Crystal Red Shrimp are advanced freshwater shrimp keeping. Origin: selectively bred from black bee shrimp (Caridina cantonensis). Grading: A grade (uneven white), S (clear stripes), SS (more white), SSS (mostly white), Crown / Mosura (premium patterns). Higher grades $40-300+ each. Water requirements: RO/DI water + Salty Shrimp GH+ remineralizer. Temp 70-76°F, pH 6.0-6.8, KH 0-2 dKH, GH 4-6 dGH, TDS 100-180. Substrate: Active aquasoil (Fluval Stratum, ADA Amazonia, Akadama bonsai soil) - acidifies water + mineralizes. Lasts 1-2 years before depleting. Tank requirements: 10g+ shrimp-only, sponge filter, dim lighting, lots of moss + leaf litter, mature tank (6+ months). Tankmates: NO fish - too fragile. Maybe nerite snails. Diet: shrimp-specific food (Shirakura, Mosura, BorneoWild) every 2-3 days. Soft tannin sources (Indian almond leaves, oak leaves). Breeding: sexually mature at 4 months. Females carry 20-30 eggs for 25-30 days. Babies are tiny - require established biofilm to survive. Why hard: sensitive to ammonia (>0.05 = dead), pH swings, temperature spikes, copper, even some plant ferts.
Full glossary · Q&A library · Calculators · Disease database