Black Pinto Shrimp
Common Name: Black Pinto Shrimp
Caridina Cantonensis
Care: Intermediate - Difficult
Temperature Range:64-76 F
pH: 6.0-7.5
TDS: 100-200 ppm
GH: 4 - 6 dGH
KH: 0 - 2 dKH
Life Span: 1 - 2 years
Size: 0.75 - 1.25”
Diet: Omnivore
Habitat: Freshwater, Fully Aquatic
Breeding: Easy
Gestation Period: 30 Days
Our Water Parameters:
Temperature Range: 68-76 F
pH: 6.0-6.5
TDS:100-150
GH: 3 - 5
KH: 0 - 2
Size: .75 - .95"
Tank Raised
To ensure live arrival, free shipping does not apply to shrimp orders which will be sent via Fedex Overnight. We guarantee live arrival and will provide coverage in the unfortunate event of DOA. In order to receive a refund on DOA, please send us a photos of the dead shrimp in their original bag clearly showing the dead shrimp within two hours of package delivery.
*To increase survival rates, please allow us 2-3 business days to prepare your shrimp shipment.
The Pinto Shrimp is a stunning addition to a freshwater aquarium. These shrimp are very rare and valuable. As with most shrimp that have been inbred for desirable characteristics, Pinto Shrimp are difficult to keep.
Pinto Shrimp are a type of Taitibee, which is a “mischling” or crossbreed. Tibee shrimp were created by crossing either a Tiger Shrimp with a Taiwan Bee Shrimp, or a Tiger Shrimp and a Crystal Red or Black Shrimp. Taitibee and Pinto Shrimp are the result of crossing a Tibee Shrimp back to a Taiwan Bee. Pinto Shrimp display three different color variations: zebra, spotted head, and “fancy”—cloud or skunk pattern. These shrimp can exhibit these patterns in black and white or red and white. Sexing Pinto Shrimp can be somewhat difficult until the shrimp begin to mature. Female shrimp have slightly larger tails and display a “saddle” formation on the upper body, behind the head, where eggs are stored before fertilization. The saddle can be nearly impossible to identify on this shrimp due to its dark coloration. When female shrimp are “berried”, or have eggs ready for fertilization, the saddle shape will appear more prominent. Once the shrimp are fully-grown the males will be smaller than the females.
Pinto Shrimp are very sensitive to water conditions, as with many shrimp that are the result of inbreeding for desirable characteristics. It is recommended to use a larger tank for these shrimp, at least 25 gallons. This is in part because it is easier to maintain consistent parameters in a larger tank. Having completely clean, almost drinkable, water is necessary to keep Pinto Shrimp healthy. There is conflicting information on the best water parameters for these shrimp. They may prefer warmer conditions and neutral pH, but these conditions are not ideal because they can breed nasty pathogens that threaten the shrimp. There is evidence that low temperature and pH helps protect the shrimp from disease, rather than being their preferential environment.
Pinto Shrimp are herbivores, and need a controlled diet of blanched spinach or vegetarian shrimp feed. Be sure to remove any excess food that is left after feeding, as this can increase ammonia and nitrite levels. Excess food means that the shrimp are being overfed, which can damage their health and even kill them. When your shrimp molt out of their shell, make sure to leave the shells in the tank. They provide the necessary calcium in the shrimp’s diet.
Breeding Pinto Shrimp will depend on the line it came from, and what type of shrimp you will breed them to. You’ll want to get some information from the source of your Pinto Shrimp on their particular genetic history.
Pinto Shrimp make an impressive addition to an experienced shrimp hobbyist’s aquarium. If you are looking for the challenge of keeping a very rare and coveted shrimp, Pinto Shrimp may be for you. Although these shrimp require more care and attention, keeping these stunning and active shrimp can be extremely rewarding.