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 stripes, a brown head and white neck.  Unlike the Black Diamond Shrimp, this species does not display any traces of orange colouration.

Diet: Caridina breviata should be given algae, flakes, leaves and pellets.  It doesn’t require as much algae as the Amano Shrimp.

Breeding: This species doesn’t have a larval stage; the female will lay 7 – 22 eggs at spawning and these eggs will hatch in around four weeks time.  The shrimplets will appear as miniature adults but will lack colour and sexual organs.

Comments: Provide plenty of plant life and, as per all Caridinas, it is advised you house several of both sexes together.  Be careful to include regular water changes as part of your maintenance.   You need not have a tank greater than 10 litres in volume.  However this species may prove quite sensitive – they die easily – and you should watch them closely to monitor any changes in their behaviour.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: A peaceful species, Caridina breviata will cause no harm to tank mates.  Avoid housing this species with big hungry predators; Bumble Bee Shrimp will thrive best if housed on its own in a tank.  If you are going to tank it with other species, be sure to provide hiding spaces and plants.  There is reason to believe this species will be incompatible with Crystal Red, Malaya, Dark Green and Black Tiger Shrimp, among others.

Originally posted 2010-01-17 22:03:32. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 exact figure is given, but this creature is highly adaptable.  (5 – 15 dH)

Description: Procambarus enoplosternum is one of the prettier crayfish going around.  It measures around 10 cm in length and, depending on the region it is found, may have several different patterns.  It may have black stripes or cream coloured tubercles, with a cream or pink-spotted antennae.  Males have longer pincers and gonopods; females have a broader tail than males.

Diet: Procambarus enoplosternum will eat a typical crayfish diet of fishfood, vegetables and leaves.

Breeding: This freshwater-bred species will reproduce in the same fashion as other Procambarus species.  Procambarus enoplosternum will breed early in life; larger females will produce a greater number of eggs.  The maximum amount of eggs will probably be about 80.

Comments: It is advised you keep Procambarus enoplosternum in a 120 litre tank.  This species will not munch upon your plants.  The bigger the tank, the more individuals you can fit in.  This species is not overly aggressive and it is unlikely it will fight its own species.  You should provide hiding places in the form of pot plants and wood.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Procambarus enoplosternum can be housed with non-aggressive fish and prawns.

Originally posted 2010-01-24 20:05:59. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 be moulted or striped.  The ones with good genes have a bright orange colouration.

Diet: Crayfish, by nature are scavengers: they’ll eat whatever they can get.  Plain shrimp pellets and flake food will do the job; crayfish will sometimes eat their own moults to pick up lost nutrients.

Breeding: The male Orange Dwarf will transfer sperm to the female; she will hold this sperm for as long as she feels it is safe to extract the eggs.  Eggs will take around 30 days to hatch.  You may have some difficulty breeding this species simply because the young are so small and sensitive.

Comments: You can house many adults in a 10 gallon aquarium.  Males can display aggression towards other males.  If there is not enough space for the young to move around in, they may cannibalise each other.  You might consider using gravel or sands in your aquarium, and make sure you give the cambarellus patzcuarensis plenty of places to hide.  You can provide upside down pot-plants as hiding spaces.  This species can be difficult to maintain and, as such, is possibly not the best choice for newcomers to the hobby.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Due to its small size, this species will not threaten other tank mates.  It can be housed with small, non-aggressive fish.

Originally posted 2009-12-20 10:45:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Originally posted 2009-09-24 12:42:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 in them.  In an aquarium with a dark substrate, you will see this species’ colours come out best – a body of colour that may include deep maroon, dark green-blue and blue.

Diet: Neocaridina palmata has a preference for algae, but will eat dry fish food, frozen shrimp, bloodworm and algae pellets.

Breeding: The Marbled Dwarf Shrimp, like the Neocaridina heteropoda, doesn’t have a larval stage.  The female will develop a saddle on her back when she is ready to drop her brown coloured eggs; the young will hatch as tiny version of their parents and grow rapidly.

Comments: Provide plenty of moss, hiding places and plants for this species to thrive in your tank.  There is not a lot of available tanking information available on this species.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Neocaridina palmata, like the Neocaridina heteropoda, should be housed in a tank with no predators.  There is not a great deal of information on this species, but it is likely Neocaridina palmata would interbreed with other Neocaridina species.

Originally posted 2010-01-21 11:21:18. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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, most of the young will have a light brown colour before developing a moulted pattern.

Diet: Cambarellus montezumas is an omnivorous species and can be fed a similar diet to the Orange Dwarf Crayfish.  All crayfish are scavengers and will be able to go days without a regular food source.  Plain shrimp pellets and flake food will do well as a staple diet.

Breeding: According to reports, tap water can be used to breed this crayfish.  Its tiny size can leave the young susceptible to other fish.  You can prevent this from happening by allowing hideouts, caves and plantation in your aquarium.

Comments: This species will look excellent in a mixed population tank of at least 100 litres.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: This peaceful species is very compatible with other fish species, but its young may become food for larger fish.

Originally posted 2009-12-20 10:30:26. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 or light red colouration and has a series of breathtaking white dots along its side, some of which have a blue outline.  The Cardinal Shrimp’s front legs are white; these move rapidly when feeding.  Males and females, for the most part, look exactly the same.

Diet: Feed this dwarf shrimp once a day.  The Cardinal Shrimp prefers to eat at night and has a typical shrimp diet.  Some suggestions might include Shirakura food and algae water.

Breeding: Bred in freshwater, the Cardinal Shrimp has no larval stage.  The females will carry the eggs until they hatch after 20 – 30 days.  In fact the babies will immediately show the same colour as the adults and grow at a rapid rate.

Comments: In nature, Cardinal Shrimp live in the rocks.  You could attempt to replicate the shrimp’s natural habitat by adding rocks for algae purposes.  Many people also choose to use sand in their aquarium.  But the Cardinal Shrimp, while it looks very pretty and seems easy enough to maintain, is one of the more difficult species to maintain.  This is best left to advanced hobbyists.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Be careful if you are thinking of throwing Cardinals in with other fish species. They are small, non-aggressive and a prime target for predators.  It is often a good idea to put the Cardinal Shrimp in a one-species tank, given its diminutive size and peaceful nature.

Originally posted 2009-12-20 10:54:45. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 of black, red and white, which makes it one of the most unique and desirable dwarf shrimp among hobbyists.  This species’ distinctive colouration has often seen it dubbed the Rainbow Shrimp.   The females have blue-tipped abdominal legs, while males have transparent legs.  Another distinguishing feature of Caridina spongicola is its leaf-shaped pair of antennae.  This shy, unassuming species will unveil its beautiful colouration as soon as it is properly acclimatised to your aquarium.

Diet: Shrimp from the Sulawesi region can be fed algae water, fish flakes and pellets.  You should only feed it once a day, but in saying that, the Harlequin Shrimp seems to prefer being fed at night.

Breeding: Caridina sp. spongicola breeds in freshwater and does not have a larval stage.  The females will hold the eggs until they hatch, usually after around 25 – 30 days.  The babies show the same colour as the adults, but the colouration will become more intense as they get older.

Comments: It is a difficult species to maintain and should only be attempted by experienced hobbyists.  You should provide plenty of vegetation in your tank for shelter and nutritional purposes.  It is important, as with all shrimp species, to avoid any traces of copper in your tank.

