From the category archives:

Shrimp

Family: Cambaridae

Distribution: Procambarus versutus, known commonly as the Sly Crayfish, is distributed in North America from Alabama’s Mobile River drainage east to the Chattahoochee-Apalachicola drainage in Alabama, Georgia and Florida.
PH: 7.0 – 8.0 (but it is quite tolerant).
Temperature: 18 – 26°C (64 – 79°F)
Hardness: 6 – 20 dH
Description: Procambarus versutus has a black-splotched [...]

Family: Cambaridae

Distribution: Procambarus vasquezae is another Central American crayfish distributed in Mexican waters.
PH: 7.0 is a suitable level.
Temperature: 18 – 26°C (64 – 79°F)
Hardness: 9 – 13 dGH (but can withstand many different levels)
Description: Procambarus vasquezae will grow, if healthy, up to 7 cm in length; males are slightly larger than females.  This [...]

Procambarus toltecae

Family: Cambaridae

Distribution: Procambarus toltecae is a Central American crayfish with its origins in Mexico.
PH: 7.5 – 8.5
Temperature: 10 – 22°C (50 – 72°F)
Hardness: 9 – 13 dGH
Description: Procambarus toltecae will grow a maximum length of 8 cm.  It is one of the more colourful species of crayfish – naturally colourful, not selectively bred [...]

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Procambarus spiculifer (White Tubercled Crayfish)

Family: Cambaridae

Distribution: Procambarus spiculifer is a North American crayfish distributed from Georgia down to Florida, and west to river systems in Alabama.  It is known in every river system in Alabama with the exception of the Escatawpa and Tennessee systems.
PH: 6.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 10 – 22°C (50 – 72°F)
Hardness: 9 – 13 dGH
Description: [...]

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Procambarus pubescens

Family: Cambaridae

Distribution: Procambarus pubescens is an American crayfish distributed in the Savannah River basin of Georgia and South Carolina, particularly the Barnwell and Aiken Counties.  It has been sighted as far south as Hampton County.
PH: 6.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 10 – 30°C (50 – 86°F)
Hardness: Is generally found in soft, acidic water in the [...]

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Procambarus sp. (Marble Crayfish)

Family: Cambaridae

Distribution: The specific origin of Procambarus sp, or Marble Crayfish, is unknown, other than it is found in the United States.  They first appeared in the German pet fish trade.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 16 – 26°C (60 – 78°F)
Hardness: 9 – 13 dGH (but can withstand many levels of hardness)

Description: Procambarus [...]

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Procambarus enoplosternum

Family: Cambaridae

Distribution: Procambarus enoplosternum is distributed from the Santee River basin, South Carolina, to the Ogeechee, Savannah and Altamaha River basins in the east parts of Georgia.
PH: 6.5 – 8.0
Temperature: 15 – 27°C (60 – 82°F)
Hardness: Found in soft water in the wild, but can have a higher gH in an aquarium.  No [...]

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Procambarus cubensis (Cuba Crayfish)

Family: Cambaridae

Distribution: Procambarus cubensis, known also as the Cuba Crayfish, has its origins in Cuba.  Once a flourishing species, the Cuba Crayfish is starting to become rare.
PH: 6.5 – 8.5
Temperature: 15 – 28°C (59 – 85°F)
Hardness: 5 – 30 (gH); 3 – 20 (kH)

Description: The Cuba Crayfish is a peaceful species that [...]

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Procambarus clarkii (Red Swamp Crayfish)

Family: Cambaridae

Distribution: Procambarus clarkii has its origins in the south-central United States and north-eastern parts of Mexico.  It can now be found in the River Nile, Japan, Hawaii, and areas of Western Europe, including Spain and Portugal.  This crayfish is found in slow streams, swamps, ponds and ditches; it will not be seen in [...]

