Crystal Red Shrimp Care Guide: Appearance, Diet, Life | 2024

In the world of aquariums, there is a wide variety of different kinds of fish and other creatures that can be kept. Among these are shrimp, which can make an exciting addition to any tank.

Some people may be wondering what the best kind of shrimp to get is, and others may be curious about the Crystal Red Shrimp.

In this article, we will discuss everything there is to know about Crystal Red Shrimp.

Species Summary

Scientific Name:	Caridina cantonensis
Common Name:	Crystal Red Shrimp
Adult size:	1-1.5 inches
Origin:	Taiwan
Color Form:	Red & White
Tank requirements:	Moderately Priced
Food Type:	Omnivore
Temperament:	Peaceful
Tank Size:	10 gallons
Lifespan:	18 months
pH level:	5.8-7.4
Water Temperature:	70°-78°Fahrenheit
Water Hardness:	0-4 kH
Hardness Level:	Soft
Care Level:	Easy
Breeding:	Difficult

The Crystal Red Shrimp, scientific name Caridina Cantonensis, is a type of freshwater shrimp native to Taiwan. These shrimp can grow up to 1.5 inches in size and are a beautiful red. They are peaceful creatures and can be kept in tanks with other peaceful fish.

It is a beautiful and peaceful shrimp species and a great addition to any aquarium. They are easy to care for and can be kept in tanks with other fish with similar temperaments.

These shrimp should be kept in water temperatures between 70° to 78° Fahrenheit, and the pH level should be between 5.8 to 7.4. The water hardness should be soft, and the care level for these shrimp should be easy. These shrimp can be difficult to breed, however.

They are typically a reddish-brown color with a white underbelly. Crystal Red Shrimp is a popular choice for aquariums because of their attractive coloration and relatively peaceful temperament. They are famous aquarium shrimp due to their vibrant coloration and exciting behavior.

Crystal Red Shrimp are easy to care for and can be kept in tanks with other fish with similar temperaments. The water temperature for these shrimp should be moderate, and the pH level should be maintained as per requirements. The water hardness should be soft, and the care level for these shrimp should be easy.

Crystal Red Shrimp Appearance

Crystal Red Shrimp is a reddish-brown color with a white. They are typically 1 to 2 inches in size and can be kept in tanks with other fish with similar temperaments.

Males and females look very similar, so it is difficult to tell them apart. The males tend to be a bit smaller than the females and have slightly more pointed tails. However, the easiest way to determine the sex of these shrimp is by looking at their eggs.

Male shrimp produce small, translucent eggs, while female shrimp produce more giant, pink eggs. It is difficult to tell the gender, but the females are typically more extensive than the males. The male shrimp also have a small black dot on their tail.

Crystal Red Shrimp Lifespan

• Crystal Red Shrimp can live up to 2 years in captivity.
• It is not known how long Crystal Red Shrimp live in the wild.

Crystal Red Shrimp Behavior

Crystal Red Shrimp is a relatively passive shrimp, and they are not known to be aggressive towards other fish or shrimp. They can be kept with most other fish types with similar temperaments.

Crystal Red Shrimp Social Temperament

Crystal Red Shrimp can be kept in groups but does not need to be kept with other shrimp. They can be kept in tanks with other fish that have similar temperaments.

Crystal Red Shrimp Size And Growth Rate

Crystal Red Shrimp can grow up to 1 to 1.5 inches in size and are relatively slow-growing shrimp.

Crystal Red Shrimp Shedding And Body Patterning

It will typically shed its exoskeleton one or two times a year. As they shed their exoskeleton, their body patterning will change, and they will become darker in color.

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Crystal Red Shrimp Breeding

Breeding can be challenging, and how they reproduce is not known. It is believed that the male and female shrimp mate similarly to other shrimp species. The male will deposit his sperm into the female’s body, and she will then lay her eggs.

Crystal Red Shrimp can be difficult to breed in captivity. The males will produce small, translucent eggs, while the females will produce larger, pink eggs. How many eggs a female can lay at a time is unknown.

These eggs will typically hatch in around 24 hours. The eggs will hatch into tiny, white shrimp, similar to the adults. They will also have a white underbelly.

Crystal Red Shrimp Breeding Compatibility

Crystal red shrimp can be bred with most other types of shrimp, but breeding them with other species of crystal red shrimp can result in the offspring being infertile.

It can be bred with other species of shrimp with similar temperaments. However, whether they can breed with other types of fish is unknown.

Crystal Red Shrimp Gestation Period And Pregnancy Symptoms

Crystal Red Shrimp typically have a gestation period of around 30 days. There is no known way to determine if a female Crystal Red Shrimp is pregnant, but she will typically stop eating and become very sluggish about two weeks before she lays her eggs.

