About the species

Crystal Red - Low is the red-and-white bee shrimp in a lower grade, where the white bands are narrower and slightly less dense than in High. The markings are still clear and the shrimp has the same need for soft, acidic water as other Crystal shrimp.

Facts

• Latin name: Caridina cantonensis
• Common name: Crystal Red - Low
• Size: Up to 3 cm
• Lifespan: 1.5–2 years

Behavior

Crystal Red - Low is a peaceful and curious shrimp that grazes across the whole aquarium throughout the day. It thrives best in a group of at least ten and appreciates moss, leaf litter and plenty of hiding places.

Reproduction

• Females usually carry 20–30 eggs under the tail
• The eggs hatch after about 30 days as fully developed shrimplets
• Requires soft, acidic and very stable water in order to breed

Feeding

Crystal Red - Low is an omnivore with a clear plant bias and feeds on:

• Biofilm
• Algae
• Decaying leaves and plant matter

Feel free to supplement with:

• A Caridina-specific shrimp food
• Catappa or mulberry leaves
• Protein food, sparingly

Aquarium

• Minimum aquarium size: 30 litres
• Substrate: Active soil (we use Environment Soil)

Difficulty level

🟡 Moderate

Recommendation

Crystal Red - Low is an affordable way into Caridina keeping. With the right water values and consistent selection the colony can be worked up towards higher grades. Set up with active soil and remineralised RO water right from the start.