Crystal Red Shrimp (S-SS Grade)
Species Profile
Crystal Red Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis) are iconic freshwater aquarium shrimp with candy-cane bands of dense, porcelain white and vibrant crimson. S to SS grades showcase intensely opaque scarlet and porcelain-white blocks with virtually zero translucent gaps. These active freshwater aquarium shrimp cruise moss canopies and hardscape, constantly harvesting biofilm without damaging delicate foliage or disturbing rooted carpet plants. While they look striking against dark aquarium soil, keeping these tiny critters happy requires respecting their soft, acidic preferences and precise water parameters, so 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 extra insulation needs to be added to your cart for your livestock.
Key Features & Notes
- High-grade S-SS specimens boasting thick, opaque crimson and porcelain-white banding.
- Active, plant-safe grazer that scours biofilm and soft algae without uprooting delicate carpet runners.
- Prestigious Caridina strain prized by aquascapers for dedicated soft-water nano tanks.
Care Specifications
- Use an active buffering aquarium soil to stabilize water chemistry.
- Keep water temperature regulated between 68°F and 74°F (20°C to 23°C); warm water causes severe stress and bacterial issues.
- Maintain a steady TDS of 130 to 160 ppm and perform slow, measured water changes to avoid molting shock.
- Keep water parameters strictly free of copper-based medications, heavy metals, and sudden parameter swings.
- Supplement their diet with specialized Caridina foods, mineral rocks, and bacter powder when natural biofilm runs low.
- Provide textured hardscape like lava rock or mosses to maximize surface area for beneficial biofilm growth and shrimplet shelter.
- Leave molted shells in the tank so fry and adults can ingest essential minerals for growth.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy livestock!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Caridina cantonensis |
| Common Name(s) | Crystal Red Shrimp, CRS, Bee Shrimp (S-SS Grade) |
| Family | Atyidae |
| Care Difficulty | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Diet | Omnivore (Biofilm, soft algae, sinking micro pellets, blanched vegetables) |
| Plant Safe | Yes (Safe with delicate mosses, stems, and foreground carpets) |
| Temperament | Peaceful bottom and hardscape grazer |
| Adult Size | 1.0"–1.25" (2.5–3.2 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5+ Gallons (10+ Gallons recommended for stable chemistry) |
| Water Parameters | pH 5.8–6.6 | GH 4–6 | KH 0–1 | 68°F–74°F (20°C–23°C) | TDS 130–160 ppm |
| Freshwater Breeding | Yes (Prolific live shrimplet producer in stable soft water) |
| Origin | Japan, Taiwan (Selective domestic captive-bred strain) |
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 TDS. Drip acclimate new arrivals slowly over 1 to 2 hours using airline tubing. Follow our step-by-step tutorial in 7 Easy Steps to Drip Acclimate Shrimp and Fish.
2. What substrate is best for keeping dwarf shrimp healthy?
Neocaridina do best on inert substrates like sand or gravel that do not alter pH. Caridina species require active buffering aquarium soil to maintain low pH and pull out carbonate hardness. Learn how to choose the right foundation in our Best Substrate for Shrimp Guide.
3. How do I get my colony to start breeding?
Keep parameters steady, maintain temperatures around 70°F to 72°F, and keep water clean. Females carry fertilized eggs beneath their tails for about 30 days before miniature shrimplets hatch. 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 thrive in conditioned tap water, Caridina species like Crystal Red Shrimp require remineralized RO/DI water and buffering aquarium soil. If you are starting out, get a complete overview of setups and parameters in our Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Care Guide.