Super Red Crystal Shrimp - Caridina Cantonensis Shrimp Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
Super Red Crystal Shrimp (Caridina Cantonensis) are a stunning addition to any aquarium. Although they require more care and attention than other shrimp, these beautiful creatures are an excellent choice for experienced aquarists looking to add a unique touch to their tank. The "Super" in Super Red Crystal refers to the shrimp's striking and highly intense red colouration, making them a standout species in any aquarium. These small freshwater scavengers are a peaceful species that prefer to be kept in groups of at least eight individuals for optimal well-being. Optimal tankmates include small, non-aggressive fish such as Endler's Livebearers, Ember Tetras, or Celestial Pearl Danios. These fish not only coexist peacefully with Super Red Crystal Shrimp but also share similar preferences for soft, slightly acidic water conditions.
Similar to its wild counterpart, the Super Crystal Red shrimp exhibits a preference for a controlled aquatic environment characterized by cool, pristine, and soft water conditions within the confines of an aquarium. It is noteworthy that the use of tap water is seldom recommended, as tap water generally tends to possess excessive hardness. Given the soft water requirements of the Super Crystal Red shrimp, it is essential to maintain minimal carbonate hardness levels and strive for a slightly acidic pH range.
For an optimal habitat, it is advisable to house these shrimp in an aquarium equipped with active soil, preferably one that is not pre-fertilized and specifically designed for shrimp husbandry. When paired with osmosis water or demineralized water, supplemented with a specialized hardening salt suitable for bee shrimp, this configuration creates an almost ideal setting for nurturing this exquisite variety. In cases where aquarium gravel is chosen as a substrate instead of soil, it is imperative to ensure that the gravel, apart from possessing a dark colouration, does not introduce any substances that enhance water hardness but rather maintains a neutral impact on the water chemistry. Plenty of plants and hiding spots are also crucial for these Shrimp.
The well-being of Super Crystal Red Shrimp, like all bee shrimps, is contingent upon the maintenance of clean, microbe-scarce water conditions. Consequently, implementing a weekly water change ranging from 10% to 30% has proven to be a successful practice. Maintaining water temperatures within the range of 20°C to a maximum of 25°C is conducive to their comfort. In instances of elevated temperatures, especially during the summer months, it is advisable to employ a suitable aquarium cooler to mitigate temperature spikes. This measure serves to uphold optimal oxygen levels in the water while concurrently minimizing microbial proliferation, thereby exerting a positive influence on the health and vitality of the shrimp.
Unlike their Crystal Red Shrimp cousins, the Super Red Crystal Shrimp exhibits distinctive features, primarily distinguished by its predominantly crimson hue, with minimal white markings primarily present on the cephalic and potentially abdominal regions. Additionally, a notable hallmark of this species is the presence of a white stripe adorning its tail fan.
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Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Determining the sex of Super Red Crystal Shrimp can be challenging until they reach maturity. Females can be identified by the presence of a saddle formation on their upper body, located behind the head, where eggs collect before fertilization. Moreover, females typically have a larger tail and a more rounded body than their male counterparts when they attain total growth. Conversely, males tend to be smaller in size than females.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Caridina Cantonensis |
|---|---|
| Other Names | SCRS, Bee Shrimp |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Malacostraca |
| Order | Decapoda |
| Family | Atyidae |
| Genus | Caridina |
| Origins | Japan |
| Approx Max Size | 3 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparous |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 2 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 4 - 6 |
| KH | 0 - 4 |
| TDS | 100 - 200 |
| ℉ | 62 - 76 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 16 - 24 |
Natural Habitat
Super Red Crystal Shrimp is a captivating freshwater species with a fascinating history. In the early 90s, a man from Japan discovered these Shrimp, known back then as Bee Shrimp, in southeast Asia. He selectively bred them, resulting in the vibrant red colouration that we now associate with Super Red Crystals. Since then, Super Red Crystal Shrimp has become popular among hobbyists due to its unique appearance and fascinating breeding behaviour. Because these Shrimp were selectively bred, they don't have a natural habitat; however, you can base their living requirements on the Bee Shrimp as they are so closely related. The Bee Shrimp comes from Taiwan in Southeast Asia, where they inhabit freshwater rivers and streams covered with dense vegetation and shaded by overhanging trees.
Breeding
Super Red Crystal Shrimp are known to breed readily in home aquariums, providing optimal water conditions. As the female shrimp are ready to fertilize their eggs, the saddle-shaped structure behind their head will become more prominent, and the eggs will start developing beneath their abdomen. It is common to observe the female shrimp gently tumbling their eggs.
In contrast to other species, Super Red Crystal Shrimp babies do not go through the larval stage. Instead, they are born as miniature replicas of the adults and will display the same colouration as the adults, albeit slightly lighter until they mature. To prevent unnecessary shrimp deaths, it is recommended to cover the intakes of power filters with gauze or fine sponges to prevent the shrimplets from being sucked in.
Diet & Feeding
Super Red Crystal Shrimp are primarily herbivores and require a well-rounded diet to thrive. Although they are efficient algae grazers, it is essential to supplement their diet with high-quality dried food such as sinking pellets, algae wafers, and flake food. These shrimp will also appreciate small frozen foods like daphnia and mini-bloodworms. Adding vegetable matter to their diet is also beneficial, and you can feed them blanched spinach, broccoli, and courgette. Additionally, adding dried Indian Almond leaves, Mulberry leaves, or oak leaves to your aquarium provides a natural source of biofilm, which serves as an excellent food source for the shrimp and helps maintain a low pH in the aquarium.
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Published: 01 Apr 2021
Last Updated: 12 Sep 2023