Description

🦐 Crystal Red Caridina Shrimp Care Guide

Quick Overview

• Scientific name: Caridina cantonensis (Crystal Red variant)

• Lifespan: 1.5–2 years

• Size: Up to 1.2 inches (3 cm)

• Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Origin: Selectively bred from Bee Shrimp in Japan

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🛖 Tank Setup

• Tank size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 L) for stability

• Substrate: Active soil (like ADA Amazonia) that lowers pH

• Filtration: Gentle sponge filter or low-flow filter

• Plants: Mosses (Java, Christmas moss), ferns, Anubias — plants provide biofilm and shelter

• Lighting: Moderate (too much = algae boom, too little = poor plant health)

• Hiding places: Cholla wood, shrimp caves, leaf litter (like Indian Almond leaves)

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🌡️ Water Parameters

Crystal Reds are sensitive! Stable, clean water is crucial.

• Use remineralized RO/DI water for best results.

• Frequent small water changes (10–15% weekly) are better than big ones.

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🍤 Diet

• Primary food: High-quality shrimp-specific pellets

• Supplements: Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), biofilm enhancers

• Occasional treats: Bacter AE powder, Indian Almond leaves (they grow biofilm)

Important: Remove uneaten food within 2–3 hours to avoid water fouling.

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🧬 Breeding

• Maturity: 4–6 months old

• Behavior: Females will carry eggs (“berried”) under their abdomen for about 28–30 days

• Tips for successful breeding:

  • Keep the tank stable.

  • Soft, slightly acidic water is key.

  • Avoid stressing shrimp (no big fish, sudden changes, loud noises).

  • Babies (shrimplets) feed on biofilm, so a mature tank is ideal.

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🚫 Common Mistakes

• Using tap water without adjusting parameters

• Overfeeding → water pollution

• No cycling the tank properly (shrimp need a fully cycled tank)

• Big temperature or pH swings

• Housing them with aggressive fish (even small fish can pick at shrimplets)

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🛠️ Bonus Tips

• Shrimp-only tanks are safest.

• Drip acclimate new shrimp slowly.

• Test water weekly for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.

• Patience: Healthy colonies can take months to establish, but once stable, they flourish beautifully.