Quick Stats
| Adult Size | 3 cm |
| Minimum Tank | 10 gal |
| Temperature | 20–24°C |
| pH Range | 6.0–6.8 |
| Hardness (GH) | 4–6 dGH |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Scavenger — biofilm, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables |
| Schooling | Colony of 10+ |
Tank Setup
The Crystal Red Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis) requires a minimum tank size of 10 gal. For a species this size, a larger tank is always better — more water volume means more stable parameters and a healthier environment.
Water parameters should be maintained within the following ranges: temperature 20–24°C, pH 6.0–6.8, and hardness 4–6 dGH. These fish are sensitive to water quality — test regularly and maintain pristine conditions.
Provide appropriate hiding places, a suitable substrate, and open swimming space to match the natural behaviour of this species.
Tank Mates
Crystal Red Shrimp are peaceful fish. They work well in community tanks with similarly-sized peaceful species.
Compatible tank mates include: Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras, Nerite Snail, Amano Shrimp, Ember Tetra. Avoid housing with aggressive or much larger fish.
Schooling requirements: Colony of 10+. Keeping them in adequate numbers is essential for their wellbeing.
Diet & Feeding
Crystal Red Shrimp are Scavenger. Their diet should reflect their natural feeding habits.
Scavenger — biofilm, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables
Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily. Only provide what the fish can consume within 2–3 minutes to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues.
Common Health Issues
Like all aquarium fish, Crystal Red Shrimp can be susceptible to common diseases including ich (white spot disease), fin rot, and bacterial infections. This species can be sensitive — maintain excellent water quality to prevent health issues.
Prevention is always better than treatment. Maintain stable water parameters, avoid overfeeding, quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank, and perform regular water changes. Test your water weekly and address any parameter spikes immediately.
If disease does occur, isolate affected fish in a quarantine tank and treat appropriately. Always research medication compatibility before use — some treatments are toxic to invertebrates and scaleless fish.
Breeding
Breeding Crystal Red Shrimp requires specific conditions and may be challenging for beginners.
Provide appropriate breeding conditions — planted areas with fine-leaved plants. Condition breeding pairs with high-quality foods before attempting to spawn them.
Research specific breeding requirements for this species before attempting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Crystal Red Shrimp need?
A Crystal Red Shrimp needs a minimum tank size of 10 gal. Larger is always better — more water volume means more stable water parameters and healthier fish.
Are Crystal Red Shrimp easy to keep?
Crystal Red Shrimp are rated as Medium difficulty. Some experience with aquarium water parameters is recommended before keeping this species.
What do Crystal Red Shrimp eat?
Crystal Red Shrimp are Scavenger. Feed a varied diet including biofilm, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables.
Can Crystal Red Shrimp live with other fish?
Crystal Red Shrimp are peaceful. Compatible tankmates include: Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras, Nerite Snail, Amano Shrimp, Ember Tetra. They work well in community tanks with similarly-sized peaceful fish.