Tip: The Harlequin Shrimp is a very shy species and will gradually grow in confidence as it becomes accustomed to its tank environment.  If you notice the shrimp is constantly in hiding then it there may be a problem: the water conditions may not be quite right, it may fear the predators in the tank, or it just needs more time to get comfortable.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Due to its size and shyness, this shrimp is recommended only to experienced hobbyists. It should not be housed with large, aggressive fish, for obvious reasons.  It is most likely suited to other dwarf shrimp species.

Originally posted 2009-12-20 11:11:52. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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.  The Green Neon Shrimp measure at about 3.5 – 4 cm in length and, despite their name, are not always green.  Their colouration can vary from a green to a brownish-green, even brown in some cases.  Females are bigger than males and have a more intense colour; males are smaller – usually 2.5 cm – and slimmer, with a clearer colouration.

Diet: Caridina babaulti should be given algae, flake food, frozen foods and, on occasions, live food and vegetables.

Breeding: The female Green Neon Shrimp will carry its eggs for around four weeks before releasing small, colourless shrimps.  The actual act of breeding will generally occur at night; males will swim rapidly through the tank in search of females.  Mating, alas, will last only 2 – 3 seconds.

Comments: Too many green plants in your aquarium will make it virtually impossible to see the Green Neon Shrimp.  This species will do best in an aged tank: the moss and mulm will be of good sustenance for the little shrimplets if you are planning on breeding.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: It is not a good idea to house this shrimp with large, predatory fish; the green Neon will hide in the plants and you simply won’t see it anymore.  It has a peaceful demeanour and will not bother other tank inhabitants, so it can be easily housed with other small, non-aggressive species, particularly dwarf shrimp.

Originally posted 2010-01-17 21:57:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 species comes in an attractive dark brown colour; females have a broader tail and males have bigger pincers and a gonopod.  These huge pincers can have the Procambarus vasquezae confused for some Orconectes species.

Diet: This species is omnivorous but is not a huge eater.  You should avoid overfeeding this species: it is a scavenger by nature.  Feed it typical crayfish foods: fish pellets, flake, frozen shrimp, vegetables, etc.  It won’t touch your plants, which is a good thing.

Breeding: Procambarus vasquezae has a fairly standard breeding procedure.  As long as your water parameters are good and there are several males and females in your tank, you should have no problems reproducing this species.  One notable trait of the female Procambarus vasquezae is the larger than usual eggs it produces.

Comments: Provide plenty of hiding places and plants for this species to thrive.  Don’t worry; it will not eat your plants.  A tank of 60 cm x 30 cm is suitable for three pairs of Procambarus vasquezae.  This hardy species is suitable for beginners to the hobby, particularly given how easy it is to breed.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Procambarus vasquezae is a chilled-out, laid-back species; it won’t cause any trouble at all.  It can be housed with prawns, shrimp, fish and snails.  This species is perfect in both a community tank environment and in a one-species tank.

Originally posted 2010-01-25 13:09:25. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 than males and the species does not change colour throughout its lifespan.

Diet: Feed this dwarf shrimp once a day and not to excess.  Too much food can kill shrimp, not to mention ruin the quality of the water.  Shrimp are scavengers and, by their very nature, are used to going for days without food.

Breeding: The female Dark Green Shrimp produces bright lime green eggs which contrast against its dark green body.  The offspring, when hatched, is very small, and dark red in colour.  But the young will grow rapidly – doubling in size within 10 days – and it won’t be long before they are at adult size.

Comments: Try not to change the water temperature and chemistry too often.  Make sure you keep a low level of soluble waste and keep the water clean at all times to allow this species to flourish.  Overall, this is a good species for newcomers to the hobby.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: This shrimp is easy to maintain but should not be housed with large, aggressive fish.  You may choose to put the Dark Green Shrimp in a one-species tank.

Originally posted 2009-12-20 10:59:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 dots on the tail, orange-brown tail and nose.  Males are 2.5 cm in length; females reach 3 cm.  Only wild Bee Shrimps show the orange colouration.  This lack of colour is possibly the reason why the Bee shrimp doesn’t attract quite the same fanfare its popular red-hued cousin does.  Hobbyists tend to have a preference for bright, distinctive species; this species lacks the bold colours of other shrimp.

Diet: Bee Shrimp are omnivores and can be fed a typical dwarf shrimp diet.  The Bee Shrimp is an algae eater, but sinking food, along with specific Bee Shrimp food, will be well received.  Flake food, pellets or algae wafers will also do nicely.

Breeding: The Bee Shrimp and the Crystal Red Shrimp breed in virtually the same way.  This shrimp takes a slightly longer time to mature and hatch compared to other Dwarf Shrimp.  You should be reasonably experienced in shrimp keeping if you are thinking of breeding this species.

Comments: The Bee Shrimp needs soft, slightly acidic water for it to be happy.  It requires specific water conditions, so be vigilant in checking and updating your tank.  Your tank should be at least 20 gallons in volume and containing live plants so as to maintain water quality.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: The Bee Shrimp is a non-aggressive, active shrimp which will thrive in an aquarium with no predators.  Be careful to avoid housing with other Caridinas; interbreeding can be an issue within this genus.

Originally posted 2010-01-18 08:20:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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; females will be slightly larger at 4 cm.  This species has a distinctively thick, white colour.

Diet: Not a great deal is known about this species, but it would presumably eat the same foods as other Neocaridina species.  It would probably enjoy a varied diet of vegetables, fish pellets and bloodworms.

Breeding: Again, there is not much information available on this species breeding habits.  It will most likely share the same characteristics as the Yellow Shrimp, given its distribution.  Most Neocaridinas are easy to breed and do not require many specific conditions.

Comments: The White Tiger Shrimp has a preference for pH levels below 7.0.  Decorate your tank in similar fashion to other Neocaridina species, with plenty of plants and hiding places.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Housing with other Neocaridinas and Caridinas may lead to interbreeding.

Originally posted 2010-01-21 19:36:08. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 peaceful temperament.  It is quite a rare species and rarely kept in aquariums.

Diet: There is not much information available on this species, but remember that all crayfish are scavengers and will be able to go days without a regular food source.  Plain shrimp pellets and flake food will probably do well as a staple diet.

Breeding: In nature, this species breeds only once a year.  It requires colder water for breeding and has a preference for the spring time.

Comments: Cambarus Coosae should be kept in a 100 litre tank with several caves and hiding places.  It enjoys digging and will scurry around in the night time.  It is important you don’t keep this crayfish in hot water temperatures for lengthy periods.  This species can be difficult to maintain and is best suited to experienced hobbyists.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Cambarus Coosae will eat fish if it manages to catch them, so avoid housing this species with fish.

Originally posted 2009-12-20 10:27:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 a white body and often a yellow cream line on its back.  This species has black or brown eyes, and produces bright white eggs.

Diet: This Neocaridina feasts upon algae mostly, but can be fed live and frozen foods on occasions.

Breeding: The White Pearl Shrimp doesn’t have a larval stage and has the same breeding habits as the Blue Pearl Shrimp. Be careful not to house this species with other Neocaridinas, as they will interbreed and create an unattractive crossbred species.

