About the species

Pinto Black is a Taiwan Bee line with a white base colour and strong black marking in the form of bands, dots or a dorsal stripe depending on the individual. The Pinto pattern is one of the most variable in the hobby, making every shrimp unique.

Facts

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

Behavior

Pinto Black 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

Pinto Black 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

Pinto Black is a collector's choice for anyone who appreciates variation. Because the pattern varies widely it pays to select for the expression you want to strengthen. The shrimp requires soft, acidic water with KH near zero and fresh active soil.