Crystal Red Shrimp

25 October 2021

4066

Crystal Red Shrimp also known as CRS are a rare and unusual shrimp easily identified by their unique red and white striped markings. The CRS reportedly came to be from a single mutation involving the black bumble bee shrimp in Japan.

Years of inbreeding have resulted in a very fragile but beautiful strain of shrimp that has been cultured through generations. Crystal Red shrimp require near perfect water quality to thrive and reproduce.

They are not a good choice as a beginner shrimp due to their initial cost and constant demand. However knowledge is the key. This guide will equip the hobbyist with basic to tackle keeping and breeding CRS. Beginners who do not have the knowledge and attempt to keep Crystal Red shrimp end up in strife due to poor planning and implementation.

The high market prices CRS command reflect their fragile nature and the difficulty in breeding. They are harder to source from LFS than most other shrimp species. They can be sourced from other hobbyists although it is always recommended to personally pick out active and optimal colored shrimp in person.

Temperature ~74°F

The optimum aquarium temperature for Crystal Red Shrimp is around 70-78°F (22-25°C). This range is slightly lower than that of Red Cherry shrimp. This is a strong reason why keeping both these species in one tank is a poor idea. One species will thrive and the other will be out of its comfort zone.

pH ~6.8 | Hardness 7.0

The pH for Crystal Red shrimp should be slightly acidic from 6.2 – 7.2. This range will maximize health, color and egg hatching rates. Plant substrates such as ADA Amazonia and UpAqua are filled with natural buffers will stabilize the pH to around 6.8. These products are specifically produced to not cloud the water and work with densely planted aquarium. These products are very popular with CRS.

The general hardness should be around ~6-8. TDS should be at about 200ppm. There are many commercial products that will help to buffer the aquarium water to these levels. When using a buffer remember to use it with incoming water during water changes. CRS prefer slightly harder water, this is a definite requirement for breeding CRS.

Nitrite 0ppm

CRS are highly susceptible to even very low levels of nitrite in the aquarium. Nitrite should always be at 0 post cycling.

Ammonia 0ppm

CRS are very sensitive to any ammonia levels. As with nitrite, ammonia should always be 0 post cycling.

Nitrate >20ppm

Nitrates should be as close to 0ppm as possible. Any reading under 20ppm is suitable for keeping CRS, elevated levels can be reduced by adding aquatic plants and removing decaying matter.

Water Changes >30%

With CRS the aquarium water should be changed at least 30% each week to reduce nitrates and replenish minerals. Dechlorinate any water added to the aquarium. Crystal Red Shrimp are sensitive to water changes and hence, more frequent lower volume changes are far safer and more effective than large infrequent water changes.

Adding the Crystal Red Shrimp

Ensure the aquarium has been chemically tested and it is within the parameters listed above. Although Red Cherry shrimp are hardy and tolerant they are susceptible to rapid changes. To add the RCS to the aquarium first add them from the bag into a large bowl with the accompanying water.

Using air-line tubing and a rubber band, create a siphon from the aquarium and kink the tubing by placing the rubber band over a bent section of the tube. Adjust the kink to allow a slow drip of 1 drop of water per second exiting the tube. Let this drip into the bowl for the next 20-30 minutes and monitor closely.

After 20-30 minutes carefully use a soft mesh net to transfer the shrimp into the aquarium. Be sure to cover the net with one hand when moving the RCS from the bowl as shrimp jump and can escape the net.

Cherry shrimp like many fish will become stressed if the water quality is not optimal. They are usually very active and early warning signs become apparent if they will not move, or they swim up to the surface and then float. Avoid this situation by conducting constant water tests, using appropriate dechlorinates and ensuring the tank has completed cycling.

If a situation does arise check the water immediately, perform a water change and try to identify the problem. If you have more than one aquarium moving the RCS to a suitable temporary home, even if the conditions are sub-optimal is often far better than leaving them in a toxic aquarium.

Here is a link to a full guide to setting up a shrimp tank. Including setup instructions, cycling and choosing the correct hardscape in much greater detail.

