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Red Crystal Shrimp

Red Crystal Shrimp

Posted by Max Gandara on on 25th Jun 2025

Red Crystal Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis “Crystal Red”)
Also known as: Crystal Red Bee Shrimp, CRS

Scientific Name: Caridina cantonensis var. “Crystal Red”
Origin: Selectively bred from wild bee shrimp (Asia)

? Overview:
The Red Crystal Shrimp is one of the most sought-after ornamental shrimp in the aquarium hobby. Known for its brilliant red and white banded coloration and small size, this freshwater dwarf shrimp is a favorite for planted tanks, nano aquariums, and shrimp-specific setups. Each shrimp is a tiny jewel—elegant, peaceful, and perfect for aquascaping.

Originally developed through selective breeding in Japan, Crystal Reds are a color morph of the Bee Shrimp and are graded based on their pattern and whiteness intensity.

? Care Information:

  • Temperament: Peaceful and shy

  • Size: 1–1.2 inches

  • Diet: Omnivore – algae, biofilm, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables, botanicals

  • Temperature: 68–75°F

  • pH: 5.8–6.8

  • GH (Hardness): 4–6

  • KH: 0–2

  • TDS: 100–200 ppm

  • Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons (better in larger, stable environments)

Requires stable, soft, and acidic water conditions. RO water with remineralizer is highly recommended.

? Tank Setup Tips:

  • Best kept in mature, cycled tanks with low bioload

  • Use active soil substrates that buffer pH (e.g., ADA Amazonia)

  • Gentle sponge or matten filters preferred

  • Add botanicals, mosses, and shrimp-safe plants for grazing and cover

  • Avoid copper-based medications and fertilizers

? Breeding:
Crystal Red Shrimp are easy to breed in the right conditions. Females carry eggs under their tails (“berried”) for about 3–4 weeks. Fry are tiny and feed on biofilm and powdered food. Stable water parameters are critical for successful breeding and survival of young.

? Grading:
CRS are often graded (S, SS, SSS, etc.) based on their color clarity and pattern:

  • S Grade: Balanced red/white pattern

  • SS–SSS Grade: More intense white, complex markings, and higher contrast

Higher grades are more sensitive but also more visually stunning.

?‍?‍?‍? Ideal Tankmates:

  • Other Caridina species (with similar requirements)

  • Peaceful nano fish (optional; caution advised)

  • Snails (Nerite, Horned, etc.)

  • Amano or Neocaridina shrimp (in soft-neutral setups)

Avoid aggressive fish or any species that may predate on shrimp.

? Why Choose Red Crystal Shrimp?

  • Adds elegance and color to nano and planted tanks

  • Fun to breed and observe

  • Helps clean up biofilm and algae

  • Great for advanced aquarists looking to master shrimp care