Comments: This species can be kept in a tank as small as 12 litres in volume.  Provide sand and plenty of plants for White Pearl Shrimp to thrive.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: There is not a great deal of information as to compatible species, but give its small size, avoid housing White Pearl Shrimp with predatory fish.

Originally posted 2010-01-21 11:28:29. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 brownish appearance – but can vary from a light yellow-brown colour to a dark brown – and a transparent carapax; males have huge red tongs with black stripes.  Females are usually light green; eggs are a dark green colour.

Diet: The Red Claw Shrimp will eat anything – snails, live or frozen food, dead animals, and more.  You might consider feeding it fish food pellets, flake, algae and bio-film.  It will even enjoy fresh vegetables from time to time.

Breeding: Macrobrachium assamense have an interesting style of courtship in which the male uses his tongs to hug the female.  The female Red Claw Shrimp will carry 20 – 60 fertilised eggs for a couple of weeks before hatching.  This species is relatively easy to breed.

Comments: You could keep one couple of Macrobrachium assamense in a 50 litre tank; for larger numbers you will need at least 100 litres.  Allow plenty of decoration so the shrimp can create territories and hiding spaces.  Be sure there is no easy escape route in your tank, as this species loves to climb and, given the chance, could probably find its way out.  A good idea would be to put a cover on the top of your tank.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Macrobrachium assamense will eat small shrimp, snails and fish.  This is an aggressive species which should probably be housed in a one-species tank.  Red Claw Shrimp will be fine in small groups as long as your tank is big enough to accommodate them.

Originally posted 2010-01-18 08:50:10. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 gold colour to a dark blue.  Males may reach up to 5 cm and females are slightly larger at 5.5 cm in length.  Its antennula pods and scaphocerites segments are lined with fine, visible hairs which distinguish the species.  This species has a life expectancy of over a year.

Diet: This shrimp, like many others, uses its filtering system to find food.  It requires a good water flow for it to feed properly.  You could try adjusting the filter output and dropping crushed food directly into the flow if the Green Lace Shrimp doesn’t appear to be feeding properly.

Breeding: Atyoida pilapes is yet be bred in captivity.  The larvae requires brackish to full marine water if it is to develop properly.  You will need to be very vigilant with your water if you are to successfully breed this shrimp.

Comments: Atyopsis moluccensis will need a tank of at least 20 gallons.  Keep a clean habitat and be sure to install an additional pump to add current for effective feeding.  It will probably position itself in spots facing the filter stream.  Make sure your aquarium is well oxygenated.  This species requires a lot of attention to detail and is best suited to those hobbyists with plenty of experience under their belt.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: This species is compatible with any non-aggressive fish.  It must live in groups of at least four (of its own species).

Originally posted 2009-12-20 10:25:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 – and can be a mix of brown, red and orange.

Diet: This species is omnivorous but is not a huge eater.  You should avoid overfeeding it to maintain its health; as a scavenger, this species is used to going long periods without eating. Feed it typical crayfish foods: pellets, flake, vegetables, etc.  It might cause some damage to your plants, but nothing too serious.

Breeding: Procambarus toltecae has a fairly standard breeding procedure.  The females will carry around about 50 eggs for around four weeks, at which time they will hatch into 4 mm crayfish.  These youngsters will be a brown-orange colour; they will become more vibrant as they get older.  No special water conditions are required to facilitate breeding.

Comments: It is advised you keep one pair of Procambarus toltecae in a 60 x 30 cm tank.  This species is not quite as tolerant of bad water conditions, so be careful to change your water every so often and be wary of excessive pH and temperature levels.  This is a very rare species of crayfish.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Procambarus spiculifer is a reasonably mild species, and, while there is not much information available on compatible tank mates, it could most likely be housed with fish and shrimps alike.  Procambarus toltecae will struggle in an inter-species battle, so avoid housing it with stronger specimens.  Given its beautiful colouration, it could well be housed in a one-species tank.

Originally posted 2010-01-25 13:05:22. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 white lines that run across a transparent body.  The female’s eggs are a blue-green colour.

Diet: Bee shrimps are herbivorous and will enjoy moss, riccia, catfish tablets and algae wafers.

Breeding: This species breeds in a similar way to other bee shrimp, particularly its cousin, the Crystal Red Shrimp.

Comments: Provide plenty of plant life and excellent water conditions for the young offspring to thrive.  You need not have a tank greater than 10 litres in volume.  Be sure to watch your Crystal White Bee Shrimp closely to monitor any changes in their behaviour.  Be careful to rid your tank of excessive undissolved substances to keep this species in top health.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: There is not a great deal of information on this species, but avoid keeping with aggressive fish and other members of the Cardinia family unless you want to promote interbreeding.

Originally posted 2010-01-18 07:56:57. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 2 -3 white dashes along its body, which makes it easy to identify in an aquarium environment.  A tiny shrimp, this species would be doing well to reach 2.5 cm in length.

Diet: Orange Delight Shrimp should be fed a wide-ranging diet of prepared shrimp food, algae water and blanched vegetables.  This species is not a fussy eater and will take in most of what you offer it.

Breeding: The Orange Delight Shrimp doesn’t have a larval stage.  The female will carry her eggs until they hatch – usually around 20 – 30 days – and the miniature shrimp will emerge. These youngsters are small, shy and will spend a lot of their time in hiding, so give them a few spaces in which to hide.

Comments: Tiny as they are, it is recommended you keep your Orange Delight Shrimp in a tank of at least 10 gallons in volume.  Putting more than 25 Orange Delight Shrimp in a small tank would overcrowd them, which can lead to stress.  This species is not for beginners and should only be kept by experienced hobbyists.

Tip: This species will turn a brownish colour when stressed.  This may be a result of overcrowding, fear or bad health.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: It is important you do not house this shrimp with other predatory fish.  Its bright colour will make it stand out and it may be feasted upon by predators.  Most other dwarf shrimp species will make good tank mates.  Ottos can generally be housed with any dwarf shrimp species.

Originally posted 2009-12-20 10:06:36. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 cm in length; females are slightly larger at 3 cm.  Mature Tiger Shrimp can display a wide range of colours ranging from green to blue – even red.  Sexing can be very difficult given that males and females look almost identical, but there is one key difference: the round undercarriage under the female’s body.  The male Tiger Shrimp has a straight line in this area, as well as a slightly narrower body. The Tiger Shrimp is one of the most aesthetically pleasing shrimps and, as a result, is very popular within the hobby.

Diet: The Tiger shrimp will eat regular fish food pellet, flake, algae and bio-film.  It will even enjoy fresh vegetables from time to time.

Breeding: Unlike the Ninja Shrimp, the Tiger Shrimp has no larval stage.  The female will produce around 20 – 25 hatchlings and, once hatched, it can be as little as a week before the female is again capable of possessing eggs.  The Tiger Shrimp is very easily bred and, therefore, an excellent species for beginners.

Comments: You can house a colony of Tiger Shrimp in a 10 – 20 gallon tank.  Keep the water clean and use a sponge filter to stop the tiny babies from being sucked into the filter.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Keep Tiger Shrimp in a “shrimp only” tank; they are small and a prime target for predators.

Originally posted 2010-01-18 08:08:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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: Procambarus spiculifer can grow in excess of to 12 cm in length.   This colourful-looking crayfish is reasonably shy and peaceful.  Males have longer pincers than females, and gonopods, while females have a broader tail.  This species may appear in several different colour variations.