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Procambarus allenii (Electric Blue Crayfish)

Family: Cambaridae

Distribution: Procambarus allenii – known also as Electric Blue Crayfish – is natively distributed in the United States, east of St Johns River and throughout the Florida peninsula, as well south of the Levy and Marion counties.
PH: 6.5 – 8.5
Temperature: 10 – 30°C (50 – 86°F)
Hardness: 9 – 13 dGH

Description: Procambarus [...]

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Procambarus acanthophorus

Family: Cambaridae

Distribution: Procambarus acanthophorus is distributed in streams and canals four kilometres east of Tuxtepec, Oaxaca, Mexico.
PH: 6.5 – 8.0
Temperature: 15 – 28°C (59 – 82°F)
Hardness: 5 – 30 (gH); 3 – 20 (kH)

Description: Procambarus acanthophorus can reach up to 10 cm in length.  It has hair on its pincers; males have [...]

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Potamalpheops sp. (Purple Zebra Shrimp)

Family: Alpheidae

Distribution: The Purple Zebra Shrimp has its origins in Asia, but its exact distribution is unknown.  It was introduced into the hobby in 2006; almost all Potamalpheops in the hobby have been caught in the wild and exported by locals.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 23 – 28°C (73 – 82°F)
Hardness: 5 – 15 [...]

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Procambarus clarkii (Red Swamp Crayfish)

Family: Cambaridae

Distribution: Procambarus clarkii has its origins in the south-central United States and north-eastern parts of Mexico.  It can now be found in the River Nile, Japan, Hawaii, and areas of Western Europe, including Spain and Portugal.  This crayfish is found in slow streams, swamps, ponds and ditches; it will not be seen in [...]

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Palaemonetes paludosus (Grass Shrimp)

Family: Palaemonetes

Distribution: Palaemonetes paludosus, better known as Grass Shrimp, is native to freshwater lakes and rivers of southern parts of the United States, particularly in Florida.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 18 – 30°C (64 – 85°F)
Hardness: 3 – 10 dH

Description: Palaemonetes paludosus has a transparent appearance which allows it to blend into the [...]

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Palaemonetes antennarius

Family: Palaemonetes

Distribution: Palaemonetes antennarius, mostly found in lakes and rivers, is distributed in the Mediterranean Sea, Italy.
PH: 6.5 – 8.5
Temperature: 10 – 30°C (50 – 86°F)
Hardness: N/A

Description: Palaemonetes antennarius is a small species which will grow to 5 cm in length; males will generally be smaller than females.  This shrimp has a [...]

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Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis (Snowball Shrimp)

Family: Atyidae

Distribution: The exact origin of the Snowball Shrimp is unknown, although it was bred in Germany as a hybrid.
PH: 6.5 – 7.0
Temperature: 20 – 28°C (68 – 82°F)
Hardness: 3 – 25 dH

Description: The Snowball Shrimp, which grows up to 2.5 – 3 cm in length, is transparent with a milky-white body [...]

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Neocaridina heteropoda (Yellow Shrimp)

Family: Atyidae

Distribution: The Yellow Shrimp has its origins in Japan, but were selectively bred in Germany from the Neocaridina heteropoda wild variety.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 15 – 27°C (59 – 81°F)
Hardness: 3 – 15 dKH

Description: The Yellow Shrimp female can come in an extremely bright yellow colour, while males are more opaque [...]

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Neocaridina denticulata (White Tiger Shrimp)

Family: Atyidae

Distribution: The White Tiger Shrimp originates from Okayama, Japan.  It is often called the Okayama Shrimp.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 15 – 27°C (59 – 81°F)
Hardness: 3 – 15 dKH

Description: The White Tiger Shrimp may come in various different colours, but the offspring is transparent.  Males are usually 3 cm in length; [...]

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Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis (Blue Pearl Shrimp)

Family: Atyidae

Distribution: The Blue Pearl Shrimp, a direct relative of the Snowball Shrimp, was selectively bred in Germany by Ulf Gottschalk, a prolific German breeder.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 23 – 28°C (74 – 82°F)
Hardness: 7 dKH

Description: The Blue Pearl Shrimp has an aesthetically pleasing light-blue colour which was attained only after many [...]