Feeding Crystal Red Shrimp

CRS are omnivorous requiring a balanced diet. Feeding is important to give the CRS the required nutrients for breeding and birthing healthy young.

A balanced diet of fresh vegetables and processed foods are recommended. Boiled zucchini, spinach, flakes, pellets and specialized shrimp foods are important in providing the RCRS with a balanced diet and helping them to develop solid red and white markings. Remove excess food from the aquarium after feeding. This will help with keeping ammonia and nitrites at 0.

Crystal Red shrimp will constantly moult and leave their old shells. Do not remove the shells from the aquarium as these will provide much needed calcium in their diet when the shrimp colony consume it.

Mosura foods and additives are top of the line supplements and diet additives that can increase the health and virility of CRS. Serious hobbyists should consider quality products an investment when looking to long term breeding and culture of CRS.

Dangers of CRS in the Planted Aquarium

Shrimp and planted tanks are a perfect compliment for each other in some ways and a disastrous combination in others. When it comes to disasters and keeping shrimp, CO2 injection is probably the biggest killer. This is especially true for DIY CO2 setups.

When CO2 is added to aquarium water it dissolves and is absorbed by the plants for photosynthesis. When there is no light source (at night for instance) CO2 is not utilized by the plants and instead forms carbonic acid in the water. This can plummet and swing the pH sometimes dramatically from day to night. Red Cherry shrimp, although tolerant can often not handle the swing in PH nor the lack of oxygen.

Using CO2 injection and caring for CRS needs to be done carefully. This may not be as simple as using a solenoid valve to only inject CO2 during light hours. Horror stories have arisen where hobbyists have forgetting to reset there light timers. In the morning when the lights do not turn on but the CO2 starts bubbling there is danger for a giant PH swing and a high risk of stressing your CRS.

Fertilizer additives need to be carefully checked before adding them to a Crystal Red shrimp aquarium. Certainly all copper and heavy metal additives should be avoided.

Aside from this the moss and plants will provide CRS with an underwater playground to breed and flourish. Planted tanks are also great for CRS offspring. Even with small fish in the tank CRS are known to breed fast enough to increase population in a densely planted aquarium.

Tank mates & Compatibility

Unlike Red Cherry shrimp, CRS should be kept exclusively in a species only aquarium. They reproduce much slower than other shrimp strains and the shrimp themselves are valuable and expensive. It is pointless risking both the adults and offspring at the sole purpose of housing fish in the aquarium. They enjoy the company of their own species and should be placed in an aquarium plenty of places to hide and open water to swim.

CRS have almost no bio-load. Up to 1000 in a standard sized 55 gallon aquarium would have little strain on the biological filter bacteria. Around 2-5 shrimp per gallon is recommended

Grading Crystal Red Shrimp

Crystal Red Shrimp come in many different grades and forms. Their price increases at an exponential rate as the quality of shrimp increases.

The grades in order from least to most desirable are C, B, A, S, S+, SS, SSS. There are also a few different ‘types’ within the separate grades. Grades of Crystal Red shrimp are only dependent on thickness and solidity of color banding. The health, size, activeness and life span of the shrimp is identical between all grades.

When purchasing CRS spend time looking for shrimp with solid red and white colorations. Brighter whites and deeper reds are desirable and eye-catching in the aquarium. Ensure the shrimp are active, healthy and feeding.

It is commonly asked “If you are to breed an SSS graded CRS with another SSS graded CRS will the offspring all be SSS grade?" The answer depends on many environmental factors and unfortunately can never be a certainty. Historically breeding two of the higher grades of CRS yields higher chances of higher graded offspring.

Grading is the result of selective breeding. It is therefore possible to increase grades when breeding lower graded shrimp. For example two 'A' grade CRS could breed together to produce a number of 'SS' grade shrimp.

