The Pinocchio shrimp is a fascinating addition to any aquarium because of its eye-catching red nose and transparent body. This tiny shrimp, which comes from India’s freshwater rivers, has won aquarists over with its unusual look and entertaining ways.
Despite its diminutive size, the Pinocchio shrimp is easily recognized thanks to its vivid red hue and long, thin rostrum, which is reminiscent of the well-known wooden puppet. This shrimp is not only visually pleasing, but it also feeds on leftover food and algae, which helps keep your aquarium clean.
The Pinocchio shrimp is an excellent option for both novice and seasoned aquarists, as it is full of personality and requires little maintenance. Its vibrant presence lends charm to any tank, making it a fascinating subject for anybody with an interest in aquarium maintenance.
| Characteristic | Description |
| Origin | India |
| Size | Up to 4 cm |
| Color | Transparent body with a red nose |
| Tank Requirements | At least 20 liters, well-planted |
| Temperature | 22-28°C |
| Diet | Algae, detritus, and commercial shrimp food |
| Behavior | Peaceful, suitable for community tanks |
Habitat, biotope
Within the Atidae family of crustaceans, the Pinocchio shrimp (Caridina gracilirostris) is a species of decapod crustacean. The mangrove swamps and river estuaries of Southeast Asia and India are Pinocchio’s natural habitat.
Pinocchio shrimp favor biotopes with a sandy bottom, small gravel and pebbles, a slow current, and water salinities between 8 and 14 °C (ppt, per mille). Pinocchio thrives in areas with dense aquatic vegetation, such as mangroves and estuaries, and where he can build shelters out of fallen leaves, stones, and roots.
Schooling species are pinocchio shrimp. A group of people can consist of one person or several dozen people. In a school, there are typically three to four times as many men as women.
Primarily herbivorous shrimp Caridina gracilirostris. Algae and decomposing aquatic plants make up their principal diet. Pinocchios accept rotted animal remains, zooplankton, and tiny insect larvae without hesitation.
Appearance, dimorphism
A characteristic feature of Caridina gracilirostris is its long, reddish-colored rostrum, or "nose," which is slightly curved upward. Pinocchio’s long, bluish body is translucent, with yellow-gray or yellow-green pigmentation in some spots. The entire length of the body is covered in a red stripe. The shrimp has a distinctively curved tubercle on its back.
It’s challenging to tell a male Pinocchio from a female:
- the female has a more pronounced tubercle on the back,
- the female"s abdomen is wider,
- the female (3-3.5 cm) is larger than the male (2.5-3 cm),
- the male"s color is brighter.
A flock, or group, of Pinocchios must consist of at least six pieces. Ten or more people form a full-fledged group with a stable hierarchy and strong intra-group ties. An aquarium large enough for six or ten people is thirty or fifty liters, respectively.
The Pinocchio shrimp is found in brackish water in the wild. The ideal salinity range for Pinocchio’s water in a species aquarium is 10–15 ppm (g/l). Use only shrimp-specific salt when setting up an aquarium.
Water conditions that are suggested for Pinocchio shrimp:
- temperature: 22-28 ° C,
- acidity: 6.5-8 pH,
- hardness: 5-15 GH.
Weekly water changes of 20% should be performed. The water’s salinity may alter due to various factors. It is important to routinely check the amount of salt in the water.
Copper and nitrogen compounds in the water are intolerable to pinocchio shrimp. It is important to carefully add chemicals, medications, and fertilizers to the aquarium.
Pinocchio needs a strong compressor and an excellent external filter that cleans with both chemical and biological methods.
The soil is suitable for pebbles, fine gravel, and coarse-grained sand. On the bottom, shelters constructed of wood, stone, and other materials are needed. Pinocchio shrimp enjoy hiding and spending time in aquatic vegetation. Any species that forms dense thickets on the bottom must be planted.
Although Pinocchio is quite adept at obtaining food from the bottom, they are unable to feed themselves entirely. It is advised to feed the shrimp a special diet consisting of plant-based ingredients once a day.
It is advised to incorporate grated and chopped spinach and lettuce leaves into their diet. It is advisable to switch out plant food for shrimp that contains animal components 1-2 times per week with specialized protein food. Moreover, dry autumn leaves spread out on the ground will provide extra nourishment and a supply of beneficial minerals.
Reproduction and breeding
In the natural world, pinocchio eggs find themselves in more brackish water (20–25 ppt, ppm) due to intricate interactions between local currents and tides. When the larvae hatch in water this salinity, they start eating phytoplankton.
In most cases, larvae that hatch in water with less than 15-20 parts per million (ppm) of salt perish quickly. After going through several stages of development, Pinocchio larvae in water with a salinity of 20–25 ppm mature into adults in 3–4 weeks. The shrimp return to mangroves and river mouths after reaching full formation.
Pinocchio shrimp cannot be reproduced in a freshwater aquarium; instead, they need a separate brackish-water spawning tank equipped with the right tools. Reproduction is possible in a species aquarium with brackish water, but it requires periodic adjustments to the pH level, temperature, and salinity of the water as well as the use of special food for the larvae. Even seasoned aquarium enthusiasts cannot handle this kind of work.
Fascinating animals, pinocchio shrimp add a special charm to any aquarium. They stand out due to their characteristic red noses and elegant movements, providing both hobbyists and guests with a delightful visual treat.
They might need a little more care than some other types of shrimp, but the work is well worth it. When given the correct care, such as appropriate water conditions and a calm atmosphere, these shrimp can flourish and exhibit their entire array of fascinating behaviors.
The Pinocchio shrimp are a great option for anyone wishing to give their aquarium a splash of color and whimsical design. They not only make the tank look more beautiful, but
Pinocchio shrimp are a delightful addition to any aquarium because of their characteristic red noses and vivacious personalities. These tiny, vibrant shrimp are native to India and are ideal for both novice and expert aquarists due to their ease of maintenance and beauty. Their distinct look and serene disposition add a splash of colorful life to any aquatic setting.