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Neocaridina heteropoda (Red Cherry Shrimp)

Family: Atyidae

Distribution: The red Neocaridina heteropoda, or Red Cherry Shrimp, originates from the waters of Taiwan.  The wild form, however, comes from North Vietnam and China.
PH: 6.5 – 8.0
Temperature: 18 – 28°C (64 – 82°F)
Hardness: gH 12

Description: The Red Cherry Shrimp is the most popular shrimp in the hobby, and an excellent [...]

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Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis (White Pearl Shrimp)

Family: Atyidae

Distribution: The exact origin of this Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis, or Marbled Dwarf Shrimp, is unknown, although it was bred in Germany as a hybrid.
PH: 6.5 – 7.0
Temperature: 20 – 28°C (68 – 82°F)
Hardness: 12 gH

Description: The White Pearl Shrimp, which grows up to 2.5 – 3 cm in length, is transparent with [...]

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Neocaridina palmata (Marbled Dwarf Shrimp)

Family: Atyidae

Distribution: The exact origin of Neocaridina palamata, or Marbled Dwarf Shrimp, is unknown.
PH: 7.0
Temperature: 25°C (77°F)
Hardness: 8 gH

Description: Neocaridina palmata is, even by Neocaridina standards, a very tiny species of shrimp.  Both males and females will reach a maximum of 2.5 cm in captivity.
Wild caught specimens may have orange balls visible [...]

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Neocaridina heteropoda

Family: Atyidae

Distribution: Neocaridina heteropoda, the wild version of the more common Red Cherry Shrimp and Yellow Shrimp, has its origins in China and Taiwan.  Its exact origin is unknown.  It has recently been released into the wild in Hawaii, to detrimental effect.
PH: 6.5 – 8.0
Temperature: 18 – 30°C (65 – 85°F)
Hardness: 3 – [...]

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Macrobrachium assamense (Red Claw Shrimp)

Family: Palaemonidae

Distribution: Macrobrachium assamense originates from East Himalayan waters, Chota Nagpur and Satpura, and mountainous parts of Burma.
PH: 7.0 – 7.5
Temperature: 20 – 30°C (68 – 86°F)
Hardness: 3 (gH); 1.5 (kH)

Description: The male Red Claw Shrimp can reach 8 cm in length; females are shorter at 6 cm.  This species has a [...]

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Caridina cantonensis (Red Tiger Shrimp)

Family: Caridina

Distribution: The Red Tiger Shrimp is distributed in wild Chinese streams.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 15 – 27°C (59 – 81°F)
Hardness: 3 – 10 dKH

Description: This Caridina shrimp has red stripes, black eyes and an orange or yellow tail.  Males are 2.5 cm in length; females are slightly larger at 3 cm.  [...]

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Caridina serrata (Red Tupfel Shrimp)

Family: Caridina

Distribution: Caridina serrata, better known as, Red Tupfel Shrimp, is another hybrid Caridina.  There is not a great deal of information on this relative of the Bee and Tiger Shrimp, other than it is selectively bred in Germany.
PH: 7.0 – 8.5
Temperature: 15 – 23°C (59 – 73°F)
Hardness: 1 – 12 (gH); 1 [...]

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Caridina sp. (Red Goldflake Shrimp)

Family: Caridina

Distribution: The Red Goldflake Shrimp is distributed in the waters of Sulawesi, Indonesia
PH: 7.0 – 8.5
Temperature: 26 – 29°C (78 – 85°F)
Hardness: 5 kH; gH 12

Description:  This Caridina shrimp, which measures around 2.5 cm in length, has a visually appealing red and gold colouration.  The dark maroon colour, coupled with its [...]

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Caridina cantonensis (Bee Shrimp)

Family: Caridina

Distribution: The Bee Shrimp, a direct relative of the popular Crystal Red Shrimp, originates from southern China.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 18 – 26°C (64 – 78°F)
Hardness: 4 – 6 gH; 1 – 2 kH

Description:  The Bee Shrimp comes in a wide range of patterns.  Its distinctive feature is its four white [...]

