Red Calceo Shrimp

Common Name: Red Calceo Shrimp, Yellow Calceo, Golden Dragon Shrimp
Scientific Name: Caridina cantonensis
Genus: Caridina
Wild Origin: Selective Breed (Taiwan Bee Hybrid)
Adult Size: 1-1.25in

**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 Calceo Shrimp, also known as the Golden Dragon or Red Dragon Shrimp, is a species valued for its translucent golden‑yellow body and vivid crimson “dragon” stripes. Unlike standard striped shrimp, the Calceo’s markings often look like flickering flames or lightning, making each individual a unique work of art. Because of their rare color palette and high-contrast look, they are quite popular among hobbyists.

These freshwater shrimp are as active as they are beautiful. They are diligent scavengers that spend their time scouring the tank for biofilm and algae. However, due to their specialized hybrid genetics, they are more sensitive than standard freshwater shrimp. They require a dedicated setup with soft, acidic water and an active buffering substrate to maintain the stability needed for their long-term health and vibrant "dragon" pigmentation.

Check out our guide on the different substrates that can help achieve ideal water parameters for these shrimp: Best Substrate for Shrimp.

Key Features & Important Notes

• Tank raised specimen
• Unsexed juveniles
• Bright, bold colors
• 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: 6.0-6.5
• TDS: 100-150 ppm
• GH: 3-5 dGH
• KH: 0-2 dKH

Recommended Tank Size
10+ gallons. While they can be kept in smaller tanks, the sensitive nature of Red Calceos makes a 10-gallon or larger shrimp tank the best choice for maintaining the rock-solid water stability they require.

Diet
Omnivorous. Red Calceos primarily feed on naturally occurring biofilm and diatoms. To support their health and striking red-on-gold colors, supplement their diet with high-quality plant-based pellets, bee pollen, and blanched vegetables.

Breeding
Red Calceo Shrimp are rewarding to breed for the intermediate to advanced hobbyist. Like other Caridina hybrids, they require pristine water conditions to trigger spawning. Sexing is easiest at maturity; females are larger and exhibit a more curved underbelly for carrying eggs. To ensure a successful colony, we recommend starting with 8–10 specimens.

The breeding cycle begins when a fertile female molts and releases pheromones. Once "berried," she carries the eggs for approximately 30 days. Because they are a hybrid line, the offspring may show variations in stripe density, allowing you to selectively breed for your favorite "Dragon" look. Always leave molted shells in the tank so the colony can recycle essential minerals.

Check out our blog article to learn how to breed freshwater shrimp.