Red Crystal Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis), Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS)
Red Crystal Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis), Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS)
Red Crystal Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis), also known as Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS), are popular freshwater dwarf shrimp highly prized for their striking red-and-white banded patterns. They are selectively bred variants of wild Bee Shrimp and grow to about 2.5 to 3 cm in size. Unlike the hardier Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina), Red Crystal Shrimp are sensitive, specialized creatures that require strict, acidic, and soft water parameters to thrive.
Idea lWater Parameters
Red Crystal Shrimp require incredibly stable water conditions. Fluctuations in these levels can quickly become fatal.
Temperature: 20–24°C (68–75°F)
pH: 5.8–6.8
General Hardness (GH): 4–6
Carbonate Hardness (KH): 0–2
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 100–160 ppm
Note: Standard tap water is typically too hard and alkaline. Successful hobbyists generate pure water using Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems and remineralize it with specialized Caridina GH+ minerals.
Tank Setup Essentials
Active Soil: Use buffering substrates like ADA Amazonia to naturally lower and stabilize your pH below 7.0.
Sponge Filters: Air-driven sponge filters provide excellent aeration and essential surface biofilm without risking drawing in tiny baby shrimp.
Live Plants: Heavy vegetation, Java Moss, and Subwassertang give shrimp necessary hiding places and surfaces to graze on.
Diet and Feeding
Red Crystal Shrimp are peaceful, active omnivorous scavengers. They spend all day cleaning the tank by eating organic matter, detritus, and natural biofilm.
Supplement their environment with high-quality algae wafers, specialized snowflake shrimp foods, or blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach.
Grading System
CRS are graded primarily by the intensity and distribution of their opaque white coloration.
Low Grades (C to B): Predominantly translucent red with very little white banding.
Mid Grades (A to S): Balanced, clear bands of solid red and solid white.
High Grades (SS to SSS): Dominated almost entirely by a thick, opaque white body with minimal red spots or patterns.