Crystal Red

Crystal Red Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis)

The Crystal Red shrimp is a freshwater shrimp of extraordinary beauty, renowned for its alternating bands of intense red and pure white. A selectively bred variety of the Bee shrimp, developed by Japanese breeders and considered one of the most iconic invertebrates in modern aquascaping.

Recommended Water Parameters

• pH: 5.8 – 7.4
• Temperature: 64 – 77 °F (18 – 25 °C)
• GH: 4 – 6
• KH: 0 – 4
• TDS: 100 – 200 ppm

Care and Maintenance

• Feeding: Omnivorous. Accepts specialized shrimp foods, spirulina, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber), dried Indian almond leaves, and natural biofilm. Feed 2-3 times per week in small amounts.
• Minimum tank size: 2.5-5 gal (10-20 L) for 10 individuals.
• Substrate: Active (aquasoil) for acidic, stable parameters.
• Plants: Mosses (Java, Christmas, Fissidens, Flame), Bucephalandra, Anubias, Microsorum.
• Filtration: Sponge filter or with pre-filter to avoid juvenile suction.
• Water changes: 10-20% weekly, ideally with remineralized RO water.

Compatibility

Compatible with other Caridina shrimp, ornamental snails (Nerite, Ramshorn), and peaceful micro-fish (Otocinclus, Boraras). Avoid predatory or aggressive fish.

Breeding

Breeds in freshwater under stable conditions. Females carry 20-30 eggs for ~30 days. Juveniles are born as miniature adults, without a planktonic larval stage. Regular breeding indicates a healthy, well-established aquarium.

Illustrative photo.