Pinto Shrimp

Caridina cantonensis var. 'Pinto'

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae

📍 Asia (captive-bred)

Pinto shrimp are highly prized Taiwan bee variants with bold black and white patterning in distinctive stripe, skunk, or spotted configurations. They are among the most valuable freshwater shrimp in the hobby and require immaculate water quality.

Size1.2"

Min Tank5g

School6+

peaceful

Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Pinto shrimp are primarily biofilm grazers and will consume algae, decaying plant matter, and leaf litter in the aquarium. Supplement with high-quality specialized shrimp foods (pellets or powder) 2-3 times weekly, and provide blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach occasionally. Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food degrades water quality quickly.

Behavior

Pinto shrimp are peaceful, slow-moving foragers that spend most of their time grazing on surfaces and sifting through substrate. They are primarily nocturnal and will hide during the day among plants and décor. These shrimp are sensitive to disturbance and thrive in established, stable environments with minimal water movement.

Breeding

Breeding Pinto shrimp in captivity is difficult and rarely successful in home aquariums. They require extremely stable water parameters, pristine conditions, and may have specific environmental triggers. Most captive specimens are wild-caught or bred by specialized breeders, making reproduction unpredictable for hobbyists.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Similar water requirements and peaceful temperament; may compete for biofilm but generally coexist well

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Compatible water parameters and non-aggressive; both benefit from heavily planted tanks

good

Nerite Snail

Excellent algae control partner with identical water needs; no predatory threat

excellent

Anubias Nana

Provides essential grazing surfaces and hiding spots; hardy plant that tolerates shrimp grazing

excellent

Java Moss

Creates biofilm-rich surfaces and shelter; essential for shrimp health and natural behavior

excellent

Common Diseases

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Discoloration, lesions on body, lethargy, loss of appetite, cloudy appearance

Treatment

Perform 25% water changes daily, remove uneaten food immediately, increase aeration; consider antibacterial medication only as last resort in isolated tank

Molting Problems

Symptoms

Inability to shed exoskeleton, stuck molt, death shortly after molting attempt

Treatment

Ensure adequate calcium and minerals through specialized shrimp foods and mineral supplements; maintain stable pH and GH; provide soft surfaces for molting

Parasitic Infection

Symptoms

White spots or fuzzy growth on body, lethargy, erratic swimming, rapid decline

Treatment

Isolate affected shrimp; perform frequent water changes; maintain pristine water quality; avoid chemical treatments that harm shrimp; consider salt baths only if recommended by experienced aquarist