Caridines are among the most fascinating invertebrates in the world of freshwater aquariums. Perfect for small, scenic, and natural dedicated tanks, these colorful shrimp are attracting more and more enthusiasts.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll explain how to raise them, what parameters to maintain, how to set up a stable aquarium , and which products from our Animal Instinct store you need to ensure they live their best.

Most common types of shrimp

There are several groups of shrimp, each with different needs. Here are the most common and most commonly bred ones.

1. Caridina Cantonensis (Crystal, Taiwan Bee, etc.)

They are the most sought after by enthusiasts thanks to their intense colours and prized varieties.

The most common are:

• Crystal Red
• Crystal Black
• Taiwan Bee (Blue Bolt, Panda, King Kong, Red Ruby…)
• Tiger and Super Tiger

They require acidic, soft and very stable water.

2. Caridina Amano (Caridina multidentata)

Very robust and famous for their effectiveness against algae and debris.
Perfect for starting or for plant tubs.

3. Sulawesi Caridina

Gorgeous colorations (Fire Red, Cardinal, White Spot), but very delicate .
They require alkaline, warm, ultra-stable water.

Ideal parameters for shrimps

Shrimp shrimp are extremely sensitive to sudden changes.
Here you will find the recommended values ​​for each group.

Caridina Cantonensis

• pH: 5.5 – 6.8
• KH: 0 – 2
• GH: 4 – 6
• TDS: 100 – 160
• Temperature: 20–23°C

➡️ They require remineralized osmotic water and an active substrate , which you can find in our shop in the versions for freshwater aquariums.

Caridina Amano

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• TDS: 120–200
• Temperature: 20–25°C

They are the most resistant. Excellent even in already established tanks.

Caridina Blue Dream

• Temperature: 18-26°C (best between 20-24°C).
• pH: 6.5-8.
• TDS: 200-350 ppm.
• Dedicated aquarium minimum 15-20 litres.

Caridina Bloody Mary

• Temperature: 20-26°C.
• pH: 7-7.5.
• TDS: 450-500 μS/cm.

Yellow Neon Caridina

• Temperature: 20-26°C.
• pH: 6.2-7.5.
• TDS: 200-350 ppm.

How to set up the perfect aquarium

1. Choosing the fund

For Caridine Cantonensis an active base that stabilizes pH and KH is essential:
In our store you will find substrates and sands for freshwater aquariums from the best brands (ADA, DOOA, etc.) perfect for creating a stable environment.

For Amano and Sulawesi, an inert substrate is suitable, also available in shops in various grain sizes and colours.

2. Filtration

A freshwater aquarium filter with a moderate flow rate and fine sponges is essential.

🎯 Animal Instinct offers freshwater aquarium filters, filter material, sponges and accessories suitable for shrimp tanks.

3. Natural furniture

Shrimp shrimp love an aquarium rich in microfauna and hiding places.

Recommended:

• mosses (Java, Christmas, Weeping)
• natural roots
• aquarium rocks and driftwood
• leaves (catappa, mulberry, oak)

In our store you'll find decorations, roots, and aquascaping materials perfect for creating a natural and functional tank.

4. The light

Moderate. Too much light can cause excess algae.

In the shop you can find lamps and lighting systems for freshwater aquariums , also ideal for small tanks.

5. Start-up and maturation

Before inserting shrimp:

• start the aquarium
• insert bottom, filtration and furnishings
• let it mature for at least 30–40 days

Stability is more important than anything.

Nutrition: What to Feed Shrimp

Caridinae feed mainly on:

• biofilm
• natural algae
• dry leaves (catappa or mulberry)
• specific sticks for Caridina
• spirulina
• blanched vegetables (spinach, courgettes)

➡️ At Animal Instinct you will find specific feed for shrimp and invertebrates , as well as mineral supplements for a healthy molt.

Compatibility with other animals

Excellent cohabitations:

• snails (neritine, planorbarius, physa)
• small peaceful fish (boraras, galaxy, otocinclus)

To avoid:

• betta
• cichlids
• predatory fish
• fish that are too lively

Reproduction

Caridina Cantonensis reproduce easily if the water is perfect.

• The female carries the eggs under her abdomen for 30 days
• The little ones are born already formed
• Leaves and mosses increase their survival

Amanos, on the other hand, require brackish water in the larval stage, making them much more difficult to breed indoors.

Common problems and how to avoid them

1. Death after water change

Possible osmotic shock → always use water with the same or very similar TDS .

2. Incomplete moult

Indicates mineral deficiencies → supplement with specific mineral products (available in stores).

3. Disappearing Babies

Filtration too strong → protect the suction with sponges.

4. Little movement

Possible oxygen deficiency → add an aerator.

Animal Instinct can recommend air pumps, aerators, accessories , and everything else you need to stabilize a delicate tank.

Why buy from Animal Instinct if you want to raise shrimp?

With us you will find:

✔️ Suitable substrates, sands and bottoms

(ADA, DOOA and others for freshwater aquariums)

✔️ Filters, sponges and filter material

Perfect for delicate tubs

✔️ Lighting for small tanks

Ideal lights for mosses and low plants

✔️ Specific feed for shrimp

Natural sticks, leaves, mineral supplements

✔️ Roots, woods and natural furnishings

To create a stable environment rich in microfauna

✔️ Water management products

Test, conditioner, accessories

And above all…

✔️ Direct in-store consultation

You can stop by my office or contact me on WhatsApp for personalized advice on your shrimp tank.

Caridina are wonderful shrimp, perfect for those who love natural tanks and delicate environments.
With the right parameters, the right water and reliable products, they will live long and reproduce easily.

➡️ If you want to set up an aquarium dedicated to shrimp, stop by Animal Instinct or write to me: I'll help you choose everything you need.