The eggs will hatch into tiny, white shrimp, similar to the adults. They will also have a white underbelly. The baby shrimp will grow to be around 1 inch in size and will take around six months to reach maturity.

What Is The Care Level For Baby Shrimp

The care level for baby shrimp is easy. The water hardness should be soft, and the care level for these shrimp should be easy. Baby shrimp can be kept in tanks with other fish with similar temperaments.

Feeding The Baby Shrimps

Crystal Red Shrimp can be fed various foods, including Brine shrimp, Daphnia, bloodworms, and tubifex.

How Crystal Red Shrimp Different From Other Shrimps

Crystal Red Shrimp are different from other shrimp in a few ways. They are the only type of shrimp that can change their body patterning and color as they mature. They are also the only type of shrimp that can be bred with other species.

These are a type of freshwater shrimp found in parts of Taiwan. They are a relatively new shrimp species, and they were first introduced to the aquarium trade in 2009. They get their name from their bright red and white color, which is especially noticeable when they are juveniles.

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Crystal Red Shrimp Care Guide

Here, we will share all steps to give our Crystal red shrimp the best care.

Crystal Red Shrimp Tank Size

It can be kept in tanks as small as 5 gallons, but they will do better in tanks that are 10 gallons or larger.

Crystal Red Shrimp Tankmates

It can be kept in tanks with other fish with similar temperaments. However, they should not be kept with aggressive fish or fish that eat shrimp.

Friendly Fishes And Shrimps are:

• Glass catfish
• Corydoras Catfish
• Neon Tetras
• Harlequin Rasbora
• Siamese Algae Eater
• Apple Snail
• Ghost Shrimp
• Amano Shrimp
• Cherry Shrimp

Crystal Red Shrimp Feeding

Crystal Red Shrimp can be fed various foods, including Brine shrimp, Daphnia, bloodworms, and tubifex.

Here are some good-quality shrimp pellets:

• Hikari Algae Wafers
• Wardley Shrimp Pellets
• TetraColor Mini Granules
• Ocean Nutrition Formula Two Flakes
• Hikari Sushi Nori Seaweed Sheets
• New Life Spectrum Cichlid Formula Pellets
• TetraVeggie Algae Wafers
• Omega One Veggie Crisps
• Raw beef heart
• Feeder fish
• Tubifex worms
• Bloodworms
• Earthworms
• Mosquito larvae
• Crustaceans (other than zooplankton)

Feeding Frequency And Schedule

Crystal red shrimp can be fed once a day, but they can also be fed twice a day.

• Feed them once a day or twice a day.
• Only feed them what they can eat in 5 minutes.
• Remove any uneaten food after 5 minutes.
• Rinse the vegetables before feeding them to your shrimp.

Tank Region

Crystal red shrimp can be found in the lower and middle regions of the tank. They are bottom dwellers and will spend most of their time at the bottom of the tank.

Crystal Red Shrimp Tank Decorations

They do not need unique tank decorations but will appreciate some live plants and driftwood.

Crystal Red Shrimp Heater

They require a moderate water temperature, so a heater may be necessary if the tank is kept in a cool room.

Here are some suggested heaters:

• Aqueon fish heater
• Fluval E series heater
• Marineland Stealth Heater
• Via Aqua Titanium Heater
• Zurcet Heater

Filter

Crystal Red Shrimp do not require a special filter, but a good quality filter is recommended to keep the water clean and healthy.

Here is a list of suggested filters:

• AquaClear 50 Power Filter
• Fluval C2 Power Filter
• Penn Plax Cascade 600 Submersible Aquarium Filter
• SunSun HW-302B Aquarium Fish Tank Power Filter
• Marineland Penguin 350B Power Filter

Lighting

Crystal Red Shrimp do not require special lighting, but a good quality light will help keep the tank healthy and lit.

Here are some good-quality lights:

• AquaTop LED aquarium light
• Finnex Planted+ 24/7 LED Aquarium Light
• Fluval EcoBright LED Strip Light

Placement

Crystal red shrimp should be placed in the lower and middle regions of the tank. They are bottom dwellers and will spend most of their time at the bottom of the tank.

Water changes

Crystal red shrimp do not require frequent water changes, but changing 25% of the water every two weeks is recommended.

Gravel Vacuuming

Crystal red shrimp do not require gravel vacuuming, but cleaning the gravel every two weeks is recommended.

Substrate

Crystal red shrimp do not require a particular substrate, but a good-quality substrate is recommended.

Here are some good-quality substrates:

• CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate
• Fluval Shrimp Stratum
• Jardin Water Garden Soil

Crystal Red Shrimp Water pH level

Crystal red shrimp do not require a specific pH level, but a pH of 5.8 to 7.4 is recommended.

Water Hardness And Water Temperature

Crystal red shrimp do not require a specific water hardness, but a water hardness of 0 to 4 KH is recommended. Crystal red shrimp require a water temperature of 70° to 78°F.

