Premium Caridina Shrimp Collection - Expert Quality from Teacher's Pet NW

Caridina shrimp (Caridina cantonensis) are freshwater dwarf shrimp native to Southeast Asia, prized for their intricate patterns and vibrant colors. The main differences from Neocaridina shrimp are:

For a detailed comparison, read our comprehensive Caridina vs Neocaridina guide.

Caridina shrimp require soft, acidic water with:

• pH: 5.46.0-6.48 (slightly acidic)
• GH: 4-6 dGH (soft water)
• KH: 0-1 dKH (low carbonate hardness)
• TDS: 100-12200 ppm
• GH: 4-6 dGH (soft water)
• KH: 0-2 dKH (low carbonate hardness)
• Temperature: 68-74°F

Use RO/DI water with proper remineralization like Salty Shrimp Bee Shrimp Mineral GH+. Active buffering substrates like Brightwell Rio Escuro help maintain proper pH levels.

Need detailed setup guidance? Check our complete Caridina water parameter guide.

Yes, Caridina shrimp are more challenging and are recommended for intermediate to advanced aquarists. They require:

• Precise water parameter maintenance
• RO/DI water systems
• Active buffering substrates
• Stable temperature control
• More careful acclimation

New to advanced shrimp keeping? Start with our Caridina in Neo Parameters collection - specially adapted varieties that bridge the gap between Neocaridina and traditional Caridina care.

Caridina shrimp thrive in tanks with:

• Tank size: We prefer at least 10 gallons (larger tanks are more stable)
• Filtration: Gentle sponge filters to prevent shrimplet loss
• Substrate: Active buffering substrate (ADA Amazonia, Brightwell Rio Escuro)
• Plants: Live plants providing biofilm and cover, especially mosses
• Hiding spots: Cholla wood, Indian almond leaves, ceramic tubes
• Water system: RO/DI system with remineralization

Essential equipment: Stable heater, TDS meter, pH, GH and KH test kit, and quality remineralizer.

Need complete setup guidance? Read our Caridina tank setup guide.

Caridina shrimp require extremely careful acclimation due to their sensitivity:

1. Transfer shrimp and water to a clean container
2. Set up drip line with airline tubing (1-2 drops per second)
3. Continue dripping until container volume triples (2-8 hours for Caridina)
4. Net transfer shrimp to tank, discarding acclimation water

Critical: Caridina prefer longer acclimation than Neocaridina due to parameter sensitivity.

For detailed instructions with photos, read our complete drip acclimation guide.

Yes! Under proper conditions, Caridina shrimp will breed successfully. The breeding process:

• Females carry 20-30 eggs for 28-32 days (longer than Neocaridina)
• Shrimplets emerge as miniature adults
• Reach maturity in 3-4 months
• Breeding success depends on stable parameters

To encourage breeding:

• Maintain stable water parameters (most critical)
• Provide dense plant coverage (moss is ideal)
• Feed varied diet with specialized shrimp foods
• Avoid parameter fluctuations

Want our complete breeding system? Read our expert Caridina breeding guide.

Yes, most Caridina cantonensis varieties can interbreed, but offspring will become either Taibee or Taitibee or Mischlings with unpredictable patters. The exception to this is that Taiwan Bees can interbreed and not cross genetics, the offspring will reflect the offspring of one of the parents.

To maintain pure lines:

• Keep one variety per tank
• Start with high-grade specimens

Caridina shrimp are omnivorous and consume:

• Biofilm growing on surfaces (primary food source)
• Algae and plant matter
• Specialized shrimp foods with proper minerals
• Blanched vegetables (sparingly)

Recommended foods: Bacter AE for biofilm development, Shrimp Baby for shrimplets, and our complete food range.

Feeding schedule: 2-3 times per week, small amounts. Overfeeding can destabilize water parameters.

Compatible tankmates:

Any fish can eat whatever will fit in there mouth, but these type have smaller mouths and with good cover will not eat may shrimp:

• Small rasboras (Chili Rasboras, Emerald Dwarf Rasboras)
• Otocinclus catfish
• Small tetras (Ember Tetras, Green Neon Tetras)
• Snails are always safe (Nerite, Mystery)

Avoid completely:

• Bettas, gouramis, angelfish
• Barbs, loaches, cichlids
• Crayfish and aggressive fish

Even peaceful fish may eat shrimplets - provide dense plant cover and hiding spots.

Daily care:

• Visual health checks for unusual behavior
• Temperature monitoring (stability crucial)
• Remove uneaten food promptly

Weekly care:

• 10-20% water changes with remineralized RO water every other week
• Test pH and TDS
• Plant maintenance and trimming

Monthly care:

• Comprehensive parameter testing (pH, GH, KH, TDS)
• Equipment cleaning (gentle methods only)
• Population assessment and colony health tracking

Critical: Use only remineralized RO/DI water - never tap water for Caridina.

Best starter Caridina varieties:

Crystal Red PRL (S/SSS Grade) - Classic variety, proven genetics, excellent for learning

Wine Red Caridina - Hardy, beautiful coloration, good breeding potential

OEBT in Neo Parameters - Our exclusive adaptation, easier transition

For true beginners to Caridina: Start with our Caridina in Neo Parameters collection - specially adapted varieties that bridge the gap.

Recommended starting numbers:

• Minimum: 10 shrimp (for genetic diversity)
• Ideal: 15-20 shrimp for 10-gallon tank
• Advanced: 20+ for faster colony establishment

Larger groups provide:

• Better breeding success rates
• More stable social dynamics
• Higher survival rates
• More interesting behavior observation

Caridina shrimp are graded slighty different for each pattern type based on what is desiarable in that strain but here is the general system (lowest to highest):

• A Grade: Basic coloration, pattering is visible, flaws are visible
• S Grade: OK color coverage, minor flaws
• SS Grade: Good to Excellent coverage and pattern, vibrant colors, no major flaws
• SSS Grade: Perfect coloration, no transparency, breeding quality, perfect example of what the patterning should be

Our grading guarantee: All shrimp clearly marked with grade, with potential for higher-grade offspring in breeding programs.

Learn more about grading in our Caridina grading guide.

Our Caridina shipping process:

• Breather bags: for gases to pass through but not water
• Insulation: to keep the temperatures as safe as possible and avoid excessive movment
• SMonday and Tuesday shipping only for Caridina (weekends are too risky)

Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. See our complete shipping process guide.