Red Crystal Shrimp (1.5-2 CM)
£6.60
Please note, due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided.
Out of stock
Description
The beautiful and popular Crystal Red Shrimp is an aquarium cultivated red form of the bee shrimp Caridina cantonensis. These shrimp are highly social creatures that are best maintained in large colonies. They are suitable for mature aquariums containing communities of small, peaceful fish only, as larger tankmates will regard them as a snack. Crystal Red Shrimp are excellent algae eaters and will browse on many different algae types. Highly recommended for planted aquaria, they will not damage the plants, instead they will feed on any dead leaves – and large groups will also be beneficial in keeping the leaves of slower-growing species free from nuisance algae. Tall plants seem to be particularly favoured, and these shrimp can often be seen climbing and ‘hanging around’ in plant cover near to the water’s surface. Like most species of shrimp, an elevated nitrate level will not be tolerated – ensure high standards of water quality are maintained at all times, ideally with small partial water changes performed a few times per week. Filtration should be efficient but gentle; always try to aim the output of the filter towards the surface of the water to ensure that there is a sufficient level of oxygenation (something that can be all too easily overlooked in gently filtered shrimp aquaria). Crystal Red Shrimps will moult regularly whilst growing, and the sudden appearance of perfectly formed shrimp casings on the floor of the aquarium can cause alarm to fishkeepers who have not seen this before. The shrimps can sometimes be seen feeding on the casings – this is actually very nutritious for them, so do not rush to siphon them from the substrate. Once the shrimp has moulted, it will remain hidden for a time until the new shell hardens and it has a bit more protection. Be aware that these shrimp do not tend to fare well in water that is over 26 °C (79 deg F), and for greatest long term health, hard, alkaline conditions are best avoided. A grading system has evolved over time to separate Crystal Red Shrimps with different intensities of colour and size/number of white patches – the higher grades commanding quite astonishing price tags from some breeders. Acclimatise these shrimps very carefully and slowly, either by drip acclimatisation or using a Maidenhead Aquatics Fintro. Crystal Red Shrimps are considered somewhat delicate and so they are not recommended for beginners. Be extremely careful if using CO2 injection on planted aquaria containing these shrimps, as they will not cope with swings in pH. Many aquarists are tempted to mix Crystal Red Shrimps with Cherry Shrimps in the same aquarium, but this is not advised as their temperature requirements are rather different. Although you will always hear of cases where Crystal Red Shrimps have been kept in water with a higher pH or temperature, lifespan, overall health and breeding will be severely diminished under such conditions. May also be seen on sale as Red Crystal Bee Shrimp.
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