Crystal Red Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
1 inches
Temperature
68-75°F (20-24°C)
pH Range
5.8-6.8
Lifespan
2 years
School Size
10+ fish
About Crystal Red Shrimp
The crystal red shrimp is a stunning ornamental shrimp bred from the wild bee shrimp of southern China and Hong Kong. Through meticulous selective breeding, this variety displays bold alternating bands of opaque white and deep red on a translucent body. Grading ranges from lower grades with more transparent areas to the prized SSS grade with solid, symmetrical red and white bands. Crystal red shrimp are the pinnacle of freshwater shrimp keeping, commanding high prices for top-grade specimens and requiring more precise water parameters than other common shrimp species. They are the result of a single naturally occurring red mutation discovered by Japanese breeder Hisayasu Suzuki in 1996, from which all crystal red shrimp descend.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 68-75°F (20-24°C)
- • pH: 5.8 - 6.8
- • Category: Shrimp
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Crystal red shrimp require very specific water parameters: soft, acidic water with a pH of 5.8-6.8, GH 4-6, KH 0-2, and TDS 100-200. Temperature should be 68-74°F. Use active buffering substrate like ADA Amazonia or similar to maintain acidic conditions. They are extremely sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, copper, and parameter fluctuations. Use remineralized RO water for water changes to ensure consistency. Keep them in a species-only or shrimp-only tank with plenty of moss and biofilm surfaces. Feed sparingly with specialized shrimp foods. Crystal red shrimp are challenging but rewarding for dedicated shrimp keepers. Breeding selectively for higher grades requires patience and culling.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
3cm
Adult Size (1")
2yr
Lifespan
10+
Min School
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Tank Mates for Crystal Red Shrimp
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Crystal Red Shrimp need?
A Crystal Red Shrimp needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 10.
What water parameters does a Crystal Red Shrimp need?
Crystal Red Shrimp thrive in water between 68-75°F (20-24°C) with a pH of 5.8-6.8.
Are Crystal Red Shrimp easy to care for?
Crystal Red Shrimp are considered hard to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 2 years.
How big do Crystal Red Shrimp get and what do they eat?
Crystal Red Shrimp reach about 1 inch and are omnivores. Crystal red shrimp require very specific water parameters: soft, acidic water with a pH of 5.8-6.8, GH 4-6, KH 0-2, and TDS 100-200. Temperature should be 68-74°F. Use active buffering substrate like ADA Amazonia or similar to maintain acidic conditions. They are extremely sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, copper, and parameter fluctuations. Use remineralized RO water for water changes to ensure consistency. Keep them in a species-only or shrimp-only tank with plenty of moss and biofilm surfaces. Feed sparingly with specialized shrimp foods. Crystal red shrimp are challenging but rewarding for dedicated shrimp keepers. Breeding selectively for higher grades requires patience and culling.