Shadow Panda Shrimp

Biosecurity Shipping Limitations apply

Shipping Allowed?

Shadow Panda Shrimp are a striking high-grade freshwater shrimp prized for their bold black-and-white colouration and contrasting patterns. They are a selectively bred Caridina shrimp and are particularly popular among dedicated shrimp keepers and planted aquarium enthusiasts.

Their dark pigmentation can range from deep black to smoky charcoal, contrasted against white areas across the body and tail. Individual patterning can vary, making each shrimp slightly different.

Shadow Panda Shrimp are best kept in mature, stable aquariums with clean, well-oxygenated water and plenty of biofilm. Mosses, plants, driftwood and other surfaces provide valuable grazing areas and shelter.

They are peaceful and can be kept in shrimp-only aquariums or carefully selected community tanks. Because they are a specialised Caridina variety, stable parameters and relatively soft, mineral-balanced water are important for long-term health and successful moulting.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Caridina sp.
• Common Name: Shadow Panda Shrimp
• Type: Freshwater dwarf shrimp
• Adult Size: Approximately 2–3 cm
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Moderate to Advanced
• Minimum Aquarium: 20 litres
• Temperature: 20–24°C
• pH: 5.8–6.8
• Water Hardness: Soft
• GH: Approximately 4–6 dGH
• KH: Approximately 0–2 dKH
• Diet: Biofilm, algae, shrimp foods and blanched vegetables
• Tank Level: All levels, primarily surfaces and substrate
• Group Size: 6 or more
• Breeding: Freshwater breeder
• Suitable For: Shrimp tanks and mature planted aquariums
• Reef Safe: Not applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Shadow Panda Shrimp suitable for beginners?

They are more demanding than Neocaridina shrimp because they require stable, soft and carefully mineralised water. They are best suited to aquarists comfortable maintaining Caridina parameters.

What water parameters do Shadow Panda Shrimp need?

They generally prefer soft, slightly acidic water with low KH and moderate GH. Stability is more important than chasing exact numbers.

Can Shadow Panda Shrimp live with fish?

They can, but a dedicated shrimp aquarium is preferable for breeding. Small peaceful fish may still eat shrimplets.

What do Shadow Panda Shrimp eat?

They naturally graze on biofilm and algae. Supplement this with a quality shrimp food, mineral-rich foods and occasional blanched vegetables.

Do Shadow Panda Shrimp breed in freshwater?

Yes. They are fully freshwater breeders. Females carry eggs beneath their abdomen until fully developed miniature shrimp hatch.

Can Shadow Panda Shrimp be kept with other Caridina?

Yes, although different Caridina lines can interbreed. If maintaining a specific colour or breeding line, keeping compatible shrimp separately is recommended.

Common Mistakes

• Keeping them in hard, alkaline water.
• Allowing ammonia or nitrite to become detectable.
• Making rapid changes to GH, KH or temperature.
• Overfeeding the aquarium.
• Keeping them with fish that actively hunt shrimp.
• Adding them to a newly established aquarium with insufficient biofilm.