°C)