Breeding Crystal Red Shrimp

By keeping the temperature at 78° the temperature and water conditions perfect, females will soon become swollen with eggs. This is good, but it is often that the eggs will disappear suddenly and there will not be any shrimplets. The baby shrimp need very good water quality when born and also places to hide. Remove any fish as the babies are an easy snack. At this stage it is best to use an air driven filter because the tiny baby shrimp cannot be sucked up. Within about 4-5 weeks they should reach adulthood and be able to breed themselves.78°FThis is good, but it is often that the eggs will disappear suddenly and there will not be any shrimplets. The baby shrimp need very good water quality when born and also places to hide. Remove any fish as the babies are an easy snack. At this stage it is best to use an air driven filter because the tiny baby shrimp cannot be sucked up. Within about 4-5 weeks they should reach adulthood and be able to breed themselves.

Crystal Red Shrimp come in many different grades and forms. Their price increases at an exponential rate as the quality of shrimp increases.

Shrimp info

Difficulty level: Beginner-Intermediate
Temperature : 22 - 25
pH: 6.2 - 7.2
Color Form: Red, White

Related on Shrimps

Leave your comments

Latest on Shrimps

Yellow Fire Shrimp

Yellow Fire Shrimp are a selectively bred yellow color form of the freshwater cherry shrimp, generally identified as Neocaridina davidi. They are peaceful, adaptable scavengers suited to mature planted aquariums with stable water chemistry. The supplied trade name and images support this identification, although the exact grade, lineage, and locality cannot be confirmed. Their bright yellow to golden coloration is strongest in well-conditioned adults and may vary between individuals.
Red Sakura Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Red Sakura Shrimp are a selectively bred red color form of the freshwater dwarf shrimp commonly traded as Neocaridina davidi. They are peaceful scavengers that graze on algae, biofilm and small food particles. Their hardiness, uncomplicated breeding and modest adult size make them suitable for mature planted aquariums. The supplied trade label and images support a red Neocaridina-type shrimp, but exact line quality and taxonomy cannot be confirmed from them alone.
Red Rili Shrimp

Red Rili Shrimp are a selectively bred color form of the freshwater Neocaridina davidi complex, recognized by red body sections separated by translucent or pale areas. They are generally peaceful, adaptable aquarium scavengers that graze on biofilm and accept prepared foods. The supplied trade label identifies this shipment as Red Rili Shrimp, but the image and label alone cannot confirm a precise strain history or species-level identification.
Red Cherry Shrimp

Red Cherry Shrimp are a selectively bred red color form of Neocaridina davidi, a small freshwater shrimp suited to mature planted aquariums. They graze on biofilm, algae and soft food, and can reproduce readily when water quality is stable. The supplied images show red shrimp, but some appear variably patterned; exact grade, lineage and species identity should therefore be confirmed with the seller.
Orange Rili Shrimp

Orange Rili Shrimp are a selectively bred color form of the freshwater dwarf shrimp commonly sold as Neocaridina davidi. Their translucent body is interrupted by orange patches, often concentrated on the head, abdomen, and tail. They are peaceful, adaptable scavengers suited to mature planted aquariums. Because trade names can be applied inconsistently, exact lineage and grading may vary, but the pictured shrimp are consistent with an Orange Rili Neocaridina form.
Orange Fire Shrimp

Orange Fire Shrimp is a selectively bred orange color form of the freshwater dwarf shrimp commonly identified in the aquarium trade as Neocaridina davidi. The supplied trade label does not provide a verified scientific identification, so this article treats the shrimp as likely N. davidi rather than a confirmed specimen-level determination. It is a peaceful algae grazer and scavenger suited to mature planted aquariums with stable, mineral-rich water and careful protection from predatory tank mates.
Neon Yellow Fire Shrimp

Neon Yellow Fire Shrimp are selectively bred freshwater dwarf shrimp recognized for their strong yellow to golden coloration. The supplied images are consistent with a yellow Neocaridina-type shrimp, commonly traded as Neocaridina davidi, although exact strain and species cannot be confirmed from photographs or the source label alone. They are peaceful algae grazers suited to mature, planted aquariums with stable water chemistry and gentle filtration.
Green Jade Shrimp

