Pinocchio Shrimp

Caridina gracilirostris

Also known as Red Nose Shrimp, Rocket Shrimp, Red Nose Pistol Shrimp

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

Pinocchio Shrimp are small, peaceful freshwater shrimp named for their distinctively elongated rostrum (nose-like snout). These attractive shrimp are excellent algae grazers and biofilm consumers, making them ideal for planted tanks and community setups. They require stable water parameters and a mature tank with plenty of biofilm to thrive.

Where it's from

Recorded as introduced in Norway

At a glance

Size: 1.2 in; 3 cm
Min tank: 10 gal; 38 L
Group: 6+
Temp: 72–79°F; 22–26°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
GH: 71–143 ppm; 4–8 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 2-3 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Pinocchio Shrimp are primarily detritivores that feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and algae wafers 2-3 times weekly. A mature, established tank with abundant biofilm is essential for their long-term health.

Behavior

These shrimp are bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time grazing on surfaces and sifting through substrate. They are social and do best in small groups or colonies of 6+ individuals. They molt regularly as they grow; provide plenty of hiding spots with plants and hardscape to feel secure during vulnerable molting periods.

Breeding

Pinocchio Shrimp breed readily in freshwater without requiring brackish conditions, making them excellent for home aquariums. Females produce small batches of shrimplets that develop directly without a larval stage. A mature, stable tank with good water quality and plenty of biofilm will support natural breeding and juvenile survival.

Tank mates

See all 6

Amano Shrimp

Similar peaceful shrimp; compatible colony members with comparable care needs

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that won't predate on shrimp; occupy different water zones

good

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae-eating fish; similar biofilm-dependent diet and gentle temperament

excellent

Java Moss

Provides essential hiding spots, biofilm growth, and grazing surfaces for shrimp

excellent

Dwarf Hairgrass

Dense plant growth offers shelter and biofilm accumulation for shrimp colonies

excellent

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Global Register of Invasive and Introduced Species (CC BY 4.0).