Red Pinto Shrimp Mix
Species Overview
Common Name: Red Pinto Shrimp
Scientific Name: Caridina Cantonensis
Genus: Caridina
Wild Origin: Selective Breed
Adult Size: 1 in
**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.
The Red Pinto Shrimp Mix is a high-energy collection of freshwater shrimp resulting from the cross-breeding of Tiger and Taiwan Bee shrimp. This mix is perfect for the hobbyist who appreciates the diversity of the Pinto line, as it includes various patterns such as Zebra stripes, Spotted Heads, and Skunk or Cloud markings. Each specimen features a brilliant ruby-red base contrasted against opaque white spotting or banding. Adding a mix to your shrimp tank creates a dynamic, ever-changing visual display as different patterns interact and move throughout the scape.
As aquatic pets, Red Pintos are diligent scavengers, spending their day grazing on biofilm, algae, and organic debris. While they are peaceful and social, they are more sensitive to water fluctuations than standard species due to their specialized genetics. They thrive in a dedicated shrimp aquarium with soft, acidic water and an active buffering substrate. This mix provides an excellent "genetic toolkit" for hobbyists looking to start their own Pinto breeding project at a great value.
Key Features & Important Notes
- Tank raised specimen
- Unsexed juveniles
- Features the classic ruby-red and crisp white color combination.
- To increase survival rates, please allow 2-3 business days after an order is placed to properly prepare live animal shipments.
Recommended Water Parameters
- Temperature Range: 68–76°F
- pH: 5.5-6.7
- TDS: 90-120
- GH: 3-6
- KH: 0-1
Recommended Tank Size
5+ gallons, minimum. We recommend a 10–20 gallon shrimp aquarium for this mix to ensure a larger body of water, which is much easier to keep chemically stable.
Diet
Omnivorous. Red Pintos primarily feed on naturally occurring biofilm and diatoms. Supplement their diet with high-quality plant-based pellets, bee pollen, and blanched vegetables. Mineral supplements are essential for ensuring successful molting and healthy shell development.
Breeding
Red Pinto Shrimp are eager breeders once established in a stable environment. Sexing becomes clearer as they mature; females are larger and possess a wider tail to carry eggs. Because this is a Pinto Mix, breeding these individuals together can result in a fascinating array of offspring patterns. To ensure a successful colony, we recommend starting with 8–10 specimens.
The breeding cycle begins when a fertile female molts and releases pheromones, triggering a "breeding frenzy" among the males. Once "berried," the female carries the eggs for approximately 30 days. To maximize fry survival, ensure the tank has plenty of hiding spots like mosses or Cholla wood. Always leave molted shells in the tank so the colony can recycle the calcium and minerals essential for their development.
Team Buce Plant Tips
If you're new to the hobby, learn the fundamentals with our Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Care Guide. Before introducing your new livestock into a new tank, learn about the perfect drip rate and timing in 7 Easy Steps to Drip Acclimate Shrimp and Fish. Whether you need active soil or inert sand, you can find the perfect fit to stabilize your parameters in our Best Substrate for Shrimp Guide. When your tank is balanced and your colony is thriving, check out our step-by-step breakdown on How to Breed Freshwater Shrimp.