Crystal Red Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis
Also known as: Bee shrimp, crystal black shrimp, Crystal Black Shrimp, Golden Bee Shrimp, red bee shrimp
Boldly patterned dwarf shrimp that reward careful water chemistry with constant activity.
About
Crystal Red Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis) are probably the shrimp that pulled the most freshwater hobbyists into the dedicated world of dwarf shrimp keeping. Their vivid red and white banded pattern comes in a range of grades. From entry-level lower grades with irregular markings all the way up to the highly sought-after mosura and SSS grades with dense, clean coloration. Wild populations are found in parts of southern Asia, though virtually all specimens in the hobby today are captive bred, with decades of selective breeding responsible for the variety of grades and pattern types now available. In the tank, they are endlessly busy. Grazing across every surface, picking through substrate, and scaling plants and hardscape with surprising agility. Groups form loose social hierarchies and you will regularly observe molting and courtship behavior, especially in a stable, well-maintained setup. That stability is the key word here. Crystal Reds are not the most forgiving shrimp for beginners. They are sensitive to water quality fluctuations and do best when kept with consistent parameters over the long term. They are best housed in a species-only or carefully chosen community setup, as many common fish will happily snack on them. Get the conditions right, though, and a thriving colony is genuinely rewarding to watch.
Similar species
Other invertebrate you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Crystal Red Shrimp
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Crystal Red Shrimp get?
- The Crystal Red Shrimp reaches about 1β1.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Crystal Red Shrimp need?
- A minimum of 5 gallons is recommended for the Crystal Red Shrimp, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Crystal Red Shrimp need?
- The Crystal Red Shrimp does best with a temperature of 68β78Β°F, a pH of 6.2β7.4, hardness around 1β6 dGH.
- Is the Crystal Red Shrimp aggressive?
- The Crystal Red Shrimp is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Crystal Red Shrimp eat?
- The Crystal Red Shrimp is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Crystal Red Shrimp live?
- With good care, the Crystal Red Shrimp typically lives 1-2 years.