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Red Line Shrimp
Caridina thambipillai
Also known as Red Line Caridina
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae
The Red Line Shrimp is a small, freshwater Caridina species native to Sri Lanka, prized for its distinctive red striping along the body and legs. These peaceful invertebrates are excellent for planted tanks and biofilm-rich environments where they spend their time grazing and exploring. They are moderately hardy but require stable water parameters and copper-free conditions to thrive.
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in
- 3 cm
- Min tank
- 5 gal
- 19 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
Red Line Shrimp are detritivores that primarily feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying organic matter in a mature, established tank. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and occasional dried seaweed. A well-established tank with plenty of plants and wood surfaces is essential for natural grazing.
Behavior
These shrimp are active foragers that spend most of their time on the substrate and plants searching for food and biofilm. They are social animals and do best in small groups or colonies, displaying minimal aggression toward tank mates. They molt regularly as they grow; provide plenty of hiding spots and stable water conditions to support successful molts.
Breeding
Red Line Shrimp breed readily in freshwater without requiring brackish conditions, making them suitable for home aquariums. Females produce small clutches of 20-30 shrimplets that develop directly without a larval stage. In established tanks with good water quality and plenty of cover, juveniles often survive to adulthood without special care.
Tank mates
See all 6Similar size and peaceful temperament; both are algae-eating shrimp that coexist well
Small, peaceful fish that occupy mid-water column; minimal competition for food
Peaceful bottom-dweller with similar biofilm-grazing habits; no predatory behavior
Provides essential grazing surface, shelter, and biofilm production for shrimp
Generally peaceful but may occasionally nip at shrimp; monitor behavior closely
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Common diseases 4Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt, Copper Toxicity, Bacterial Infection / Shell Erosion, Parasitic Flukes / Gill Issues
Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt
Shrimp unable to shed exoskeleton completely; stuck in old shell; lethargy and loss of appetite
Ensure stable water parameters (especially GH and pH); provide iodine-rich foods or supplements; increase water changes; provide soft surfaces and hiding spots to aid molting process
Copper Toxicity
Lethargy, loss of color, erratic swimming, sudden death; often follows medication use or tap water contamination
Perform immediate large water changes; use copper-free medications only; test tap water for copper; use RO water or copper-binding resins if necessary; avoid all copper-based treatments
Bacterial Infection / Shell Erosion
Visible spots or lesions on body; cloudy appearance; deteriorating shell integrity; reduced activity
Perform frequent water changes to improve water quality; maintain stable parameters; remove decaying organic matter; consider adding Indian almond leaves for tannins; isolate severely affected individuals if possible
Parasitic Flukes / Gill Issues
Excessive grooming behavior; gasping at water surface; lethargy; visible parasites on gills or body
Increase aeration and water circulation; perform daily water changes; use copper-free parasite treatments if available; quarantine affected shrimp; improve tank hygiene and bioload management
Legality
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.
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in3 cm
- Min tank
- 5 gal19 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 72–79°F22–26°C
- pH
- 6.5-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 2-3 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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