Crystal Red Shrimp spotlight: care and breeding

The Crystal Red Shrimp (Caridina sp. 'Crystal Red') is one of the most well-known and beloved shrimp in the hobby – and for good reason. The red and white pattern makes each specimen unique, and it's precisely this variation that breeders and collectors adore.

Origin and Appearance

The Crystal Red is a cultivated color variant of Caridina Cantonensis, originally from Southern China and Taiwan. It is the red and white counterpart to the Bee shrimp (black and white). Breeders classify Crystal Reds into grades (S to SSS+) based on the amount of white and the purity of the markings – the more and purer white, the higher the grade and the more valuable the animal.

Water Parameters

As a Caridina species, the Crystal Red Shrimp is more sensitive than the more common Neocaridina species. Maintain the following values:

• GH: 4-6
• KH: 0-2
• pH: 6.0-7.0
• Temperature: 20-24°C - avoid higher temperatures, Crystal Reds are more sensitive to these than most shrimp

New to Caridina species? First read our guide Neocaridina vs Caridina to determine if this is the right species for your aquarium.

Aquarium Setup

Crystal Reds love a densely planted aquarium with plenty of moss and hiding places. Java moss and other moss species not only provide cover but also a surface full of biofilm they graze on all day. Use a nutrient-poor, soft substrate – a special shrimp substrate also buffers the water towards the desired lower pH.

Feeding

Crystal Reds graze on biofilm and algae most of the day, but benefit from supplementary food such as Hikari Shrimp Cuisine or Sera Shrimp Granules. Feed sparingly – excess food quickly degrades water quality in a sensitive shrimp tank.

Breeding

With stable, correct water parameters, Crystal Reds breed well. Females carry the eggs under their tails (also known as 'berried') until the young hatch after 3 to 4 weeks as miniature versions of the adults. For the best breeding results:

• Keep the tank stable – avoid large fluctuations in temperature and water parameters
• Ensure plenty of moss and hiding places for the vulnerable young shrimp
• Do not add fish that might see the small shrimp as a snack
• If you want to breed pure grades? Keep only Crystal Reds together, separated from other Caridina species to prevent cross-breeding

Combining with other species

Crystal Reds can be kept well with other Caridina species such as the Pinochio Shrimp, as long as the water parameters match. Do not combine them with Neocaridina species in a breeding tank: the two genera do not interbreed, but they do compete for the same niche and food.

Still in doubt?

Feel free to visit our store in Heinkenszand for personal advice on setting up a Crystal Red aquarium, or ask your question via chat.