Preview of species to be covered
This guide will focus on intermediate to advanced freshwater shrimp species, providing detailed information on their care, requirements, and compatibility. We’ll be covering:
- Tiger Shrimp
- Crystal Red/Taiwan Bee Shrimp
- Cardinal Shrimp
Tiger Shrimp
Description and Varieties
Tiger shrimp (Caridina cantonensis) are known for their striking black and white striped patterns, resembling their namesake. Several varieties exist, including:
- Black Tiger
- Blue Tiger
- Orange Eye Blue Tiger (OEBT)
- Red Tiger
- Wild Type Tiger
Care requirements
- Water parameters: pH 6.0-7.0, temperature 68-78°F (20-26°C)
- TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 90-200 ppm
- Require soft, slightly acidic water
- Sensitive to nitrates; regular water changes essential
- Prefer densely planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots
Compatibility with other shrimp
- Can be kept with other Caridina species with similar water parameter requirements
- Not recommended to mix with Neocaridina species due to different water parameter needs
- Avoid keeping with larger, aggressive shrimp species or fish that may prey on them
Crystal Shrimp/Taiwan Bee Shrimp
Description (CRS and CBS): Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS) and Crystal Black Shrimp (CBS) are popular varieties of Caridina cantonensis. These shrimp are known for their striking coloration and intricate patterns.
Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS)
- Feature a white base color with red patches or bands
- Grading system based on the amount and intensity of red coloration (from C grade to SSS+ grade)
- Higher grades display more solid red coverage and clearer white areas
Crystal Black Shrimp (CBS)
- Similar pattern to CRS, but with a black coloration instead of red
- Also graded based on the intensity and coverage of black coloration
- Higher grades show more solid black areas and clearer white patches
Taiwan Bee Shrimp are selectively bred variants of Crystal shrimp, including:
- Blue Bolt
- Wine Red
- Ruby Red
- Pinto
- King Kong
Care requirements/Water parameters
- pH 5.8-6.8
- Temperature 68-74°F (20-23°C)
- TDS: 80-150 ppm
- GH: 4-6 dGH
- KH: 0-2 dKH
- Require soft, acidic water
- Very sensitive to nitrates; maintain levels below 5 ppm
- Prefer densely planted tanks with driftwood, leaf litter, and plenty of hiding spots
- Active buffering substrate is recommended to maintain a stable, acidic pH
Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi Shrimp)
Description: Cardinal Shrimp (Caridina dennerli), also known as Sulawesi Shrimp, are striking freshwater shrimp native to Lake Matano on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. They are characterized by:
- Vibrant red coloration with a white stripe running along the back
- Small white dots scattered across the body, resembling stars
- Grow to about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) in length
- Relatively larger and more active compared to many other Caridina species
Unique care requirements
- Water parameters: pH 7.5-8.5, temperature 78-86°F (26-30°C)
- GH: 8-12 dGH
- KH: 4-8 dKH
- TDS: 100-200 ppm
- Require hard, alkaline water unlike many other Caridina species
- Sensitive to nitrates; maintain levels below 10 ppm
- Prefer well-oxygenated water with moderate flow
- Thrive in tanks with rocky landscapes, mimicking their natural habitat
- Benefit from the addition of crushed coral or limestone to maintain water hardness
- Regular, small water changes (10-15% weekly) using properly prepared water
- A diet should include high-quality shrimp foods, blanched vegetables, and biofilm
Conservation status
- Classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List
- Native habitat (Lake Matano) is under threat from pollution and introduced species
- Wild populations have declined significantly in recent years
- Captive breeding efforts are crucial for the species’ survival
- Hobbyists are encouraged to purchase only captive-bred specimens
- Ongoing research and conservation efforts focus on protecting their natural habitat
- Responsible keeping and breeding in aquariums can contribute to conservation efforts
