Shrimp- Crystal Red

Crystal Red Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis), also known as CRS, are popular freshwater shrimp known for their striking red and white coloration. Here are their care requirements:

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum of 10 gallons for stability and to maintain water quality.

• Substrate: Active substrates designed for shrimp (e.g., ADA Aqua Soil) are recommended as they help maintain the desired pH and provide essential minerals.

• Decor: Provide plenty of live plants (e.g., mosses, ferns, and Anubias), driftwood, and rocks to create hiding spots and grazing areas.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 68-75°F (20-24°C)

• pH: 5.8-6.8

• Hardness: 0-4 dGH

• KH (Carbonate Hardness): 0-2 dKH

• Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm

• Nitrates: < 10 ppm

• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 100-200 ppm

• Chlorine/Chloramine: Must be neutralized with a suitable water conditioner before adding shrimp.

Filtration and Water Movement

• Filtration: Use a gentle filter that does not create strong currents, such as a sponge filter or a filter with a pre-filter sponge to prevent shrimp from being sucked in.

• Water Movement: Moderate water flow to ensure oxygenation and circulation without creating strong currents that may stress the shrimp.

Feeding

• Omnivorous: Crystal Red Shrimp are scavengers and will eat a variety of foods.

  • Natural Diet: They consume algae, biofilm, and detritus that naturally occur in the aquarium.

  • Supplements: Provide specially formulated shrimp food, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, spinach).

  • Variety: Offer occasional protein-rich foods like daphnia or brine shrimp.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Peaceful Nature: Crystal Red Shrimp are non-aggressive and peaceful, making them ideal tank mates for most community fish species that are small and peaceful.

• Tank Mates: Compatible with small, non-predatory fish such as tetras, rasboras, and small livebearers. Avoid large or aggressive fish that may prey on shrimp.

• Social Behavior: They are social and do well in groups, so keeping them in groups of 10 or more is recommended for better breeding success and reduced stress.

Care and Maintenance

• Water Changes: Regular water changes (10-20% weekly) to maintain water quality and remove accumulated waste and nitrates.

• Observation: Monitor their behavior and appearance regularly for signs of stress or illness. Healthy Crystal Red Shrimp are active and constantly foraging.

• Molting: Provide plenty of hiding places and mosses for molting, as molting is a vulnerable period for shrimp.

Breeding

• Ease of Breeding: Crystal Red Shrimp breed readily in a well-maintained aquarium with stable water parameters.

• Mating: When conditions are right, females will carry eggs under their tails (berried). The eggs hatch into miniature versions of the adults, without a larval stage.

• Baby Shrimp: Provide plenty of hiding places and fine plants or mosses for the baby shrimp to hide and feed on.

Acclimation

• Acclimation: Slowly acclimate them to your tank’s water parameters using the drip acclimation method to minimize stress.

Additional Tips

• Cover Openings: Ensure aquarium lids are secure as shrimp can be good climbers and may attempt to escape.

• Copper Sensitivity: Like all shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp are sensitive to copper. Avoid using medications or water treatments containing copper.

• Stable Environment: Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden changes, as shrimp are sensitive to fluctuations.

By providing Crystal Red Shrimp with a well-maintained environment, a varied diet rich in algae and biofilm, and suitable tank mates, they can thrive and add vibrant color to your freshwater aquarium setup.