Crystal red shrimp

Caridina cantonensis

Family : Atyidae

InvertebrateFreshwatershrimp

Freshwater shrimp highly prized for its red and white patterns, requiring stable water parameters.

Crystal red shrimp — photo 1 sur 4 — DirkBlankenhaus · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 4

Popularity

Freshwater shrimp

group keeping

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Description

Caridina cantonensis is a small shrimp (2-3 cm) whose Crystal Red variety has red and white bands. It is more sensitive than Neocaridina, requiring soft, acidic water. It is peaceful and lives in groups. It feeds on algae, biofilm, and specialized food. Breeding is possible but more delicate, with larvae requiring specific conditions.

Habitat

Region :

The Crystal Red shrimp is a mutation of Caridina cantonensis, native to clear, well-oxygenated streams in southern China. The water is soft and acidic, with moderate temperature. It lives among leaf litter and aquatic plants.

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature22–26 °C

pH6–6.8

GH3–6 °dGH

KH0–2 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 10 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.2 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

4/5

Diet

Omnivore

Min. tank

30 L

Min. group

Adult size

3 cm

Lifespan

2 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

Ovipare ; les œufs éclosent en larves planctoniques qui nécessitent de l'eau douce et une microfaune abondante.

Care notes

Strict parameters: temperature 22-26°C, pH 6.0-6.8, GH 3-6, KH 0-2. RO water remineralized is recommended. A mature tank with plenty of plants and moss is essential. Feed with protein-rich and mineral-rich foods. Avoid fluctuations. Breeding requires gradual acclimation. Sensitive to copper and high nitrates.

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