Crystal Red Shrimp – Cardiana cf. cantonensis

Crystal Red Shrimp – Cardiana cf. cantonensis
Species name: Cardiana cf. cantonensis Common names: Crystal Red Shrimp Family: Atyidae Order: Decapoda Class: Malacostraca Maximum length: Minimum tank size: 5 gallons Hardiness: Medium to difficult Aggressiveness: Distribution: Crystal Red Shrimp is a bred variant of Bee Shrimps. Diet: Omnivore. Additional information: The crystal red shrimp is actually a color variation of the popular bee shrimp. They are the same species, just with a different – and quite striking – color. Hobbyists have obtained this spectacular color through years of selective breeding, much the same way as they have in guppies, bettas and other varieties of fish. Unlike many other varieties of shrimp, the crystal red shrimp is very sensitive to water conditions. While other varieties like the ghost shrimp can often withstand less than optimal temperatures and water chemistries, the crystal red shrimp cannot, so it is very important for hobbyists to have their water tested before acquiring a colony of these shrimps. In order to successfully keep crystal reds there can be no ammonia or nitrates in the tank, so be sure to have your water tested for these contaminants before buying your first shrimp. The best pH level for the crystal red shrimp is between 6.4 and 6.8. All varieties of shrimp do better in alkaline to neutral pH because their shells are composed of alkaline materials, and acidity is harmful to those shells. If you notice your shrimps constantly trying to brush things off their bodies it could be an indication that the pH level is too acidic. Other than pH, some other water parameters should be monitored for best results: GH – General Hardness 3 ~ 6dH KH – Carbonate Hardness 1 ~ 2dH NH3 – Ammonia 0ppm NO2 – Nitrite 0ppm NO3 – Nitrate