Diet: This species is omnivorous and will eat most food items – including your plants. Provide it with typical crayfish food: vegetables, pellets, flake, etc.

Breeding: Procambarus spiculifer will breed in the same fashion as most Procambarus species.  Not a lot of information is available on its specific breeding habits.

Comments: It is advised you keep Procambarus spiculifer in a tank at least 100 cm in length; it is a biggish crayfish and it will need the extra space.  This species is not quite as tolerant of bad water conditions, so be careful to change your water every so often.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Procambarus spiculifer is a reasonably mild species, and, while there is not much information available on compatible tank mates, it could most likely be housed with fish and shrimps alike.

Originally posted 2010-01-25 13:00:14. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 transparent colouration, long thin legs and an indented rostro.

Diet:

Breeding:

Comments:

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species:

Originally posted 2010-01-24 19:22:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 colours: brown, purple and blue.  Males grow a length of 2.5 cm; females are slightly longer.  Females have a curved underbelly which can make sexing easier.

Diet: The Blue Bee Shrimp should be fed once a day and not to excess.  Shrimp are scavengers by nature and can go for a couple of days without food.  You can feed it flake, algae, frozen food, live food, and vegetables.

Breeding: The breeding of this species is simple because it does not require salt water during the larval stage.  The female will incubated up to 30 eggs for as long as six weeks.  Not much is known about this species as yet, but if you are familiar with the Crystal Red Shrimp of Bee Shrimp you should treat these ones in a similar fashion.

Comments: A 10 litre tank should be enough to house the Blue Bee Shrimp.  Provide plants, oak leaves and some root.  Remember that the tank must be well oxygenated and have barely any nitrate in it.  This species is suitable for beginners and intermediate hobbyists.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Keep six of these species together at the one time.  Fish will look to eat the baby shrimp, so be careful if you are planning on breeding them.  Snails will obviously cause no threat to the Blue Bee Shrimp.  Tetras, Endlers Livebears, Guppies and most Killiefish can be housed with this species.

Originally posted 2009-12-20 10:49:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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, Atya gabonensis looks much more fearsome than it is in reality.  It ranges from light blue-grey to brown – even black on occasions.  Males and females look very similar which can make sexing difficult.

Diet: Atya gabonensis use fan-like appendages on their heads to feed.   When feeding this shrimp, crumble fish flake into the water so it can filter the small food particles through its appendages.

Breeding: The African Filter Shrimp is not easy to breed.  It requires brackish water in order to raise its hatched larvae; the young shrimp will exist as plankton before becoming adult-like after several moults.

Comments: Atya gabonensis require a tank of 20 gallons minimum.  Provide a lot of plants and hiding places; this shrimp is shy – almost nocturnal – and likes to hide away during the day.  They love to climb, so provide plenty of structures for the African Filter Shrimp to play around on and hide in.  This species, given its need for brackish water when breeding and its obscure way of feeding, is not suited to beginners.  Only experienced hobbyists – those who know how to deftly adjust water conditions – should attempt to house the African Filter Shrimp.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: The African Filter Shrimp should not be tanked with crustacean-eating fish, for obvious reasons.  Puffers, loaches and Peacock cichlids will eat these guys for breakfast.  This species, like many shrimp, is often best suited to a tank of its own.

Originally posted 2009-12-20 10:13:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 dH

Description: The Purple Zebra Shrimp is an extremely small species, measuring less than 1 cm.  Despite its diminutive size, this species is quite adaptable to different conditions.  It has a purple colouration; both sexes look the same which can make it difficult to tell them apart.  Females can be sexed thanks to their green saddle or green eggs; this the only way of telling the sexes apart.

Diet: This species will eat anything.   It will accept vegetables – zucchini and spinach are both good choices – along with algae wafers, shrimp pellets, flake, bloodworms and other live foods.

Breeding: So far there is no evidence this species has been bred in captivity.  It requires salt water conditions so it can hatch as larvae and develop properly.  Purple Zebra Shrimp will start out as floating – almost transparent – larvae.  The female will carry the bright green eggs for about three weeks before they hatch into the larvae – a feat that has not yet been accomplished by hobbyists. Given that no evidence of captive breeding has been recorded, you should not feel bad if you cannot breed this species.

Comments: Ensure you keep levels of organic waste to a bare minimum, as high levels will affect the diminutive Purple Zebra Shrimp.  This shrimp will spend a lot of time hiding, so it may not be the best bet for beginners.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Purple Zebra Shrimp are incredibly small and therefore an easy target for predators.  They are best kept in a one-species tank.

Originally posted 2010-01-24 19:38:29. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 – 15 dKH

Description: Neocaridina heteropoda grow around 2.5 – 3 cm in length.  This non-aggressive shrimp has a camouflaging capability that allows it to blend in with its surrounding environment.  If you look closely you may see some yellow or red colouration; selective breeding of Neocaridina heteropoda can result in the Red Cherry Shrimp and Yellow Shrimp, which are more common among hobbyists.  This, however, takes many generations to achieve.

Diet: Neocaridina heteropoda will eat most foods.  It should be fed a combination of flakes, pellets, algae wafers and vegetables, along with the occasional bloodworm.

Breeding: Neocaridina heteropoda is an easy species to breed in captivity.  The female produces her green eggs and carries them for around 30 – 45 days before they hatch.  If you keep the water conditions clean – being sure to clean out the organic waste and avoiding sudden changes in temperature – then you should have no problems breeding this species.  It is worth noting that temperatures below 20°C may affect its ability to breed.

Comments: This species has the same tank requirements as its Red Cherry cousin.  Make sure you are extra careful with your water parameters.  It should be housed in a tank with sand substrate, plenty of plantation and roots.  It is one of the most adjustable species to different conditions, and great for beginners.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Neocaridina heteropoda should be housed in a clean aquarium with no predators.  Given its similarities to the Red Cherry Shrimp, smaller tetras – Glowlights, Cardinals and Neons, for example – may make good tank mates.  Avoid puffers, loaches and, of course, aggressive cichlids.

Originally posted 2010-01-21 11:18:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 tail and small, black bumps on its large claws.  Its carapace is adorned with cream and black markings on top of a tan base colour.  It has two very distinctive spines that sit either side of its carapace.  This species has a maximum length of 7 cm and its colour can change after each moult.

Diet: This species is omnivorous, but it will not attack your plants.  Feed it a typical crayfish diet of fish pellets, flake, frozen shrimp, and vegetables.

Breeding: The Sly Crayfish breeds as per most Procambarus.  There is not a great deal of breeding information available on this species.

Comments: You can easily keep one pair of Sly Crayfish in a tank 60 cm x 30 cm.  This species is unlikely to eat your plants, so feel free to adorn your tank with plenty of plant life and hiding spaces.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: While there is not a great deal of information available on recommended compatible species, Procambarus versutus is mild-mannered enough to be housed with prawns, shrimp, fish and snails.  This species is perfect in both a community tank environment and in a one-species tank.  It is also unlikely to attack within its own species.

Originally posted 2010-01-25 13:13:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 will reach up to 10 cm in length.  Males have longer pincers and gonopods; females have a broader tail than males.