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Caridina cf. cantonensis (Tiger Shrimp)

Family: Caridina

Distribution: The Tiger Shrimp, one of the more popular Caridinas, originates from Southeast Asia.
PH: 6.0 – 7.5
Temperature: 20 – 24°C (68 – 75°F)
Hardness: 3 – 10 dKH

Description:  The Tiger Shrimp has a yellow head and black tail, along with black stripes that stretch along its body.  Males reach a smallish 2.5 [...]

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Caridina serratirostris (Ninja Shrimp)

Family: Caridina

Distribution: Caridina serratirostris, better known as Ninja Shrimp, has its origins in the Indo-Pacific region.  It has been seen in the waters of Madagascar, Philippines, Fiji, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia and French Polynesia.
PH: 7.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 24 – 27°C (75 – 82°F)
Hardness: 10 – 25 gH

Description:  A shy and tiny shrimp – [...]

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Caridina cf. cantonensis sp. (Crystal White Bee Shrimp)

Family: Caridina
Distribution: The Crystal White Bee shrimp has its origins in southern Chinese waters.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 15– 26°C (59 – 78°F)
Hardness: 1 – 4°d

Description:  The male Crystal White Bee Shrimp will grow a length of 2.5 cm; females will be slightly larger at 3 cm.  This species has a series of small [...]

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Caridina breviata (Bumble Bee Shrimp)

Family: Caridina
Distribution: Caridina breviata, or Bumble Bee Shrimp, originates from the waters of south eastern China, Hong Kong.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 20– 25°C (68 – 77°F)
Hardness: 8 – 12 gH

Description:  The Bumblebee Shrimp will grow approximately 2.5 – 3 cm in length.  It has a colouration that ranges from black to brown, white [...]

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Caridina cf. babaulti spp. (Caridina gracilirostris / Green Neon Shrimp)

Family: Caridina
Distribution: Caridina gracilirostris, or Green Neon Shrimp, is distributed in the waters of India.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 20– 28°C (68 – 82°F)
Hardness: gH < 10; kH < 10)

Description:  The Babaulti group is very controversial and it is hard to tell the different species within this genus, given they are all so similar.  [...]

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Caridina gracilirostris (Rhino Shrimp / Red Nose Shrimp / Mosquito Shrimp)

Family: Caridina
Distribution: Caridina gracilirostris, perhaps best known as Rhino Shrimp, has its origins in India and Southeast Asia.
PH: 7.5 – 8.5
Temperature: 20– 27°C (68 – 80°F)
Hardness: 3 – 20 dH.

Description:  Caridina gracilirostris is a bizarre-looking dwarf shrimp with a long bright red rostrum.  This rostrum, which looks like a nose, is the reason [...]

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Caridina multidentata (Yamato / Amano Shrimp)

Family: Caridina
Distribution: Caridina multidentata, known simultaneously as the Yamato or Amano Shrimp, is found in Japan’s Yamato River, as well as the waters of Korea and Taiwan.
PH: 6.5 – 7.8
Temperature: 20– 28°C (68 – 82°F)
Hardness: 6 – 10 dGH

Description:  The Amato Shrimp, which measures around 5 cm in length, has red-brown points on [...]

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Caridina sp. (Golden CRS / Golden Bee Shrimp)

Family: Caridina
Distribution: The Golden Bee Shrimp, known sometimes as the Golden CRS (Crystal Red Shrimp), is thought to have originated from Japan.  There is not a lot of specific information on its origin; there are some suggestions it is a selectively bred hybrid of a white Crystal Red Shrimp and an Orange Bee Shrimp.
PH: [...]

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Caridina sp. Malaya Shrimp

Family: Caridina
Distribution: Caridina sp., or Malaya Shrimp, is distributed in Malaysian waters.
PH: 6.5 – 8.0
Temperature: 22– 30°C (72 – 86°F)
Hardness: 2 – 5 dKH

Description:  Malaya Shrimp are new to the hobby and not a great deal is known about them in that sense, but this Caridina makes a visually appealing addition to any [...]

