Flowerhead Shrimp

Caridina logemanni

📍 Taiwan selective breeding

Flowerhead Shrimp are a striking Caridina variety featuring intricate white or cream-colored patterns resembling delicate flower heads across their dark bodies, making them highly prized by advanced aquarists. This selectively bred shrimp displays exceptional coloration intensity when maintained in pristine soft, acidic water conditions. Their ornate appearance and demanding care requirements make them a centerpiece species for dedicated shrimp enthusiasts.

Size1.25"

Min Tank10g

School10+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Flowerhead Shrimp are primarily detritivores that graze on biofilm and algae naturally present in established tanks. Supplement with high-quality shrimp-specific foods such as Shirakura or Mosura pellets 2-3 times weekly, and offer blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini occasionally. Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food degrades water quality in small tanks.

Behavior

These shrimp are active grazers that spend most of their time foraging along substrate and plants, particularly during low-light hours. They exhibit typical Caridina molting behavior and require stable parameters to prevent molting complications. Colony dynamics are generally peaceful, though males may display minor competitive posturing during feeding.

Breeding

Flowerhead Shrimp require strict soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5, GH 4-6) to successfully breed and maintain color intensity. Females produce small berries (15-25 shrimplets per cycle) that develop over 3-4 weeks; shrimplets are released as fully-formed miniatures. Breeding success is highly dependent on water stability and mineral supplementation with products like GH+.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae eater that shares similar water parameters and does not predate shrimp

excellent

Ember Tetra

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that thrive in soft acidic water; minimal shrimp predation risk

good

Chili Rasbora

Nano fish compatible with acidic soft water; peaceful and unlikely to harm adult shrimp

good

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that coexist peacefully; both require similar water conditions

good

Java Moss

Provides grazing surface, shelter, and biofilm production essential for shrimp nutrition

excellent

Bucephalandra

Low-light plant that provides cover and biofilm without requiring high nutrients

excellent

Common Diseases

Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt

Symptoms

Shrimp unable to fully shed exoskeleton, remaining stuck in old shell; lethargy and loss of appetite

Treatment

Ensure adequate mineral content via GH+ supplementation; maintain pH 5.5-6.5 and stable parameters; increase water change frequency to 25% weekly; provide calcium-rich foods like blanched spinach

Muscular Necrosis (MSN)

Symptoms

White or opaque patches on muscle tissue visible through translucent areas; progressive weakness and death

Treatment

Maintain pristine water quality with 25% weekly changes; ensure TDS 100-150 ppm; supplement with quality mineral additives; isolate affected individuals; no known cure—prevention through stable parameters is critical

Vorticella / Fungal Infection

Symptoms

White fuzzy coating on body or appendages; lethargy; difficulty molting

Treatment

Perform 30% water change immediately; increase aeration; add Indian almond leaves for tannins; maintain pH 5.5-6.5; avoid copper-based treatments (lethal to shrimp); improve water quality and reduce bioload

Copper Toxicity

Symptoms

Sudden death or paralysis; erratic swimming; loss of color intensity

Treatment

Immediately perform 50% water change with RO water; check all additives and medications for copper content; use only copper-free plant fertilizers and medications; use dedicated shrimp-safe products only