Diet: Procambarus cubensis is omnivorous and will eat most things thrown their way.  You might try offering it tropical food flakes and meat and vegetable pellets.  You can provide it with dried oak leaves to boost its health; this species will also eat its own moults to regain lost nutrients.  Be careful, this crayfish will eat your plants.

Breeding: This species breeds the same way as other Procambarus species.  Larvae will hatch after about 28 days, at which point the young are almost fully formed inside the eggs.  The young can eat the same food as the adults; they will grow and develop at a rapid rate.

Comments: Provide an aquarium of at least 60 cm in length for this species.  Avoid an over-abundance of plants – the Cuba Crayfish will munch upon them if given the chance.  If you are set on having plants in your tank, you should make sure they are hardy ones.  Java Fern is an example of a plant which requires little care and is hard to eat.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Procambarus cubensis, while generally peaceful, may be best suited to a one-species tank.  They can be aggressive at times and have been known to eat their young; you should keep an eye on this as soon as you noticed the larvae have hatched.

Originally posted 2010-01-24 20:01:35. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 longer pincers and gonopods, while females have significantly broader tails.

Diet: This species will eat foliage, plant debris, pellets and flake food.

Breeding: Like Procambarus clarkii, this species has an internal process of fertilisation.  The male’s sperm will enter the female at the bottom of her legs, where the eggs are fertilised and then released.  The eggs will remain there for six months before becoming larvae.  It will take three months for the young to become sexually mature.

Comments: Procambarus acanthophorus can be housed in a 60 cm x 30 cm tank.  The bigger the tank, the more you can house together.  Unlike Procambarus clarkii, this species can deal with bad water quality – not that it is advised.  You might consider providing this species with a substrate to burrow in, along with several hiding places.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: There is not a great deal of information available on this species, but given its similarities to Procambarus clarkii it should probably also be housed in a one-species tank.

Originally posted 2010-01-24 19:42:59. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 gold speckles around the body, provide a beautiful, unique contrast.  There does not seem to be much difference in colour between males and females.

Diet: The Red Goldflake Shrimp can be fed the same diet as any other Sulawesi shrimp.  Spinach, lettuce, prepared shrimp food and algae water will do the job.  You should only feed it once a day, but in saying that, this Sulawesi species seems to prefer being fed at night.

Breeding: The Red Goldflake Shrimp can be bred in freshwater.  The female will keep the eggs – 20 – 25 in total – attached to her body for 3 – 4 weeks.  The young shrimp will be carbon copies of their parents, albeit much smaller.

Comments: Keep Red Goldflake Shrimp in tanks of at least 15 gallons, with no more than one shrimp per gallon of water.  You may choose to decorate your tank with sand, rocks and plants, which will simulate the species’ natural environment.  This species should only be attempted by experienced hobbyists as it requires plenty of attention.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Red Goldflakes are reasonably shy and much happier within their own tribe.  They are best kept in a tank of their own.  It certainly should not be housed with large, aggressive fish, for obvious reasons.  If you must keep this in a community tank, it is most likely suited to other dwarf shrimp species.

Originally posted 2010-01-18 08:30:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 – 8 (kH)

Description:  This Caridina shrimp is a red variant of the normal Tupfel shrimp. Red Tupfel Shrimps have a red colour inside their bodies, small black dots and a black band around their heads. Males reach 2.5 cm in length; females are slightly longer at 3 cm.

Diet: The Tupfel Shrimp should be fed similarly to the Bee and Tiger Shrimp.  This may include fish food pellets, flake, algae and bio-film.  It will even enjoy fresh vegetables – lettuce, zucchini, for example – from time to time.

Breeding: Breeding is the same as the Tiger and Bee Shrimp: it has no larval stage.  The female will produce around 20 – 25 hatchlings and, once hatched, it can be as little as a week before the female is again capable of possessing eggs.  This species is quite fertile and, as such, is an excellent type for beginners.

Comments: This shrimp does not eat plants, so do not be afraid to decorate your aquarium in such a fashion.  There is not a great deal of information available in terms of specific tank requirements, but this species should be treated in a similar fashion to Bee and Tiger Shrimps.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: A one-species tank is recommended for this tiny, placid shrimp.  Its diminutive size would make it an easy target for larger, hungry predators.

Originally posted 2010-01-18 08:38:19. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 of Caridina sp. cantonesis – one with normal black eyes and ones with orange eyes and a heftier price tag.  It is unknown how the orange eyes were introduced into this species.  You can expect the Black Tiger to live approximately 1 – 2 years.

Diet: The Black Tiger Shrimp can be feed leaves, spinach, prawn and other dry foods.

Breeding: Caridina sp. cantonensis is a reasonably difficult species to breed.  Strict attention must be paid to its favoured water conditions because the Black Tiger is fragile due to poor genetics.  The sexually mature female may display a saddle if her colouration is good.

Comments: Try not to change the water temperature and chemistry too often.  Black Tigers should be kept in a tank anywhere between 40 – 90 litres.  It is a difficult species to maintain and should only be attempted by experienced hobbyists.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: This shrimp is easy to maintain but should not be housed with large, aggressive fish.  It will get along easily with other dwarf shrimp, including the Amano Shrimp, Bumblebee Shrimp and the Bamboo Shrimp.

Originally posted 2009-12-20 11:02:08. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 and black or brown eyes.  Both sexes have the same colour intensity, and the female produces bright white eggs.

Diet: This Neocaridina feasts upon algae mostly, but can be fed live and frozen foods on occasions.

Breeding: The Snowball Shrimp doesn’t have a larval stage and has the same breeding habits as the Blue Pearl Shrimp.  It generally takes between 30 – 45 days for its eggs to hatch.  Breeding is easy: this is a very prolific species.

Comments: This species can be kept in a tank as small as 12 litres in volume.  Provide sand and plenty of plants for Snowball Shrimp to thrive.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: There is not a great deal of information as to compatible species, but given its small size, avoid housing Snowball Shrimp with predatory fish.  Remember that housing Neocaridinas together can lead to interbreeding.

Originally posted 2010-01-21 19:47:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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.  It is so far unknown as to why the Red Tiger has red stripes and its cousin, the Tiger Shrimp, doesn’t.  Females of this species have a curved underbelly which makes sexing easy, but both males and females display the same intense red-striped colouration.

Diet: The Red Tiger Shrimp will accept any shrimp food: spinach, shrimp pellets, fish flakes, bloodworms, etc.  Be careful not to overfeed this shrimp; shrimps are scavengers and, as such, do not need a constant food source.

Breeding: Females will produce 20 -25 hatchlings and can take as little as a week to have eggs again after hatching.  This species breeds identically to the normal Tiger Shrimp, and has no larval stage.  Females will produce around 20 – 25 hatchlings and are capable of possessing eggs again as little as a week later.  The Red Tiger Shrimp is easily bred, easy to look after and, therefore, an excellent species for beginners.

Comments: This species differs only in colour to the Tiger Shrimp, so treat accordingly.  A colony of Red Tiger Shrimp can be housed in a 10 – 20 gallon tank.  Be vigilant with your water levels – the cleaner the better – and consider using a sponge filter to stop the tiny babies from being sucked away.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: A one-species tank is recommended for this tiny, placid shrimp; it is small and a prime target for predators.

Originally posted 2010-01-18 08:43:02. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 fast-flowing streams.

PH: 7.5 – 8.0

Temperature: 19 – 29°C (66 – 85°F)

Hardness: 8 – 18 °d

Description: The Red Swamp Crayfish can grow as large as 20 cm in length, but is usually 10.5 – 12 cm.  The body is dark red and segmented, and its abdomen has a black stripe on it.  This species uses its appendages for feeding.  This species can live from 2 – 5 years; some individuals have made it to six years.

Diet: The Red Swamp Crayfish is a carnivore and will eat anything.  It has a preference for insect larvae, snails and tadpoles, and is not adverse to eating worms and other dead animals.

Breeding: This species has an internal process of fertilisation.  The male’s sperm will enter the female at the bottom of her legs, where the eggs are fertilised and then released.  The female will create a water current in a bid to drive the eggs into her pleopods.  The eggs will remain there for six months before becoming larvae.  It will take three months for the young to become sexually mature.

Comments: This species should, given its size, be tanked in a 40 litre aquarium at the very least.  The Red Swamp Crayfish is quite aggressive and will destroy vegetation or decorations in your tank, so provide it with a substrate for it to burrow in, along with several hiding places.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Procambarus clarkii is a very territorial species and should not be housed with other crayfish.  Do not keep it with slow, small, or long-finned fish as the crayfish will make light work of them.  This crayfish is best kept in a one-species tank.

Originally posted 2010-01-24 19:55:08. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 years of selective breeding.  This shrimp will range from 2.5 – 3 cm in length, with females slightly larger than males.  Some of these shrimp will have tiny red spots on their body.

Diet: This species will eat algae, but can be fed any typical aquarium food.  It will enjoy vegetables, quality flake, fish pellets and bloodworms.

Breeding: One of the easiest species to breed, the Blue Pearl Shrimp produces in exactly the same way as the Red Cherry Shrimp: no larval stage.  The young will hatch as miniature versions of the adults.  If you keep your tank well maintained, you should have no problems breeding this prolific species.

Comments: Provide aquarium plants, substrate and plenty of space for this species.  Make sure you don’t let any copper into the aquarium, as it is toxic to all dwarf shrimp.  Like the Red Cherry, this species will do best in a tank with sand substrate, plenty of plantation and roots.  Beginners will have no problems with this easy to manage shrimp.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Similar to the Red Cherry Shrimp in many ways, this species will also be compatible with small tetras, such as Glowlight, Cardinal and Neon.  Avoid puffers, loaches and, of course, aggressive cichlids.

Originally posted 2010-01-21 11:40:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 it has been dubbed the “Red Nose Shrimp”.  The nose, if broken off during shipping, has the remarkable ability to regrow itself.  This species can reach between 2.5 – 3.5 cm in length and it has a peculiar way of drifting around the tank, with its nose pointing down.  Males have a red nose and are larger than females.

Diet: Caridina gracilirostris shrimp are omniovorous and should be fed a combination of fish flake, typical food pellets and algae.

Breeding: Rhino Shrimp larvae will evolve from a planktonic state into miniature shrimp, but only with the assistance of brackish to full-strength saltwater.  This species is considered hard to breed and is best left to experienced hobbyists.

Comments: This docile shrimp will have a preference for planted aquariums.  Rhino Shrimp will moult approximately once a month, so bear this in mind if they have gone missing – they are most likely in hiding, waiting for their new shell to harden.  It is recommended you keep a small level of iodine in the water to facilitate this moulting process.  The Rhino shrimp is also very sensitive to excessive nitrate levels and ammonia.  This species is best left to those with plenty of experience.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: It is not a good idea to house this shrimp with large, predatory fish.  It has a peaceful demeanour and will not bother other tank inhabitants, so it can be easily housed with other small, non-aggressive species, particularly shrimp.

Originally posted 2010-01-17 21:50:06. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 in appearance.  Males are usually 2.5 cm in length; females will be slightly larger at 3 cm.  The female’s saddle and eggs are also of a yellow colouration.  This species has a life expectancy of 1 – 2 years.

Diet: The Yellow Shrimp is omnivorous and will eat lots of algae.  It can also be feed cleaned, boiled vegetables and food designed for bottom-dwelling fish and invertebrates.

Breeding: Like the Red Cherry Shrimp, the Yellow Shrimp is a prolific breeder and will not require any coaxing.  The female will carry the developing eggs in her saddle.  As long as you have a mature male and female in a good quality, well-maintained tank then you will have no problems breeding this species.

Comments: The Yellow Shrimp can live in a wide range of water parameters and is a good species for beginners.  Given its small size, it could easily be housed in a tank of about 20 litres.  Be careful not to drop the pH level below 6.5 or the Yellow Shrimp will die; 7.0 is a good level for this species.  Be careful not to allow any traces of copper into your aquarium: copper can kill dwarf shrimp.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Not a great deal of information is available on this species, but given its similarities to the Red Cherry Shrimp you should house it either in a one-species tank or with placid tetras.

Originally posted 2010-01-21 19:41:36. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 aquarium.  Small in size – 2.5 cm in length on average – this Malayan dwarf shrimp can range in colours, often leading to its misidentification.  The Malaya Shrimp can have colours ranging from blue, red, green, brown and gold.  Males are smaller, not as colourful and lack the white lines of the females, but they are by no means bland.

Diet: This Caridina may be fed algae foods, fish flakes and typical fish food pellets.  The Malaya Shrimp is not a fussy eater and can be also fed lettuce, spinach, zucchini and the occasional bloodworm.  Be careful not to overfeed this species.  If it doesn’t appear to be searching the tank for food, it may be worth feeding them at night and providing them with more hiding spots.

Breeding: The pregnant female Malaya Shrimp will hold around 50 eggs; it will take around 15 days for these to hatch into larvae.  The Malaya Shrimp has a larval stage of about three days, after which small, fully developed shrimps will appear.  This species does not require brackish water to breed effectively.  Young shrimp will not display the distinctive markings of the adults until they reach a larger size.

Comments: You could easily keep a colony of Malaya Shrimp in a 65 gallon tank.  Provide rocks and hiding places – and be careful to always provide good clean water.  You will need to keep the level of organic waste in your tank to an absolute minimum.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: This species is most likely suited to other dwarf shrimp species and, according to reports, does not cross with other shrimp.

Originally posted 2009-12-20 11:15:57. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 wild.  This shrimp will reach a maximum length of 6 cm; males are smaller than females.  It also has an orange or yellow spot in its tail, a segmented body, and a whopping 10 sets of legs.  The Grass Shrimp has a life expectancy of 1.5 – 2 years.

Diet: The Grass Shrimp is an omnivore and, as such, will eat most things you throw at it.  It will eat algae and detritus, but provide it with a quality flake or pellet food as a supplement.

Breeding: Many people believe the Grass Shrimp needs brackish water to breed properly, but freshwater is actually just as fine.  This species has a larval stage in which the shrimps hatch from the egg before developing.  This differs to the Red Cherry Shrimp, for example, which will hatch as a miniature version of its parents.  You should raise young Grass Shrimp on a diet of baby brine shrimp, fry food and miniature algae.