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Caridina cf. spongicola (Harlequin Shrimp)

Family: Caridina
Distribution: Caridina cf. spongicola, known best as Harlequin Shrimp, has its origins around the Indonesian Island Sulawesi, specifically in the Malili Lake system.
PH: 7.5 – 8.0
Temperature: 26– 29°C (78 – 84°F)
Hardness: 5 kH; gH 12

Description:  Harlequin shrimp are tiny and will reach a maximum size of 1.5 cm.  It is a mixture [...]

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Caridina cantonensis (Blue Tiger Shrimp)

Family: Caridina
Distribution: Caridina cf. cantonensis, or Blue Tiger Shrimp, have their origins in southern China.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 15– 27°C (59 – 81°F)
Hardness: 3 – 6 dH (General Hardness); 1 – 2 dH (Carbonate Hardness)

Description:  Blue Tigers have only recently been introduced to the hobby.  This small shrimp, which reaches 3 cm in [...]

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Caridina sp. cantonensis (Black Tiger Shrimp)

Family: Caridina
Distribution: Caridina sp. cantonensis, or Black Tiger Shrimp, is selectively bred from the regular Tiger Shrimp.  They reportedly originate from Southeast Asia.
PH: 7.0 – 7.5
Temperature: 22– 24°C (71 – 74°F)
Hardness: 3 – 10 dKH

Description:  Black Tiger Shrimp males reach 2.5 cm in length; females are slightly longer.  There are two different types [...]

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Caridina sp. Dark Green Shrimp

Family: Caridina
Distribution: The Dark Green Shrimp has its origins in India.  Little is known about its specific distribution.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 20– 28°C (68 – 82°F)
Hardness: 4 – 10 dH

Description:  The Dark Green Shrimp male will reach about 3 cm; females are slightly larger and fatter.  Females have a much darker green hue [...]

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Caridina sp. Cardinal Shrimp

Family: Caridina
Distribution: Caridina sp. –or Cardinal Shrimp – is distributed in the lakes of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.
PH: 7.0 – 8.5
Temperature: 25– 29°C (78 – 85°F)
Hardness: 4 – 6 dH

Description:  The Cardinal Shrimp, just 2.5 cm in length, is a highly prized shrimp among experienced hobbyists.  It has either a dark rose [...]

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Caridina cf. Blue Bee Shrimp

Family: Caridina
Distribution: The Blue Bee Shrimp has its origins in the freshwater streams of China.  It was only introduced into the shrimp hobby in early 2008.
PH: 6.5 – 7.0
Temperature: 23– 25°C (74 – 78°F)
Hardness: 3 – 6 dH (General Hardness); 1 – 2 dH (Carbonate Hardness)

Description:  This species comes in an array of [...]

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Cambarellus patzcuarensis (Orange Dwarf Crayfish)

Family: Cambaridae
Distribution: The Dwarf Crayfish originates from Lago de Patzcuaro, Mexico.
PH: 6.5 – 8.5
Temperature: 10– 26°C (50 – 79°F)
Hardness: 12 – 15 GH

Description: Male Orange Dwarf crayfish will grow a whopping 4 cm in length; females will be slightly smaller.  It will show different tones of orange depending on the individual, and can [...]

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Cambarellus montezumae (Dwarf Crayfish)

Family: Cambaridae
Distribution: The Dwarf Crayfish originates from Mexico and is distributed around the Oaxaca region.
PH: 7.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 22– 24°C (72 – 75°F)
Hardness: 12 – 15 GH

Description: Cambarellus montezumae are short in length, measuring in at a maximum of 6 cm.  The Dwarf Crayfish has a number of regional colour variations.  After birth, [...]

