aquaponicpaw said:
I highly recommend RCS they are the most hardy and cheapest of freshwater shrimp. I think jeta has a current ad for them in the classified section. You cant go wrong With a low or mid grade RCS they breed like bunnies. Every mature female in my tank is carrying ATM. Let us Know How/what you do.
From experience
Crystal Red Shrimp History
The Crystal Red Shrimp is the selectively bred red color variant of the Bee Shrimp. Originally selectively bred in Japan for its red coloration the Crystal Red Shrimp is becoming one of the most popular Dwarf Shrimp across the globe.
Crystal Red Shrimp Care
Crystal Red Shrimp are a little more demanding than many other Dwarf Shrimp, and have the same care requirements as the wild type of this species, the Bee Shrimp. The water is required to be soft and slightly acidic for the Crystal Red Shrimp to be happy. They also prefer a little less than tropical temperatures. As with all Dwarf Shrimp the aquarium should be well established and parameters should be kept stable. The higher grade Crystal Red Shrimp are more sensitive to nitrates than many other Dwarf Shrimp so care must be taken to ensure high quality water.
Crystal Red Shrimp Diet
Crystal Red Shrimp are omnivores and share the same diet that most Dwarf Shrimp enjoy. Crystal Red Shrimp are algae eaters but will often times need supplemental feedings. Aquarium foods intended for bottom feeders and aquatic invertebrates are readily accepted, as are blanched vegetables (boiled until soft). There are foods made in Japan specifically for Crystal Red Shrimp that are high quality foods, but are not necessary.
Crystal Red Shrimp Breeding
If optimal care requirements are met, the Crystal is fairly easy to breed. Crystal Red Shrimp carry their eggs a little longer than many other Dwarf Shrimp, and after hatching develop a little more slowly. It can be difficult to determine the sex of a Crystal Red Shrimp, the males are a slightly smaller and have shorter thinner tail sections. The females are larger with a longer and wider tail section.
Crystal Red Shrimp Behavior
Crystal Red Shrimp are non-aggressive, and are quite active. In an aquarium that has no predators Crystal Red Shrimp will often be observed grazing on algae on aquarium plants, decorations and on the substrate. When fed, the shrimp will often form large groups that are quite striking in appearance.
Special Notes
As with all aquatic invertebrates it is important to make sure copper does not get into the aquarium. Copper is toxic to all Dwarf Shrimp. Many medications contain elevated levels of copper, so it is recommended not to medicate an aquarium with Dwarf Shrimp in it.
