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ShrimpadvancedFreshwater

Shadow Panda Shrimp

Caridina cantonensis

AnimaliaArthropodaMalacostracaAtyidae

Variety of Crystal Red Shrimp · shadow panda

📍 China/Taiwan (captive developed)

Ask Finn

High-grade Caridina with a reverse panda pattern — black where panda shrimp are white, and white where they are black. Requires the same soft, acidic conditions as Crystal Reds. Collector's shrimp.

Size1.2"
Min Tank5g
School6+
peaceful
Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Shadow Panda Shrimp are primarily biofilm grazers and require constant access to established algae and bacterial films on surfaces. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with specialized shrimp foods such as Caridina-specific pellets, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini), and occasional frozen foods like micro worms. Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food degrades water quality in small tanks.

Behavior

These are docile, bottom-dwelling shrimp that spend most of their time foraging on substrate and hardscape surfaces. They are most active during dawn and dusk, and will hide among plants and decorations when stressed. Shadow Pandas are social within their own species and should be kept in groups of at least 6 to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.

Breeding

Breeding Shadow Panda Shrimp in captivity is difficult and rarely successful in home aquaria. Females produce small batches of eggs that develop into miniature shrimplets without a larval stage, but survival rates are extremely low due to demanding water parameter requirements and high sensitivity to environmental fluctuations. Success requires pristine water conditions, stable temperatures, and considerable patience.

Common Diseases

Molting Syndrome

Symptoms

Difficulty shedding exoskeleton, incomplete molts, lethargy, death shortly after molting attempt

Treatment

Ensure adequate calcium and minerals through specialized shrimp mineral supplements; maintain stable pH and temperature; provide iodine-rich foods

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

White film or spots on body, cloudy appearance, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Perform 30% water change; increase aeration; maintain pristine water quality; remove affected individuals to quarantine if severe

Parasitic Infection

Symptoms

Excessive scratching against surfaces, visible parasites on body, color fading, reduced activity

Treatment

Quarantine affected shrimp; perform frequent small water changes; avoid chemical treatments as shrimp are highly sensitive; focus on water quality improvement

Ammonia/Nitrite Poisoning

Symptoms

Sudden lethargy, color loss, gasping behavior, mass die-off in colony

Treatment

Perform immediate 50% water change; test water parameters; reduce bioload; establish proper nitrogen cycle before adding shrimp

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Quick Facts

pH
5.8–6.8
diet
biofilm/specialist shrimp food
minTankSize
10 gallons
temperature
64–75°F (18–24°C)

Temperature

64–75°F

18–24°C

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists