Crystal shrimp

With their vivid colors and delicate appearance, crystal shrimp are an exquisite addition to any aquarium. These adorable little animals, which are frequently seen in red, white, and black hues, liven up your tank and are entertaining to watch. Their elegant movements and striking patterns make them a favorite among aquarists who want to incorporate some elegance into their setup.

Crystal shrimp are hardy and versatile shrimp that come from the crystal clear waters of Asia. They are also incredibly beautiful. They are a reasonable choice for novice and seasoned hobbyists alike, as they flourish in stable, well-kept aquarium environments. They are also the perfect companions for many kinds of fish and other aquatic life because of their small size and calm disposition.

Apart from their aesthetic value, crystal shrimp contribute positively to the aquarium ecosystem. As skilled scavengers, they consume leftover food and algae to keep the tank clean. They are a sensible option for keeping your aquarium’s ecology healthy and balanced because of their innate cleaning capabilities.

Aspect	Description
Species	Crystal Shrimp
Scientific Name	Caridina cf. cantonensis
Origin	Southern China
Tank Size	10 gallons or larger
Water Temperature	72-78°F (22-26°C)
Water pH	6.0-7.5
Water Hardness	Soft to moderately hard
Diet	Algae, specialized shrimp food, and small live foods
Behavior	Peaceful, active, and social
Breeding	Easy, requires stable water conditions
Tank Mates	Small, peaceful fish and other shrimp

The size of crystal shrimp reaches 2 cm in males, 2.5 cm in females. Crystal shrimp live about 2 years.

Picture of crystal shrimp

The characteristics of aquarium water, particularly the presence of nitrogenous poisons like ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, greatly affect these shrimp. The ideal water temperature for raising crystal shrimp is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. The water’s pH should vary between 6.5 and 7.2, GH-4-6, and KH 1-2. Such water parameters can be obtained through the use of water supply or osmotic water combined with mineral additives (remineralizers, boosters). Alternatively, launching shrimp on specialized soil is an option. Alternatively, if the shrimp farm is tiny, use distilled water.

In 4–5 months, shrimp reach reproductive age, growing to a maximum size of 2 cm. Water that is soft and slightly acidic works well for crystal growth. Although they can reproduce in more abrasive water, crystals’ offspring’s survival rate is significantly lower. Young shrimp cannot be classified at this age because they are born already colored.

What fish can you keep crystal shrimp with?

Crystal shrimp’s mouth

Along with any peaceful fish, such as characins, otocinclus, viviparous Siamese algae eaters, apistorhams Ramrezi, and rasbor tetras. There are documented instances of shrimp and barbs coexisting. However, we don’t think the shrimp will benefit from this neighborhood. They will have to live under continual stress while they hide from predators. But once more, barbs are not the same. Cherry barbs are, in my opinion, a typical crystal neighbor. Large, combative African and American cichlids are incompatible with shrimp.

Because of their fascinating behaviors and gorgeous appearance, crystal shrimp are a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts. These vibrant and striking additions to any tank are these freshwater shrimp, which are available in a variety of colors and patterns. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, they eat algae and other debris, which helps keep an aquarium clean. This post will discuss why crystal shrimp are so well-liked, how to take care of them, and why they can make wonderful additions to your aquatic setup.

What shrimp are crystal shrimp compatible with?

Crimson shrimp with a luster

Generally speaking, with the exception of mahrobrahiums. On the Forum, there have been reports, though, that Amano shrimp have the ability to declare a holy war on other shrimp, including cherries and crystals. Our experience suggests that we are most likely discussing ill, frail neighbors. Our Amanos get along well with a herd of cherries, babaulti, and other fish after many years of keeping herbal aquariums.

But, here is a photo of fierce cannibalism – AmanЪ`yak is gobbling up crystals

Unfortunately, cause-and-effect relationships have not been established; all we see is a freeze frame. Maybe Amanka just made the decision to get rid of her neighbor who was slightly flooded.

Classification of crystal shrimp

The body structure of a crystal shrimp

1. Achilles tendon, 2. 3. Centrophorax (carapace), 4. Rostrum

German crystals are categorized in various ways, ranging from K 0 to K 14.

C0, C2, C4, K6, K8, K10, K12, K14 Japanese crystal classification scheme: C, B, A, S, S+, SSS

The general rule of crystal classification is that the higher the class, the more saturated the color is white. Additionally, there is a correlation between the Japanese and German crystal gradations: Class C is the lowest class, and class K0 is equivalent to it. Class C: Mostly white, sporadically red.

Class K2 corresponds to class B

B class: the red color is uneven and the white portion is translucent.

The shrimp is colored with a combination of uneven white stripes, red islands, and unpainted areas.

K-4 – Class A A class where transparent areas remain and the color white does not cover the entire surface of the strip.

S class red color predominates

With the exception of the consistency of the white color and the width of the red stripes, Classes A and S are nearly similar to one another. Class S has narrower red stripes and a more solid white color, while Class A has unpainted areas.

