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Wine Red Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae
Variety of Crystal Red Shrimp · wine red
📍 China/Taiwan (captive developed)
Deep maroon-red Caridina with little to no white markings. A striking colour mutation of the Crystal Red lineage. Requires the same demanding soft, acidic water parameters as other high-grade Caridina.
Care Guide
Diet
Wine Red Shrimp are primarily biofilm grazers and require constant access to established algae and bacterial films on surfaces. Supplement with high-quality specialized shrimp foods (pellets or powders) 2-3 times weekly, and occasional blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food degrades water quality in small tanks.
Behavior
These shrimp are peaceful, slow-moving foragers that spend most of their time grazing on tank surfaces and plants. They are nocturnal and more active during low-light periods, though they will forage throughout the day in established tanks. They are social and do best in groups of 6 or more, where they exhibit natural schooling behavior.
Breeding
Breeding Wine Red Shrimp in captivity is difficult and rarely successful in home aquariums. They require extremely stable, pristine water conditions with precise pH and temperature ranges, and females rarely produce viable shrimplets. Most captive specimens are wild-caught or from specialized breeders, making reproduction unpredictable for hobbyists.
Tank Mates
Similar water requirements and peaceful temperament; both are biofilm grazers
Same species lineage with identical soft, acidic water needs and compatible behavior
Small, peaceful fish that tolerate soft acidic water; minimal predation risk to adults
Tiny, non-aggressive fish that thrive in soft water and won't threaten shrimp
Provides biofilm growth, shelter, and grazing surfaces essential for shrimp health
Hardy plant that creates biofilm surfaces and provides hiding spaces without requiring high light
Common Diseases
Bacterial Infection (Red Leg Syndrome)
Red discoloration on legs and body, lethargy, loss of appetite, molting problems
Perform 25-30% water changes daily, ensure pristine water conditions, remove affected individuals to quarantine, avoid antibiotics which harm beneficial bacteria in small tanks
Parasitic Infection (Vorticella)
White fuzzy coating on body and antennae, reduced movement, difficulty molting
Increase water changes to 50% every other day, raise temperature slightly to 24-25°C temporarily, ensure excellent filtration and biofilm availability
Molting Stress/Failed Molt
Inability to shed exoskeleton, lethargy, death shortly after attempted molt
Maintain stable pH (5.8-6.8) and temperature, ensure adequate calcium through mineral supplements or cuttlebone, avoid sudden parameter changes
Ammonia/Nitrite Poisoning
Erratic swimming, color fading, gasping at water surface, sudden death
Perform immediate 50% water change, test and establish nitrogen cycle, reduce bioload, ensure adequate filtration for tank size
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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