Skunk Pinto Shrimp

Caridina logemanni

📍 Taiwan / Germany selective breeding

Skunk Pinto Shrimp are a striking selectively bred variety of Caridina logemanni featuring bold black and white patterning that resembles a skunk's coloration. The distinctive white or cream-colored stripes run along the body against a deep black background, creating high contrast and visual appeal. This variety is prized by advanced shrimp keepers for its dramatic appearance and challenging care requirements.

Size1.25"

Min Tank10g

School10+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Skunk Pinto Shrimp are detritivores that graze on biofilm and algae throughout the day. Supplement with high-quality shrimp-specific foods such as Shirakura, Mosura, or Benibachi pellets 2-3 times weekly. Occasional blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini can be offered but should not be a primary food source.

Behavior

These shrimp are constant grazers, spending most of their time on substrate and plants searching for food and biofilm. They are generally peaceful with colony mates but may exhibit mild aggression during molting periods. Males are more active and display vibrant coloration, while females tend to be larger and less colorful.

Breeding

Skunk Pinto Shrimp require strict soft, acidic water parameters (pH 5.5-6.5, GH 4-6) to successfully breed and produce viable offspring. Females carry eggs (berried) for 20-24 days before releasing fully-formed miniature shrimp approximately 0.5 cm in size. High-quality water conditions and stable parameters are essential for successful reproduction and color expression in offspring.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae eater that shares similar water parameters and does not prey on shrimp

excellent

Ember Tetra

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that thrive in soft acidic water and ignore shrimp

good

Chili Rasbora

Micro fish that prefer similar soft water conditions and are too small to threaten shrimp

good

Amano Shrimp

Can coexist but may compete for food and space; keep separate if breeding is priority

caution

Java Moss

Provides grazing surface, biofilm growth, and shelter for shrimp

excellent

Common Diseases

Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt

Symptoms

Shrimp unable to shed exoskeleton completely, stuck in old shell, lethargy, death within 24-48 hours

Treatment

Ensure adequate calcium and mineral content via GH Booster or specialized mineral supplements; maintain stable pH and temperature; increase water change frequency to 25% weekly

Muscular Necrosis (Black Death)

Symptoms

Black discoloration on legs and body, loss of appetite, inability to move, rapid decline

Treatment

Perform immediate 50% water change; increase aeration; add Indian almond leaves or tannins to lower pH slightly; ensure TDS is 100-150 ppm; isolate affected individuals

Vorticella / Fungal Infection

Symptoms

White fuzzy coating on body or appendages, lethargy, difficulty molting

Treatment

Increase water change frequency to 30% every 2-3 days; add Indian almond leaves for tannins; maintain pristine water quality; avoid copper-based treatments (toxic to shrimp)

Copper Toxicity

Symptoms

Sudden death, erratic swimming, loss of color, paralysis

Treatment

Perform immediate large water change (50%+); check all supplements and medications for copper content; use only copper-free plant fertilizers and medications; use RO water if tap water contains copper