Class S+.
S+ class very clear white and narrow red stripes of saturated colors

Clearly defined lines, white tail thin slashes V-shaped tail stripe; white fangs Golden shrimp White Snow

This class of shrimp has four broad, uniformly colored stripes that are all white. There are distinct lines that divide the red and white stripes. The shrimp class is S + "V-Type" if the pattern in the middle red stripe resembles the letter "V." Shrimp that have a thin white stripe dividing the red middle stripe are known as "Tiger Fang" or S + "Tiger Tooth" shrimp.

White is the dominant color for the SS class.

The main color of such shrimp is white, and there are red areas on a white background. If on the shell (cephalothorax) there is a red stripe and 2-4 white dots or a pattern in the form of a diamond, and then there is a solid red spot, then such shrimp are called SS "Hinomaru". If the red spot is cut by a white stripe – SS "No-entry Hinomaru". If there is a thin red stripe or a red spot in front of the caudal fin (tail), then such shrimp belong to SS « Double Hinomaru». From the photographs it is clear that there are many variations of the shape and placement of red spots, and accordingly the names are different.

SSS Class Only the shell has the SSS-class red color; the remainder is white.

Shrimp of this color have a dense white color, the exception is the cephalothorax. Such shrimp received the classification "Mosura". If on the cephalothorax the red spot looks like two large diamonds touching at the tops and forming a small diamond, then such shrimp are called "Mosura Crown". If instead of a small diamond there is a red spot of irregular shape, then the shrimp are classified as "Mosura Flower". A small red spot is allowed in front of the tail. In the photographs there are fidnas, as the Japanese originally call these or those red spots. The more unusual the spot, the higher the price for the shrimp. Such shrimp are sold at auctions.

Class SSS + also found the designation SSSS
(Exclusive shrimp)

These shrimp have the same pattern as the S-SSS classes, but they have much brighter and more dense coloring. These shrimp also have vividly colored limbs! Since white shrimp do not participate in their breeding process, these shrimp are known as "pure line red bees." These specimens are highly expensive.

The color options for each class are displayed in the tables below.

There is a belief that crystals are more sensitive to water parameters the higher their class. Stability is the most crucial factor in crystal preservation. Weekly water changes should range from 30% to 50%. Only temperature variations of 1-2 degrees are permitted in the water used for modifications; all other parameters must match those of the aquarium.

A lot of shrimp owners replace the water more frequently, but in smaller amounts. It is not permitted to siphon soil from an aquarium containing crystals, clean filters on a regular basis, or perform harsh deep water changes. Shrimp may perish as a result of such a thorough cleaning since it will drastically alter the water’s composition.

Shrimp crystals

Shrimp kept in aquariums can have a maximum capacity of 10 liters. Shrimp, however, feel more at ease and procreate considerably more quickly in aquariums holding 50–100 liters. Shrimp with vibrant colors and a voracious appetite are signs of good health.

There must be moss and driftwood in the aquarium. Alder cones and leaves are very popular with shrimp (see the Forum topic on phytotherapy in aquariums – Oak leaves, almonds, and alder cones in the aquarium). Buying specialized food for your densely populated shrimp herd makes sense. Take the Tetra Crusta Menu, for instance, for a comprehensive and varied diet of crayfish and shrimp.

Let’s focus on Dennerle Shrimp King Active Soil, a specialized soil that many aquarists have already used and are satisfied with.

This substrate is specifically cut to meet the needs of the shrimper. It effectively reduces pH and kH and encourages plant growth in an aquarium containing shrimp.

Picture of crystal shrimp

A table showing potential crossbreeds between shrimp. You can use it to figure out which shrimp you should keep apart from one another.

An intriguing table showing possible colors for offspring through crystal crossbreeding. Finalization of every crystal

I want to highlight the diversity of the aquarium community as I wrap up this article, which centered on the classification of crystals. Even without a half-ton aquarium or massive fish to care for, you can still be an expert aquarium keeper and a mega-shrimp breeder!

FanFishka.ru thanks Esta (Natalia Polskaya), the article’s author, for her cooperation and the material she provided!

For any aquarium enthusiast wishing to give their tank a pop of color and personality, crystal shrimp are an excellent option. They are a visual delight and a topic of discussion for enthusiasts due to their vivid colors and intriguing behaviors. These stunning shrimp can flourish in your aquarium if you select the ideal tank conditions and give them a suitable habitat.

The secret to keeping your crystal shrimp happy and vibrant is to keep their surroundings healthy. They do best in clean, well-kept tanks with consistent water parameters. You can keep common problems at bay and guarantee your shrimp have a long, healthy life by providing regular care and observation. Recall that, in comparison to other aquarium inhabitants, they require a little bit more care due to their delicate nature.

Adding crystal shrimp to your aquarium improves its aesthetic appeal and helps maintain the ecological balance within the tank. They do a great job of clearing away algae and leftover food, which keeps the surrounding water quality better for other aquatic life. Your crystal shrimp can be an eye-catching and useful addition to your aquarium setup with a little work and maintenance.

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