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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