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Cleaning The Tank

Crystal red shrimp do not require frequent tank cleaning, but cleaning the tank every two weeks is recommended.

Here are some tips for cleaning a fish tank:

• Unplug the heater and filter before cleaning.
• Remove all of the decorations and gravel before cleaning.
• Clean the sides of the tank with a sponge.
• Clean the filter with a brush.
• Rinse the gravel in a bucket of water.
• Re-fill the tank with fresh water and add the decorations and gravel.
• Plug in the heater filter, and let the tank run for several hours before adding fish.

Ammonia levels

Crystal red shrimp do not require a specific ammonia level, but keeping the ammonia levels at 0 ppm is recommended.

Nitrates And Nitrites Level

Crystal red shrimp do not require a specific nitrate level, but keeping the nitrate levels at 20-40 ppm is recommended. Crystal red shrimp do not require a specific nitrite level, but it is recommended to keep the nitrite levels at 0 ppm

Oxygen Levels

Crystal red shrimp do not require a specific oxygen level, but keeping the oxygen levels at 6-8 ppm is recommended.

Protein Skimmer

Crystal red shrimp do not require a protein skimmer, but it is recommended to use a protein skimmer if you have a saltwater tank.

Suggested protein skimmers are:

• AquaC Remora Pro Protein Skimmer
• Reef Octopus Classic 110-SS Protein Skimmer
• Coralife SuperSkimmer 225 Protein Skimmer
• Bubble Magus QQ1 Protein Skimmer

Algae Control

Crystal red shrimp do not require algae control, but removing any algae from the tank with an algae scraper is recommended.

Potential Fish Diseases

Crystal red shrimp are not susceptible to any fish diseases, but it is always a good idea to quarantine new fish for at least two weeks before adding them to your main tank.

Some common fish diseases are:

• Ichthyophthirius multifile (ich): Ich is a highly contagious protozoan parasite that can affect all types of fish. Ich attacks the body’s cells and causes small white spots on the fish’s skin. The spots may also spread to the fins and gills.

The most common symptoms of ich are small white spots on the fish’s skin. The spots may also spread to the fins and gills.

• Columnaris: Columnaris is a bacterial infection that affects the gills, fins, and mouth of fish. It is a highly contagious disease that can be fatal if not treated.

The most common symptoms of Columnaris are lesions or white patches on the fish’s gills, fins, and mouth. The lesions may also spread to the body of the fish.

• Dropsy: Dropsy is a bacterial infection that affects fish’s internal organs. It is a highly contagious disease that can be fatal if not treated.

The most common symptoms of dropsy are a swollen body, protruding scales, and loss of appetite. The fish may also have a bloated stomach and sunken eyes.

• Fin Rot: Fin Rot is a bacterial infection that affects fish fins. It is a highly contagious disease that can be fatal if not treated.

The most common symptoms of fin rot are ragged or torn fins, red streaks in the fins, and white patches on the fins. The fins may also become discolored and brittle.

• Velvet: Velvet is a protozoan parasite that affects the skin of fish. It is a highly contagious disease that can be fatal if not treated.

The most common symptoms of velvet are a yellowish or brownish film on the fish’s skin. The film may also spread to the fins and gills.

• White Spot Disease: White Spot Disease is a protozoan parasite that affects the skin and gills of fish. It is a highly contagious disease that can be fatal if not treated.

The most common symptoms of white spot disease are small white spots on the skin and gills of the fish. The spots may also spread to the fins and bodies of the fish.

• Mycobacterium marinum: Mycobacterium marinum is a bacterial infection that affects fish skin. It is a rare disease that can be fatal if not treated.

The most common symptoms of mycobacterium marinum are sores or lesions on the fish’s skin. The lesions may also spread to the fins and gills.

• Ichthyobodo necator: Ichthyobodo necator is a protozoan parasite that affects the gastrointestinal tract of fish. It is a rare disease that can be fatal if not treated.

The most common symptoms of ichthyobodo necator are loss of appetite, weight loss, and black streaks in the fins and body of the fish.

• Aphanomycesinvidiosus: Aphanomycesinvidiosus is a protozoan parasite that affects the skin and fins of fish. It is a rare disease that can be fatal if not treated.

The most common symptoms of aphanomycesinvidiosus are white patches on the skin and fins of the fish. The patches may also spread to the body of the fish.

• Cryptosporidium: Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that affects the gastrointestinal tract of fish. It is a rare disease that can be fatal if not treated.

The most common symptoms of cryptosporidium are loss of appetite, weight loss, and diarrhea. The fish may also have a swollen stomach.

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Crystal Red Shrimp Treatment And Medications For Diseases

Several different medications and treatments can be used to treat fish diseases. Most common medications and treatments include antibiotics, antifungals, and antiparasitics.

