About the species

Metallic Purple is an unusual addition to the shrimp hobby with a shimmering metallic purple body. The purple tone is rare among freshwater shrimp and gives the aquarium a look few other species can contribute. The line requires soft, acidic and stable water.

Facts

• Latin name: Caridina cantonensis
• Common name: Metallic Purple
• Size: Up to 3 cm
• Lifespan: 1.5–2 years

Behavior

Metallic Purple is peaceful but reserved and only settles in a well-established group. It grazes calmly over soil, moss and leaf litter and shows its colour best in a stable species tank.

Reproduction

• Females usually carry 15–25 eggs under the tail
• The eggs hatch after about 30 days as fully developed shrimplets
• Breeding depends entirely on low KH, low TDS and a stable temperature

Feeding

Metallic Purple is an omnivore but eats small amounts and feeds mainly on:

• Biofilm
• Algae
• Decaying leaves and plant matter

Feel free to supplement with:

• A low-protein Caridina food in small amounts
• Catappa or mulberry leaves
• A mineral supplement for moulting

Aquarium

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

Difficulty level

🔴 Advanced

Recommendation

Metallic Purple is a collector's choice for anyone wanting something outside the usual colour ranges. The metallic shimmer shows best under good, directed lighting against dark soil. Keep KH near zero and TDS stable for even colour development.