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Crystal Red Shrimp

Crystal Red Shrimp

Posted by Max Gandara on on 20th Jul 2025

Crystal Red Shrimp: The Jewel of Freshwater Shrimp Keeping

If you're looking to add elegance and color to your aquascape, few freshwater shrimp rival the beauty and popularity of the Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS). With their vivid red and white patterns, peaceful nature, and fascinating behavior, Crystal Reds are a staple in the world of shrimp keeping and aquascaping.

What Are Crystal Red Shrimp?

The Crystal Red Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis) is a selectively bred variant of the Bee Shrimp, originally developed from wild Black Bee Shrimp in Japan. Through careful line breeding, hobbyists enhanced the red pigmentation and sharpened the white banding to create the now-iconic red-and-white-striped shrimp that has captivated aquarists worldwide.

These shrimp come in various grading levels—from low-grade red/white patterns to high-grade specimens with crisp white coverage and intense red coloring. Grading affects appearance but not care requirements.

Why Are They So Popular?

  • Striking Coloration: The stark contrast between deep red and snow-white is unlike anything else in freshwater aquariums.

  • Compact Size: Reaching just about 1 to 1.2 inches, they're ideal for nano tanks.

  • Peaceful and Community-Friendly: CRS are non-aggressive and can coexist with other gentle species (though best kept in shrimp-only tanks for breeding).

  • Active and Engaging: These shrimp are constantly grazing on biofilm, plant surfaces, and driftwood—offering endless viewing enjoyment.

Ideal Aquarium Setup

Crystal Red Shrimp thrive in well-established, clean, and soft water tanks. They’re more sensitive than beginner-friendly species like Cherry Shrimp and require precise water parameters to remain healthy and breed successfully.

Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 68–74°F (20–23°C)

  • pH: 5.8–6.8

  • GH: 4–6

  • KH: 0–2

  • TDS: 100–150 ppm

  • Substrate: Active buffering substrates like ADA Amazonia or Shrimp Soil help maintain acidic conditions.

Tank Essentials:

  • Size: Minimum 5–10 gallons

  • Filtration: Sponge filter or shrimp-safe gentle filtration

  • Decor: Driftwood, live plants (like mosses or Bucephalandra), botanicals, and hiding spots

  • Lighting: Moderate, to promote biofilm and plant growth without overheating

Feeding Crystal Red Shrimp

CRS are omnivorous grazers. In a mature tank, they feed on biofilm and detritus, but a supplemental diet ensures better coloration and breeding performance.

Recommended foods:

  • High-quality shrimp-specific pellets

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)

  • Indian almond leaves and mulberry leaves

  • Protein sources 1–2x per week (such as shrimp lollies or baby brine shrimp)

Breeding Crystal Red Shrimp

Crystal Reds will breed readily when kept in optimal conditions. Males will chase receptive females, and after mating, females carry tiny eggs under their abdomen for 4–5 weeks before releasing tiny shrimplets.

Key breeding tips:

  • Maintain stable water parameters

  • Avoid predatory tank mates

  • Provide mosses and fine plants for shrimplets to hide in

  • Avoid copper-based medications or unsafe fertilizers

Are Crystal Red Shrimp Right for You?

These shrimp are best suited for aquarists who:

  • Have experience with maintaining stable water parameters

  • Are looking to build a peaceful, planted shrimp tank

  • Want to breed and selectively raise shrimp

  • Appreciate the art and dedication of shrimp keeping

Final Thoughts

The Crystal Red Shrimp is more than just an ornamental invertebrate—it's a living jewel, a delicate species that rewards patient aquarists with beauty, activity, and breeding potential. With the right care and a bit of shrimp-keeping know-how, CRS can become the shining centerpiece of your aquarium.

Ready to add Crystal Reds to your tank? Shop now at Petzonesd.com and explore our curated selection of shrimp, aquascaping plants, and shrimp-safe accessories.