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Panda Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca
Variety of Crystal Red Shrimp · panda
📍 Southeast Asia (China)
The Panda Shrimp is a Caridina cantonensis morph with a striking black and white pattern resembling a panda. It requires the same demanding soft, acidic water (pH 5.8–6.8, TDS 100–150) as Crystal Red Shrimp and is sensitive to water quality.
Care Guide
Diet
Panda Shrimp are omnivorous and require a varied diet of high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach. Supplement with frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia 2-3 times weekly. Feed small amounts daily, removing uneaten food within 24 hours to maintain water quality.
Behavior
Panda Shrimp are peaceful, slow-moving foragers that spend most of their time grazing on biofilm and algae on surfaces. They are nocturnal and prefer dimly lit tanks with plenty of hiding spots. These shrimp are sensitive to disturbance and may hide extensively if stressed or in unsuitable water conditions.
Breeding
Breeding Panda Shrimp in captivity is difficult and rarely successful in home aquariums. Females produce small numbers of fully-formed shrimplets rather than free-swimming larvae, but survival rates are very low due to strict water parameter requirements. Success requires pristine conditions, stable parameters, and considerable patience.
Tank Mates
Similar water requirements and peaceful nature; may compete for food but generally compatible
Identical water parameter needs (soft, acidic); same care level and temperament
Compatible water requirements; peaceful and non-aggressive toward Panda Shrimp
Small, peaceful algae eater that thrives in soft, acidic water; minimal bioload
Provides essential biofilm, hiding spots, and grazing surfaces for shrimp
Hardy plant that provides shelter and biofilm without requiring high light or nutrients
Common Diseases
Bacterial Infection
White spots or patches on body, lethargy, loss of appetite, molting problems
Perform 25% water changes daily, improve water quality, isolate affected shrimp if possible. Avoid antibiotics; focus on pristine conditions and proper nutrition
Parasitic Infection
Excessive molting, white film on body, erratic swimming, visible parasites
Increase water changes, maintain optimal parameters (pH 5.8-6.8, TDS 100-150), quarantine new additions. Salt baths are not recommended for freshwater shrimp
Molting Syndrome
Difficulty molting, incomplete molt, death shortly after molting
Ensure adequate calcium and minerals through quality food and mineral supplements; maintain stable pH and temperature; avoid sudden parameter changes
Copper Poisoning
Sudden death, erratic behavior, loss of color, lethargy
Immediately perform large water changes; avoid all copper-containing medications and fertilizers; use copper-free treatments only
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