Crystal red shrimp
Caridina cantonensis
InvertebratesFreshwater
- Care level
- Demanding
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum tank
- 30 L
- Maximum size
- 3 cm
- Temperature
- 19–24 °C
- pH
- 5.8–6.8
- Group size
- ≥ 6
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The crystal red is the enthusiast's shrimp: white and red in crisp bands, bred in grades ranging from a few euros to hundreds per animal. It is considerably more sensitive than the cherry shrimp and needs a tank set up specifically for it.
In practice that means soft, acidic water — often RO water with a dedicated mineral mix — an active substrate that keeps the pH down, and a tank that has had months to mature. Swings are the leading cause of death, so change small amounts of water and test regularly. Copper is lethal, even in traces from plant fertiliser or fish medication. Get it right and they breed steadily.
Good to know
Related species
Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.
In the BlubHub app you link your inhabitants to this database and see the care info next to your own water parameters.