Red bee shrimp

Caridina mariae

Family : Atyidae

InvertebrateFreshwatershrimp

Small, highly colored freshwater shrimp prized in the hobby for its red and white patterns. Requires stable parameters and soft acidic water.

Popularity

Freshwater shrimp

group keeping

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Description

Caridina mariae reaches about 2.5 cm. Its coloration varies from bright red to cream white with transverse bands. Antennae are short. It is a benthic species feeding on biofilm and microalgae. It lives in groups in calm, vegetated areas. Reproduction is oviparous, eggs are carried for 3-4 weeks. It is sensitive to parameter fluctuations. Very popular in planted aquariums.

Habitat

Region :

Freshwater rivers and streams, areas with vegetation

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature20–26 °C

pH6–7

GH3–6 °dGH

KH0–2 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 10 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.2 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

4/5

Diet

Omnivore

Min. tank

20 L

Min. group

Adult size

2.5 cm

Lifespan

1.5 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

Egg-layer

Care notes

Aquarium of at least 20 liters, well planted with soft acidic water. Parameters: temperature 20-26 °C, pH 6.0-7.0, GH 3-6, KH 0-2. Nitrates < 10 mg/L, phosphates < 0.2 mg/L. Diet: specific pellets, blanched vegetables, biofilm. Very sensitive to nitrates and heavy metals. Keep in groups of 5 or more. Compatible with other acidic freshwater shrimp. Avoid fish. Frequent small water changes.

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