Green Jade Shrimp are a selectively bred green color form commonly associated with Neocaridina davidi, a small freshwater dwarf shrimp. Their exact line and taxonomic identity cannot be confirmed from the supplied trade label or images alone. They are generally peaceful, adaptable aquarium animals that graze on biofilm and accept prepared foods. Stable, mature aquarium conditions, mineral availability, and protection from predatory tank mates are more important than chasing narrowly defined water values.
Carbon Rili Shrimp

Carbon Rili Shrimp are selectively bred freshwater dwarf shrimp recognized by contrasting dark and translucent body sections, often with blue or pale areas and small dark markings. The trade name describes a color pattern rather than a formally defined species or taxonomic rank. They are commonly treated as a Caridina cantonensis complex form, but exact parentage can vary between lines. Stable, clean water, mature biofilm and gentle tank mates are central to long-term care and successful breeding.
Blue Black Rili Shrimp

Blue Black Rili Shrimp are a selectively bred color form of the freshwater dwarf shrimp commonly identified as Neocaridina davidi. They combine dark blue to black body sections with translucent or blue-clear areas, creating an irregular rili pattern. The trade name is not a formal taxonomic designation, and strain quality can vary, so exact lineage should be confirmed with the breeder or seller. They are peaceful, adaptable scavengers suited to mature planted aquariums.
Blue Jelly Shrimp

Blue Jelly Shrimp are a selectively bred blue color form of the freshwater Neocaridina davidi species, commonly kept in planted community aquariums. Their translucent blue bodies can vary in intensity, and some individuals show clear areas or darker blue markings. The supplied images are consistent with this trade name, but color names are not formal taxonomic classifications. They are peaceful, adaptable scavengers that reproduce readily when water quality, shelter, and mineral availability are stable.
Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Blue Dream Shrimp are a selectively bred blue color form of the freshwater species Neocaridina davidi. The supplied images show intensely blue individuals in a planted aquarium, but photographs alone cannot confirm a particular commercial grade or lineage. They are generally peaceful, adaptable dwarf shrimp that graze on biofilm and benefit from stable, mature aquarium conditions. A planted tank with gentle filtration, shelter, and mineral-rich water supports feeding, successful molts, and colony growth.
Bloody Mary Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Bloody Mary Shrimp are a selectively bred red color form of the freshwater Neocaridina davidi complex, valued for their deep, often opaque red coloration. They are small, peaceful scavengers suited to mature planted aquariums with stable chemistry and abundant biofilm. The trade name does not guarantee a formally distinct taxon, and exact lineage cannot be confirmed from the supplied images alone. They are generally manageable for beginners when water quality, acclimation, and mineral balance are handled carefully.
Black Sakura Shrimp

Black Sakura Shrimp is a selectively bred dark color form commonly sold under the Neocaridina davidi trade group. The name is commercial rather than a formal taxonomic rank, so exact lineage and grading may vary between suppliers. These small freshwater shrimp graze on biofilm, are generally peaceful, and can reproduce readily in a mature planted aquarium when water conditions are stable.
Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

The Amano shrimp is a translucent, algae-grazing freshwater shrimp valued for its peaceful behavior and persistent foraging. It is generally identified as Caridina multidentata, although image-based identification alone cannot confirm every specimen. Adults need mature, well-oxygenated aquariums with hiding places and stable water chemistry. Routine aquarium breeding is difficult because the larvae require brackish or marine conditions before returning to freshwater.
Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

The Amano shrimp is a translucent, adaptable freshwater algae grazer valued for its activity and peaceful behavior. It is usually identified as Caridina multidentata, formerly widely sold under the name Caridina japonica. Adults are larger and more robust than many ornamental dwarf shrimp, with dark brown to reddish speckles and markings. They suit mature planted aquariums, but successful reproduction requires a separate brackish larval stage, so a freshwater aquarium normally supports adults without producing surviving young.