About the species

Stardust is a Pinto-related Taiwan Bee with a dark body sprinkled with fine light dots that give the impression of a starry sky. The pattern is variable and makes every individual unique. It requires soft, acidic and very stable water.

Facts

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

Behavior

Stardust 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

Stardust 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

Stardust is a collector's choice where the pattern takes centre stage. The dotting is only partly inherited, so select for clear starring if you want to develop the line. Keep KH near zero and TDS constant.