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About Crystal Red Shrimp

Crystal Red Shrimp are one of the most iconic freshwater ornamental shrimp, recognised for their striking red and white banded pattern. They are a selectively bred colour form of Caridina cantonensis and are highly sought after by shrimp keepers and aquascapers.

Their bright red and white markings create a beautiful contrast against dark substrate, mosses, driftwood and green aquarium plants. Individual shrimp can vary considerably in the amount and intensity of red and white coverage, with higher-grade specimens displaying more solid and opaque colouration.

Crystal Red Shrimp are more sensitive to water conditions than hardy Neocaridina varieties. They perform best in a mature, stable aquarium with soft, slightly acidic water, consistent temperature and low levels of pollutants.

They spend much of their time grazing on biofilm, algae and microorganisms growing across plants and hardscape. A mature planted aquarium with moss and plenty of natural grazing surfaces is ideal.

With stable conditions and a suitable setup, Crystal Red Shrimp can breed readily. Females carry their eggs beneath the abdomen until fully developed shrimplets hatch.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Caridina cantonensis
Common Name: Crystal Red Shrimp / CRS
Type: Freshwater Dwarf Shrimp
Adult Size: Approximately 2–3 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Intermediate
Minimum Group: 6+
Temperature: 20–24°C
pH: 5.8–6.8
Water Hardness: Soft
Diet: Omnivore / Biofilm Grazer
Tank Level: All Levels
Suitable For: Shrimp tanks, planted aquariums, aquascapes and peaceful nano setups

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Crystal Red Shrimp suitable for beginners?

They are generally better suited to aquarists with some shrimp-keeping experience. Compared with Neocaridina, Crystal Red Shrimp are more sensitive to water hardness, temperature and sudden parameter changes.

What water do Crystal Red Shrimp need?

They generally prefer soft, slightly acidic water with stable parameters. Using an appropriate shrimp substrate and remineralised RO water can make maintaining suitable conditions easier.

Can Crystal Red Shrimp live with fish?

They can be kept with peaceful nano fish, but fish may eat shrimplets. For the best breeding results, a dedicated shrimp aquarium is recommended.

What do Crystal Red Shrimp eat?

They naturally graze on biofilm and algae. Supplement their diet with quality shrimp foods and occasional vegetable-based foods.

Can Crystal Red Shrimp breed in an aquarium?

Yes. Once established in suitable conditions, they can breed and females carry eggs beneath their abdomen until the shrimplets hatch.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in unsuitable hard water
Crystal Red Shrimp generally require much softer water than Neocaridina.

Sudden parameter changes
Stability is extremely important. Large changes in temperature, pH or mineral content can stress or kill shrimp.

Adding them to a new aquarium
A mature aquarium with established biofilm is strongly recommended.

Overfeeding
Excess food can quickly affect water quality. Feed small amounts and remove uneaten food.

Using copper-containing medications
Copper can be highly toxic to shrimp. Always check medication ingredients before treating a shrimp aquarium.