Comments: Be aware that this shrimp has a high mortality rate, which is due to poor care during capture.  If your Grass Shrimp has a milky colouration then prepare yourself to say its last rites.  You should house this species in a tank around 20 litres in volume and provide sand or gravel for it to create burrows in.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: This shrimp should be kept in a species-only tank as it will attack smaller shrimp (and will be eaten by larger predators).

Originally posted 2010-01-24 19:26:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 Freshwater Shrimp has a transparent colour with some black, brown or green marks.  It has long antennas, big eyes and a green tinge.  They are generally 2.5 – 3cm in length and can live in excess of two years in aquariums, which is longer than they do in nature.  Females are bigger and have stronger colours than males.

Diet: Atyaephyra desmaresti are omnivorous and prefer a diet of algae and decaying matter.

Breeding: This shrimp will require special attention from predators as it produces highly sought-after larvae.  The Freshwater Shrimp can carry in excess of 1500 eggs in nature.

Comments: Atyaephyra desmaresti live mostly in rivers and places where there is little current to speak of.  They will require a well oxygenated tank and plenty of plant cover to simulate their natural habitat.  They are a very easy species to look after and have a very peaceful demeanour.  This species is definitely suitable for newcomers to the hobby.  It has a wide distribution in nature and is very adaptable to different conditions: it can live in water ranging anywhere from soft to hard.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: The Freshwater Shrimp has a calm temperament but should not be hosed with large fish.  Care should be taken during breeding as other fish may rush to eat the tasty larvae.

Originally posted 2009-12-20 10:11:21. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 wild, but is quite adaptable to different conditions; higher levels of gH in a tank environment will be fine.  9 – 13 dGH is a recommended level.

Description: Procambarus pubescens will grow around 8 cm in length, although they can reach greater sizes.  They are similar in appearance to Procambarus enoplosternum but not as bright and colourful.  This species colour is more green and blue, while Procambarus enoplosternum is more red and black in its colouration.

Diet: This species is omnivorous and will eat most food items.  However it is not a big eater and will not attack your plants.  Provide it with typical crayfish food: vegetables, pellets, flake, etc.

Breeding: Procambarus pubescens will breed very early, often when they are as small as 4 cm in length.  The egg count will increase with the size of the female, but should not exceed 80.  This species does not require any special water conditions to breed and is therefore suitable for beginners to the hobby.

Comments: It is advised you keep Procambarus pubescens in a tank size of about 100 litres.  This species is not quite as tolerant of bad water conditions, so be careful to change your water every so often.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Procambarus pubescens is a reasonably mild species, and, while there is not much information available on compatible tank mates, it could most likely be housed with fish and shrimps alike.  This species does not fight too much and could be kept in a one-species tank if preferred.

Originally posted 2010-01-25 12:48:08. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 fast-flowing streams.

PH: 7.5 – 8.0

Temperature: 19 – 29°C (66 – 85°F)

Hardness: 8 – 18 °d

Description: The Red Swamp Crayfish can grow as large as 20 cm in length, but is usually 10.5 – 12 cm.  The body is dark red and segmented, and its abdomen has a black stripe on it.  This species uses its appendages for feeding.  This species can live from 2 – 5 years; some individuals have made it to six years.

Diet: The Red Swamp Crayfish is a carnivore and will eat anything.  It has a preference for insect larvae, snails and tadpoles, and is not adverse to eating worms and other dead animals.

Breeding: This species has an internal process of fertilisation.  The male’s sperm will enter the female at the bottom of her legs, where the eggs are fertilised and then released.  The female will create a water current in a bid to drive the eggs into her pleopods.  The eggs will remain there for six months before becoming larvae.  It will take three months for the young to become sexually mature.

Comments: This species should, given its size, be tanked in a 40 litre aquarium at the very least.  The Red Swamp Crayfish is quite aggressive and will destroy vegetation or decorations in your tank, so provide it with a substrate for it to burrow in, along with several hiding places.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Procambarus clarkii is a very territorial species and should not be housed with other crayfish.  Do not keep it with slow, small, or long-finned fish as the crayfish will make light work of them.  This crayfish is best kept in a one-species tank.

Originally posted 2010-01-24 19:31:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 to watch and with the stunning markings on “CRS” this just adds to their appeal. Females grow slightly larger and have a more ‘full body’ shape, but with a maximum size of 1.2 inches it can become difficult to tell males and females apart. Crystal red shrimp are not tolerant of dirty water, or heavy metals so make sure you do regular water changes and where possible use live plants to help keep their home healthy.

Diet: Crystal red shrimp are like most other shrimp and are therefore scavengers which eat predominantly algae in the wild, although they will eat almost any food placed in their aquarium.

Breeding: Crystal red shrimp are not the type of animal which need much help from humans, as long as you have a male and a female, good water parameters and good food, your shrimp will do the rest. Crystal red shrimp do not eat their young, so there is no need to remove them at any stage. In a low stocked, planted aquarium a single female can produce in excess of 30, from the age of 3 months the shrimp become sexually active, therefore making this shrimp a very good money maker.

Tip: Do not use any water from the hot tap as this water is usually heated with metal eliments and then passed through copper piping, this can poison your shrimp.

Comments: Crystal red shrimp are certainly worth keeping at some stage in your hobby, due to their small size you can even keep them in a small aquarium on your desk. You probably shouldn’t keep them on your work desk though, as you will find yourself relaxing, watching them instead of doing your work.

Article/Books:

Culturing Live Foods: A Step-By-Step Guide to Producing Food for Your Home Aquarium
Today’s Essential Guide to Growing Aquarium Plants: The Aquamaster Series

Recommended Compatible Species:

Small mouthed non-aggressive fish such as neon tetras, glass catfish, thread fin rainbows and small sucking catfish.

Originally posted 2009-09-13 12:22:49. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 sp. can grow up to 10 cm in length.  It is of a light and dark brown colour, which gives it a mostly camouflaged appearance.  This species can live up to three years if taken care of properly.

Diet: Marble Crayfish will feast upon plants and dead leaves.  This species is also rather fond of flake and fish pellets.

Breeding: The most interesting part about Procambarus sp. is that there are no males: this is species made up entirely of females!  Marble Crayfish breed through a process known as parthenogenesis: self-cloning.  Other than this, breeding is as per usual.  Procambarus sp. can produce a massive amount of age and will multiply at a rapid rate.

Comments: It is advised you keep Procambarus sp. in a tank size of about 100 litres.  This species does not require special water conditions; it is extremely hardy and will do well in most aquarium environments as long as temperatures are not extreme.  As such, this is a good species for beginners as not a lot of maintenance is required (and you won’t have the problem of working out which are male and which are female).

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Procambarus sp. is a reasonably aggressive species, but can be housed with fish and shrimps alike.

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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 allenii will grow to an average of 10cm, although they can reach greater sizes.  In the wild, this species will have a brown appearance with some blue or red elements, but selective breeding has resulted in an electric blue variety.

Diet: This species will feast upon your plants if given the chance, so avoid heavily planting your tank.  It can be fed tropical food flakes and meat and vegetable pellets.  You can provide it with dried oak leaves to boost its health; this species will also eat its own moults to regain lost nutrients.

Breeding: Procambarus allenii females will carry her eggs on her swimmerets until hatching.  This species will breed all year around, but is best bred in pairs.  You should keep the adults well fed to maximise breeding capabilities.

