Assorted Crystal Shrimp

Crystal red shrimp (and Crystal black shrimp) are usually the second type of shrimp that people get when they have a little bit more experience in keeping shrimp. They are more difficult to keep compared to normal Cherry shrimp and should not be attempted by novice shrimp breeders. 

It is a well-known fact that Caridina cf. cantonensis is quite demanding to water parameters, in contrast to its relatives of the genus Neocaridina. It is said that the Crystal red shrimp strain was created from only 3 shrimp, making it extremely inbred and sensitive. This explains why they are much more sensitive and not as forgiving as Cherry shrimp.

Name Crystal red shrimp
Scientific Name Caridina cf. cantonensis
Tank size (optimal) 10 gallons (~40 liters)
Keeping Medium
Breeding Medium (a high order shrimp).
Size 2.5 – 3 cm (~1 – 1,25 inches)
Optimal Temperature 21 – 23°C (~70°F – 74°F)
Optimal PH 6.6 – 6.9 (6.2 – 7.2)
Optimal GH 4 – 6 (3 – 7)
Optimal KH 0 – 1 (0 – 4)
Optimal TDS 140-160 (100-250)
Nitrate Less than 20 ppm
Diet Algae eater/omnivore
Temperament Peaceful
Life span 1-2 years
Color Form White, Red, Black, Yellow 

Crystal red shrimps, like most freshwater shrimp, are an omnivore and will eat just about any food they can find in the tank. Remember that shrimps are scavengers in the wild, they will eat whatever they find and is not used to a constant food source. Therefore, you can feed them with a lot of things. They are not picky, in this sense.