{"product_id":"red-galaxy-shrimp-boneback-mixed-grade-caridina-cantonensis","title":"Red Galaxy Shrimp (Boneback, Mixed Grade) | Caridina cantonensis","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRed Galaxy Boneback Shrimp are a striking ornamental bee shrimp variety, combining a dark red base with fine white \"galaxy\" speckling and a broken boneback stripe along the spine. Sold as mixed grade, each group shows a full spread of pattern intensities, from lightly marked individuals through to heavily patterned show-quality specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eLike other Galaxy shrimp, this is a selectively bred strain with no wild population, developed by breeders (originating in Taiwan) crossing Caridina cantonensis (Taiwan Bee) and Caridina mariae (Tiger shrimp) lines. Ancestral populations of both species are native to slow-flowing streams of southern China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA deep red-to-black base colour is overlaid with white speckled \"galaxy\" dots and an irregular, broken boneback stripe running down the back. As a mixed grade, pattern coverage, dot density and overall quality vary noticeably from shrimp to shrimp within the group. Adults reach roughly 2.5-3cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeaceful and timid, Red Galaxy shrimp spend most of their time grazing quietly and are easily outcompeted for food. Most keepers house them in dedicated, species-only shrimp tanks to avoid stress and competition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeeds on biofilm and algae throughout the day; supplement with a high-quality shrimp-specific food, occasional frozen artemia to condition for breeding, and leaf litter such as Indian almond leaf for grazing surface and tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eConsiderably more sensitive than Neocaridina cherry shrimp, this line needs soft, slightly acidic, very stable water in a fully matured, cycled tank. Remineralised RO water and an active, pH-buffering substrate are commonly used to hold parameters steady. A minimum of 40 litres (10 US gallons) is recommended, with stable temperature and chemistry essential to avoid stress-related losses.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemales carry 20-30 eggs for about four weeks before they hatch directly into fully formed miniature shrimp, with no larval stage. Because the galaxy\/boneback pattern is polygenic, offspring vary considerably in grade, which is part of the appeal of keeping a mixed-grade group for breeding projects.\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 \"Red Galaxy\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRed Galaxy Boneback Shrimp (Mixed Grade)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelectively bred strain (Taiwan); 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\u003e3cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1-2 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\/Advanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40L (10 US gal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60L+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore (biofilm, algae, shrimp-specific foods)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20-25°C (68-77°F)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.5-6.8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-6 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 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 alone or with other Caridina cantonensis pattern varieties sharing the same soft-water requirements, plus nerite snails. Avoid mixing with other colour\/pattern lines if maintaining pure genetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid Neocaridina (cherry) shrimp, which need different, harder water and compete for resources, as well as any fish, crayfish or boisterous tankmates that could eat or stress this sensitive shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55411437076771,"sku":"AA6313","price":29.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/red-galaxy-boneback-mix-grade-3006626-600.jpg?v=1785804738","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/red-galaxy-shrimp-boneback-mixed-grade-caridina-cantonensis","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}