Comments: The Electric Blue Crayfish will require gravel or sand as a substrate.  You should make sure your tank has a cover to stop this species from crawling out.  You will need to keep adults in a tank of at least 10 gallons to stop the young from cannibalising each other – a result of having not enough space to move around in.  Your tank should also have a full spectrum florescent lighting system in place.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: This species will stay mostly at the bottom of your tank and should be kept with fish that will leave them in peace.  You can house your Electric Blue Crayfish with fish species that are too big for them to catch and eat.

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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 species for beginners.  Males will reach 2 cm in length; females can reach up to 3 cm.  Females have a much darker red colour and a curved underbelly.  This selectively bred species has an intense red colouration that can fluctuate in its intensity dependant on mood.  It is possibly the cheapest shrimp in the industry to purchase.

Diet: The Red Cherry Shrimp is not a fussy eater and will go for any typical shrimp food.  It also enjoys vegetables, pellets and bloodworms.  This shrimp loves to eat and if yours are unenthusiastic about food – instead remaining in hiding – then something is probably wrong.

Breeding: Healthy Red Cherry Shrimp are prolific breeders.  This species doesn’t have a larval stage; the female carries her eggs for 3 – 4 weeks and produces young shrimp which measure around 2 mm in length.  This is one of the easiest species to breed.

Comments: This species will do best in a tank with sand substrate, plenty of plantation and roots.  It is one of the most adjustable species to different conditions, although temperatures below 20°C may affect its ability to breed.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Smaller tetras – Glowlight, Cardinal and Neon, for example – may make good tank mates.  Avoid puffers, loaches and, of course, aggressive cichlids.

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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 – males measure in at a tiny 2 cm in length while females are slightly larger – its name was inspired by Japanese ninja warriors who displayed excellent hiding skills.  The Ninja Shrimp, with its ability to change colour rapidly as a means of camouflage, displays these ninja qualities.  It has been known to take many colours, including red, yellow, black, grey, blue, and brown.  You can expect Caridina serratirostris to live for around 18 months.

Diet: The Ninja Shrimp is omnivorous and will favour algae as its base diet, but will eat normal food as well.

Breeding: Ninja Shrimp reproduce in the form of larval stages, and require salt water conditions.  The larvae will adjust to freshwater, but not immediately.  As such, care must taken when breeding this species in captivity.

Comments: This species love shadows and dark places, so provide hiding spots and cover to simulate its natural environment.  This is not an easy species to maintain – and particularly hard to breed – so it is best suited to those with extensive experience.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Aggressive fish are out of the question.  Fish with specialised feeding mouths – Ancistrus, for example – may be compatible in the sense they won’t be able to eat the Ninja Shrimp.

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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 its side and a white stripe on its dorsal fin.  Its body has a translucent colouration; females have a longer row of dots which line their body.  The body colour may change dependant on nutrient levels and the quality of your water.

Diet: Caridina multidentata will feed in much the same way as all dwarf shrimp species.  Considering this is one of the larger dwarf shrimps, it should be fed a good supply of food.  Shrimp pellets, zucchini, spinach, blood worms and fish flakes will make up a balanced diet.

Breeding: The Amano Shrimp must be bred in brackish water; if not, the pregnant females will never produce babies.  The shrimp eggs hatch as tiny larvae, which float freely in the water.  These larvae should be dealt with carefully as they are extremely delicate.  Successful captive breeding has occurred in conditions with 24-hour lighting, a temperate of mid-70°F, and gentle aeration.  High temperatures will thwart the development of the larvae.

Comments: This shrimp requires a lot of attention and is only recommended to experienced hobbyists.  Breeding appears to be very difficult and poor water conditions can lead to a high mortality rate.  Amano Shrimp should be given plenty of space so as to avoid overstressing.  This shy species may spend a lot of its time hiding among plants and tank decorations.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: The Amano Shrimp has been known to attack smaller fish.  Conversely, you shouldn’t tank this species with larger fish because, like most shrimp, they will be promptly eaten.

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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: 6.5 – 7.5

Temperature: 18– 26°C (64 – 78°F)

Hardness: 4 – 6 gH; 1 -2 kH

Description:  The Golden Bee Shrimp will measure at 2.5 – 3 cm in length.  It has an interesting orange colour which is in the flesh but not in the shell.  Females are slightly larger than males and can be sexed due to their curved underbelly, like most dwarf shrimp species.  The female’s saddle is a brownish colour which will contrast with the whiteness of the body.  If healthy, the shrimp will display a golden flesh colour with a white outside shell.

Diet: The Golden Bee Shrimp will eat similar foods to its cousin, the Crystal Red Shrimp, including pre-made Crystal Red Shrimp food, bloodworm, algae water and spinach.

Breeding: This species breeds the same way as its cousin, the Crystal Red Shrimp.  It will have brown eggs when pregnant and will thrive in the specific water conditions listed above.  It is recommended you gain experience in shrimp keeping before having a go at breeding this species.

Comments: The specific water conditions should be adhered to in order to maintain this species’ health in a tank environment.  This is a dwarf shrimp best suited to advanced hobbyists.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: The Golden Bee will interbreed with other members of the Caridina species, so avoid this if you are a purist.  Other peaceful shrimp species should make good tank mates.

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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 length at best, has a blue colouring to go with its bright orange eyes.  Not all offspring will have the blue colouration, but they will definitely have the orange eyes.  They can be anywhere from a very light to very dark blue.  Females are slightly larger with a curved underbelly and, in many cases, are darker than the males.

Diet: Blue Tiger Shrimp will eat spinach, zucchini and algae, among other foods.

Breeding: Caridina sp. cantonensis are a reasonably difficult species to breed.  Strict attention must be paid to its favoured water conditions because the Black Tiger is fragile due to poor genetics.  The sexually mature female may display a saddle if her colouration is good.

Comments: Try not to change the water temperature and chemistry too often.  Black Tigers should be kept in a tank anywhere between 40 – 90 litres.  It is a difficult species to maintain and should only be attempted by experienced hobbyists.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: This shrimp is easy to maintain but should not be housed with large, aggressive fish.  It will get along easily with other dwarf shrimp, including the Amano Shrimp, Bumblebee Shrimp and the Bamboo Shrimp.

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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 in colour, but are usually brownish with a light stripe down their back.  Fully developed males will have larger, thicker forelegs than females.

Diet: Atyopsis moluccensis should be given flake food or powered spirulina.  The shrimp will use its fan-like appendages to scrap around for food; this may mean there is not enough food in the tank or a strong enough current for it to feed effectively.

Breeding: The Asian Fan Shrimp, like the African Filter Shrimp, is not easily bred in captivity.  You will struggle to breed in freshwater; they will mate, but the larvae requires brackish to full marine water if it is to develop properly.

Comments: Atyopsis moluccensis will need a tank of at least 20 gallons.  As mentioned earlier, this shrimp will appreciate a current in order to filter its food properly.  Provide a piece of driftwood for it to perch on and eat its food from.  Given how hard it is to successfully breed this species, it may be best left to hobbyists with extensive shrimp-keeping experience.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: This species is compatible with any non-aggressive fish.  Cichlids should be avoided as tank mates.  The Asian Fan Shrimp may look big and intimidating, but it is mild-mannered and will not harm other tank mates.  As with many shrimp, it may be safest to house this species in a tank of its own.

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