This is one of the most beautiful dwarf shrimps one can keep in a fresh water aquarium. It needs very acidic, soft water. Alkaline water will harm this shrimp causing it to die premature. Temperature should not exceed 26'Celsius, and should not be lower than 20'Celsius. It is a great algae eating shrimp, that feeds on microorganisms and algae. It is good to introduce whithered oak leaves, since microorganisms/bacteria grows readily on them which this shrimp will eat.
To successfully breed this shrimp water has to be acidic with a low pH. Crystal Red Shrimp grows to about 2.5-3.5 cm. Keep them with small fish since the bigger one will very likely devour them. Water conditioner is a must use, because chloramine/heavy metals are very harmful.
On this photo one can see the shrimps front, picking, legs/hands, harvesting microorganisms/algae/bacteria from the tank glass.
Shrimps head is packed with all sorts of antennae/feelers.
Observations;Crystal Red Shrimps live shorter in alkaline waters and not many shrimplets survive. If intending to keep and breed CRS, acidic water conditions are needed for this shrimp to thrive (low pH and KH).
Photos by Dusko Bojic.