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Cambarus coosae (Coosa Crayfish)

Family: Cambaridae
Distribution: The Coosa Crayfish is a North American species of crayfish distributed in the Coosa River system of Georgia, Tennessee and south into Alabama.
PH: 6.5 – 8.0
Temperature: 10 – 25°C (50 – 77°F)
Hardness: 5 – 15 dH

Description: Cambarus Coosae grow up to 7 – 8 cm in length and generally exhibit a [...]

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Atyoida pilipes (Green Lace Shrimp)

Family: Atayae
Distribution: Atyoida pilipes – or Green Lace Shrimp – is distributed through the Indo-pacific.  It is known in Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, Samoa and French Polynesia.
PH: 6.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 22 – 26°C (72 – 79°F)
Hardness: 5 – 15 GH

Description: Atyoida pilipes crustaceans have a typical shrimp shape and can vary from a [...]

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Atyopsis moluccensis (Asian Fan Shrimp)

Family: Atayae
Distribution: Atya gabonensis, a crustacean with several common names including the Asian Fan Shrimp, Singapore Shrimp, and Wood Shrimp, is distributed in the waters of Southeast Asia.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 23 – 28°C (73 – 82°F)
Hardness: 12 – 18 dH

Description: Asian Fan Shrimp are approximately 12 cm in length.  They vary greatly [...]

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Atya gabonensis (African Filter Shrimp)

Family: Atayae
Distribution: Atya gabonensis is distributed around South America and West Africa, particularly the rivers and streams of Cameroon.  It has a variety of common names, including African Filter Shrimp and the Cameroun Fan Shrimp.
PH: 7.0
Temperature: 23 – 28°C (73 – 82°F)
Hardness: 5 – 18 dH

Description: Measuring in around the 15 cm mark, [...]

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Atyaephyra desmaresti (Freshwater Shrimp)

Family: Atayae
Distribution: Atyaephyra desmaresti is historically distributed from North Africa to Spain, Italy and Corsica, but has recently been seen in Holland, Austria and in the Danube.
PH: 7.0 – 8.5
Temperature: 25°C is ideal (77°F), but can exist in temperatures ranging anywhere from 2°C – 30°C (35.6 – 86°F)
Hardness: 5 – 20 GH

Description: The [...]

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Caridina sp. Orange Delight

Family: Caridina
Distribution: Caridina sp., or Malaya Shrimp, is another dwarf shrimp distributed in the lakes of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.
PH: 7.0 – 8.5
Temperature: 26– 30°C (78 – 85°F)
Hardness: 4 – 6 dH

Description:  The Orange Delight Shrimp gets its name from its unique bright orange colouration.  It is covered in white dots and [...]

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Shrimp and Crayfish Species

Shrimp and Crayfish Species

Atyaephyra Desmaresti
Atya gabonensis (African Filter Shrimp)
Atyopsis moluccensis (Fan Shrimp)
Atyoida Pilipes
Cambarus Coosae (Coosa Crayfish)
Cambarellus montezumae
Cambarellus patzcuarensis
Cambarellus Patzcuarensis orange (CPO)
Caridina cf. (Blue Bee)
Caridina sp. “Brown Camo”
Caridina sp. “Cardinal”
Caridina sp. “Dark Green”
Caridina cf. cantonensis (Black Tiger)
Caridina cf. cantonensis sp. ´Blue Tiger´ (Blue Tiger Shrimp)
Caridina cf. spongicola (Harlequin Shrimp)
Caridina sp. “Malaya”
Caridina sp. “Orange Delight”
Caridina cf. [...]

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Caridina Cantonensis sp. (Crystal Red Shrimp)

crystal red shrimp

crystal red shrimp

Family: Caridina
Distribution: Caridina Cantonensis are naturally found in streams across China, but it was while Mr.Hisayasu Suzuki was breeding the black variety that the first red mutation was recorded.
PH: 6.3 – 7.2
Temperature: 20°C – 24°C
Hardness: 4 dH – 10 dH
Description: A very popular and beautiful shrimp which has gained great notoriety across the world, shrimp are fascinating [...]

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