{"product_id":"crystal-red-shrimp-caridina-cantonensis","title":"Crystal Red Shrimp | Caridina cantonensis","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Crystal Red Shrimp is one of the most iconic ornamental shrimp in the hobby, prized for its bold banding of vivid red and snow-white segments. Compact and eye-catching at 2.5-3.5cm, it is a centrepiece species for dedicated nano and planted shrimp tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrystal Red Shrimp are a selectively bred colour form of Caridina cantonensis, whose wild ancestors are found in slow-moving freshwater streams across southern China (Guangdong), Hong Kong and Taiwan. The Crystal Red variant itself does not occur in the wild and was developed by breeders in Japan from the wild-type \"bee shrimp\".\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlternating bands of deep red and bright white run across the body, with pattern quality and coverage graded from lower Grade C up to premium SSS+ show grade. Females grow noticeably larger and broader than males, particularly across the underside where they carry eggs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA naturally timid prey species, Crystal Red Shrimp forage constantly and appreciate dense planting and hiding spots such as moss, driftwood and leaf litter. They are entirely peaceful towards tankmates and other shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn omnivorous grazer, feeding on algae and aufwuchs throughout the day. Supplement with a high-quality shrimp-specific food, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein such as frozen bloodworm or brine shrimp to support colour and breeding condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eConsiderably more demanding than Neocaridina cherry shrimp, Crystal Reds need soft, slightly acidic and very stable water, along with a mature, fully cycled tank. A minimum of 19-38 litres (5-10 US gallons) is recommended, with an active\/buffering substrate favoured by many breeders. They are extremely sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, copper and sudden shifts in temperature or chemistry, so frequent small water changes with matched parameters are essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemales carry eggs for roughly 30 days before they hatch directly into fully formed miniature shrimp, with no larval stage. Shrimplets reach breeding maturity at around 70 days. Grading and pattern quality of offspring can vary considerably, which is part of the appeal for dedicated breeders.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCaridina cantonensis \"Crystal Red\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCrystal Red Shrimp (CRS)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelectively bred variant; ancestral species native to southern China, Hong Kong and Taiwan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.5-2 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19L (5 US gal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e38L+ (10 US gal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore (algae, biofilm, shrimp-specific foods, blanched vegetables)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18-24°C (65-75°F)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.0-7.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4-6 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFreshwater only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExperienced shrimp keepers, dedicated shrimp and planted tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eN\/A (Freshwater species)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest kept with other Caridina cantonensis varieties sharing the same soft-water requirements, and peaceful snails such as nerites. Species-only setups are the safest and most popular choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid Neocaridina (cherry) shrimp, which require different water hardness and can compete for food, along with any fish, crayfish or aggressive tankmates that may eat or stress them.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55411437994275,"sku":"AA6315","price":24.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/crystal-red-shrimp-caridina-sp-3006013-600.jpg?v=1785804767","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/crystal-red-shrimp-caridina-cantonensis","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}