You must seek veterinary help if you suspect your fish have a disease. Veterinary help can provide you with the best possible treatment for your fish.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for fish diseases. The type of treatment and medications will vary depending on the disease.

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are a standard treatment for bacterial infections. They can be administered as pills, injections, or baths.

• Ichthyophthirius: Ichthyophthirius is a standard treatment for ichthyphthiriasis, a protozoan parasite that affects the skin and gills of fish. It can be administered through pills, injections, or baths.

• Metronidazole: Metronidazole is a standard treatment for cryptosporidium, a protozoan parasite that affects the gastrointestinal tract of fish. It can be administered through pills, injections, or baths.

• Praziquantel: Praziquantel is a standard treatment for ichthyobodo necator, a protozoan parasite that affects the gastrointestinal tract of fish. It can be administered through pills, injections, or baths.

• Formalin: Formalin is a standard treatment for aphanomycesinvidiosus, a protozoan parasite that affects the skin and fins of fish. It can be administered in the form of baths.

• Algaecide: Algaecide is a standard treatment for velvet, a protozoan parasite that affects fish skin. It can be administered in the form of baths.

• Salt: Salt is a standard treatment for white spot disease, a protozoan parasite that affects the skin and gills of fish. It can be administered in the form of baths.

• Copper sulfate: Copper sulfate is a standard treatment for mycobacterium marinum, a bacterial infection that affects fish skin. It can be administered in the form of baths.

• UV light: UV light is a standard treatment for aphanomycesinvidiosus, a protozoan parasite that affects the skin and fins of fish. It can be administered in the form of baths.

• Quarantine: Quarantine is a common practice to prevent the spread of fish diseases. It involves isolating sick fish from healthy fish to prevent the disease from spreading.

• Vaccination: Vaccination is a common way to prevent fish diseases. It involves vaccinating healthy fish against certain diseases to help them resist infection.

• Sanitation: Sanitation is a common way to prevent the spread of fish diseases. It involves cleaning and disinfecting tanks, nets, and other equipment to kill bacteria or parasites.

• Diet: A healthy diet is essential for preventing fish diseases. A balanced diet gives the fish the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

It is essential to be aware of the common diseases that can affect freshwater fish so that you can recognize the symptoms and seek treatment if necessary.

Advantages Of Having Crystal Red Shrimp In Your Tank

• Beautiful: They are a beautiful addition to any tank. They add color and interest to the tank.
• Educational: It can be a great teaching tool for children. They are a fun way to learn about the biology and ecology of fish.
• Easy To Care For: This is one of the easiest shrimp to care for. They require moderate care and can be kept in most tanks.
• Low Maintenance: They are low maintenance, making them a good choice for those who don’t have much time to spend in their tank.
• Versatile: It can be used in various tank setups. They can be used in the community, planted, and in reef tanks.
• They are hardy shrimp species that can tolerate various water conditions.
• Affordable: This is one of the most affordable shrimp on the market. They can be purchased for a fraction of the price of other shrimp.
• Easy To Breed: This is one of the easiest to breed. They can be bred in a home aquarium with little effort.
• Applicable: It can be used for various purposes, such as food, bait, and even as a pet.
• Fun: This is fun to watch and interact with. They are active and playful and add much interest to the tank.
• Scavenging: They are scavengers and will help clean up the tank of any excess food or waste.

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Disadvantages Of Having Crystal Red Shrimp In Your Tank

• They Can Be Predatory: They can be predatory and may eat smaller fish or invertebrates in the tank.
• They Can Be cannibalistic: It can be cannibalistic and may eat other species members.
• They Produce Waste: They produce a lot of waste, which can contaminate the water and cause problems for the other fish in the tank.
• They Require Care: They require intermediate care, which may be too much for some people.
• They Are Sensitive To Copper: They are sensitive to copper and can die if exposed to high levels of copper.
• They Are Susceptible To Disease: They are susceptible to various fish diseases and can get sick if not properly cared for.
• They Can Be Stressful: They can be stressful to watch, mainly when another fish attacks them.
• They Require A Specific Tank Setup: They require a specific tank setup and cannot be kept in any tank.
• They Are Limited In Size: They are limited and may not be suitable for larger tanks.
• They Can Be Expensive: They can be expensive and may not be within the budget of everyone.

Conclusion

Crystal red shrimp is a beautiful and exciting addition to any tank. They are easy to care for and can be used in various tank setups. They are also a hardy species that is resistant to most fish diseases.

While they have many advantages, they also have disadvantages, such as their predatory nature and tendency to produce waste. Overall, crystal red shrimp is an excellent choice for those looking for exciting and affordable shrimp.

This concludes the article. We hope you found it helpful and informative. Thanks for reading!