Species Profile
The Crystal Red Shrimp is one of the most iconic and sought-after freshwater shrimp in the hobby thanks to its bold, opaque red-and-white striping. Celebrated for both its striking visual appeal and the rewarding challenge of keeping it, CRS are active, peaceful, and non-aggressive. Higher grades like S-SS Grade showcase intense, solid color coverage with minimal translucent patches. Because they demand precise water parameters and exceptional water purity, they are best suited for seasoned hobbyists looking to build a dedicated, soft-water shrimp aquarium.
**Note: All livestock orders will come carefully packaged with solid wall Styrofoam insulation and shipped via 1-day shipping only. No additional insulation is needed for your livestock.
Key Features & Notes
- Tank-raised S-SS Specimens featuring bold, opaque red and white color bands.
- Relentless clean-up crew that continuously grazes on biofilm and algae.
- Peaceful, non-aggressive nature.
- Low‑impact bioload lets you keep a lively, thriving colony even in nano tanks.
Care Specifications
- Maintain stable water chemistry with soft, acidic water and an active buffering substrate.
- Keep water parameters strictly free of copper-based medications or heavy metals.
- Supplement their diet with plant-based shrimp pellets, spirulina, and blanched vegetables to ensure proper minerals for molting when natural algae is low.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to maintain stable parameters to ensure a healthy, thriving colony!
| Attribute |
Specification |
| Scientific Name |
Caridina cantonensis |
| Common Name(s) |
Crystal Red Shrimp, CRS, Bee Shrimp |
| Care Difficulty |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Adult Size |
1.00"–1.25" (2.5–3.0 cm) |
| Diet |
Omnivore / Algae & Biofilm Grazing |
| Minimum Tank Size |
5 Gallons |
| Temperature Range |
68°F–74°F (20°C–23°C) |
| pH Range |
6.0–6.8 |
| General Hardness (GH) |
5-7 dGH |
| Carbonate Hardness (KH) |
0–2 dKH |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) |
130–160 ppm |
| Lifespan |
1–2 Years |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I properly acclimate my new freshwater shrimp to prevent shock?
Dwarf shrimp are sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters and total dissolved solids (TDS). Always drip acclimate new arrivals over 1 to 2 hours before releasing them into your tank. Follow our step-by-step tutorial in 7 Easy Steps to Drip Acclimate Shrimp and Fish for the perfect drip rate setup.
2. What substrate is best for keeping dwarf shrimp healthy?
It depends on the species! Neocaridina species thrive in inert substrates like gravel or sand, while Caridina species like Crystal Red Shrimp prefer active aquasoils that buffer pH down. Learn how to select the right foundation for your aquarium shrimp in our Best Substrate for Shrimp Guide.
3. How do I get my colony to start breeding?
As long as water parameters remain stable, temperatures stay in the low 70s, and adequate food is present, dwarf shrimp will breed naturally. To maximize baby shrimplet survival rates and learn how to support berried females, read our complete guide on How to Breed Freshwater Shrimp.
4. Are dwarf shrimp easy to care for if I am a beginner?
While Neocaridina species are great for beginners, Caridina species like Crystal Red Shrimp require precise soft-water conditions (low KH and active buffering soil). If you are just starting out, get a complete overview of parameters, diet, and setup requirements in our Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Care Guide.
