The Crystal Red Shrimp is one of the most iconic and visually striking freshwater shrimp in the aquarium hobby. It features a bold, banded pattern of bright red and opaque white, with colouration varying significantly depending on grade. Lower grades (like A) tend to have more red and thinner white bands, while higher grades (such as SS or SSS) display thick, porcelain-like white patterns with minimal red, often forming clean lines and symmetrical shapes. Crystal Reds have a slender, curved body typical of Caridina shrimp, with females being slightly larger and rounder—especially when carrying eggs. Their legs and antennae may be red, white, or a mix, and their small dark eyes give them a subtle yet charming expression. Selectively bred for their unique coloration and contrast, Crystal Red Shrimp are best suited for soft, acidic water conditions and are popular in dedicated shrimp tanks where their beauty can be fully appreciated.
Caridina species require specific water parameters and a bit more attention than Neocaridina shrimp. They typically need remineralised RO (reverse osmosis) water using a GH-only mineral supplement, as they are highly sensitive to carbonate hardness. KH should be kept at 0, with an absolute maximum of 2 dKH to avoid health issues or fatalities.
That said, this shouldn't discourage hobbyists—while they do need more care initially, once you establish a stable and well-maintained setup, keeping Caridina shrimp is highly rewarding. Their vibrant colours and unique patterns make them a centrepiece in any shrimp tank.
It's important to top off any evaporated water with pure RO water only, as evaporation increases mineral concentration. Regular water changes—around 30% every one to two weeks—should be done using freshly remineralised RO water, adjusted to match the tank’s parameters. This helps maintain stability and prevent stress.
With consistency and attention to detail, Caridina shrimp can thrive and even breed successfully in a home aquarium.
Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp have different water parameter requirements and should not be housed together in the same aquarium.
Although both are freshwater shrimp, they thrive in very different conditions. Choosing the right shrimp for your existing aquarium water is important for their long-term health and success.
We strongly recommend testing your aquarium water before purchasing your shrimp. In particular, check your GH, KH and pH to determine which type of shrimp is best suited to your water.
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Neocaridina generally prefer harder, more mineral-rich water with a higher KH.
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Caridina generally require softer water with lower KH and specific mineral levels.
If your tap water isn't suitable for the shrimp you want to keep, you may need to use RO (reverse osmosis) water and remineralise it with the appropriate shrimp minerals to achieve and maintain the correct parameters.
Not sure which shrimp will suit your water? Test your water first and get in touch with us if you're unsure. We'd much rather help you choose shrimp that are suited to your setup than have you purchase shrimp that may struggle in unsuitable parameters.
Please check your water before ordering — the right parameters are one of the most important factors in keeping healthy, thriving shrimp.
