Hinomaru Shrimp

Caridina logemanni

📍 Taiwan selective breeding

The Hinomaru Shrimp is a striking freshwater shrimp variety featuring a predominantly red body with a distinctive white or cream-colored circular marking on the dorsal surface, resembling the Japanese flag (hinomaru). This selectively bred Caridina variant is prized for its bold coloration contrast and compact size, making it an attractive addition to planted aquariums.

Size1.25"

Min Tank5g

School10+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Hinomaru Shrimp are detritivores that graze on biofilm and algae throughout the day. Supplement with high-quality shrimp-specific foods such as Shirakura or Mosura pellets 2-3 times weekly. Occasional blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini provide variety and essential nutrients.

Behavior

These shrimp are active grazers, constantly foraging along substrate and plant surfaces for food particles and biofilm. They exhibit typical Caridina molting behavior, becoming vulnerable during shell hardening; provide plenty of hiding spots with plants and wood. Colony dynamics remain peaceful with minimal aggression between individuals.

Breeding

Hinomaru Shrimp require soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5, GH 4-6) to successfully breed and produce viable offspring. Females carry berries (eggs) for 3-4 weeks before releasing fully-formed miniature shrimp. Provide dense plant cover and stable water parameters to encourage breeding success; fry are independent and require no special care beyond the colony's standard feeding.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae eater that shares bottom zone without competing or predating shrimp

excellent

Ember Tetra

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that occupy mid-water column and ignore shrimp

good

Chili Rasbora

Nano fish with peaceful temperament; minimal interaction with shrimp colony

good

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that coexist peacefully; may compete for food but no predation

good

Java Moss

Dense plant cover provides shelter, biofilm growth, and breeding habitat for shrimp

excellent

Anubias Nana

Hardy plant that creates hiding spots and supports biofilm development without being uprooted by shrimp

excellent

Common Diseases

Molting Failure / Incomplete Molting

Symptoms

Shrimp unable to shed exoskeleton completely; pieces of old shell remain attached; lethargy and reduced feeding

Treatment

Ensure adequate mineral content through GH supplementation (calcium, magnesium); maintain stable pH and temperature; provide soft plant matter for grip during molting; increase water change frequency to reduce bioload

Muscular Necrosis (MDC - Midgut Diverticula Collapse)

Symptoms

White discoloration in muscle tissue, particularly in the abdomen; loss of color intensity; reduced mobility and feeding

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes; ensure diet includes varied foods with adequate nutrients; use mineral-rich supplements like Shirakura or Mosura; maintain optimal pH and GH parameters

Vorticella / Epistylis Infection

Symptoms

White fuzzy coating on body and appendages; lethargy; difficulty molting; shrimp appear 'dusty'

Treatment

Perform large water changes (50%) to reduce parasite load; add Indian almond leaves or alder cones to lower pH and increase tannins; improve water quality and reduce organic waste; quarantine severely affected individuals if possible

Copper Toxicity

Symptoms

Sudden death or lethargy; loss of color; tremors; gasping behavior

Treatment

Avoid all copper-based medications and fertilizers; use copper-free plant fertilizers only; perform immediate large water change (50%+); use activated carbon in filter if copper contamination is suspected; source water from copper-free supply