Crystal shrimp are one of the most beautiful and sought-after freshwater aquarium shrimp. Their translucent bodies and vibrant colors have made them extremely popular in the fishkeeping hobby. But what exactly are crystal shrimp, and what makes them so special? In this article we’ll explore everything you need to know about these spectacular little creatures.
Crystal shrimp is a common name used to describe a few similar species of shrimp known for their crystalline and transparent appearance, The most popular crystal shrimp kept in home aquariums include
- Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata)
- Red crystal shrimp (Caridina cantonensis)
- Black crystal shrimp (Caridina cantonensis)
- Blue bolt shrimp (Caridina cantonensis)
These shrimp earned the “crystal” moniker from their see-through bodies that make their internal organs visible Their translucent nature gives them an exotic, crystalline look
While they may look delicate, crystal shrimp are actually quite hardy and easy to care for compared to other ornamental shrimp. Their minimal care requirements, striking colors, and active nature have made them a staple in planted aquariums and shrimp-only setups.
The Origins of Crystal Shrimp
Most species of crystal shrimp hail from Asia and parts of Japan. For example:
- Amano shrimp are native to Japan and Taiwan
- Red crystal shrimp originated from Hong Kong and surrounding regions
- Black crystal shrimp come from Taiwan
These shrimp thrive in the fresh flowing streams and rice paddies of Asia. Their natural habitats have clean, mineral-rich water with ample vegetation. Recreating these conditions in home aquariums keep crystal shrimp healthy and vibrant.
Crystal shrimp were first introduced to the aquarium hobby by renowned aquarist Takashi Amano in the 1980s. He helped popularize keeping shrimp for their charming behaviors, roles as tank cleaners, and stunning appearances.
Since then, innovative aquarists have selectively bred crystal shrimp like red crystals to enhance their colors into brighter reds, whites, and blacks. Their increasing popularity led to crystal shrimp becoming a mainstay of the freshwater shrimp trade.
The Different Types of Crystal Shrimp
While they may look similar at first glance, there are some key differences between the various species and color grades of crystal shrimp. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the most popular types:
Amano Shrimp
- Scientific name: Caridina multidentata
- Color forms: Translucent grey/brown with red dots
- Size: 2 inches
- Care level: Beginner
Amano shrimp are the hardiest and most widespread crystal shrimp in the hobby. Their larger size and greyish bodies dotted with red make them easy to identify. Amanos are master algae eaters, making them extremely useful for controlling nuisance algae in tanks. They are peaceful, get along well with fish, and are a great starter shrimp.
Red Crystal Shrimp
- Scientific name: Caridina cantonensis
- Color forms: Red, white, black, blue, yellow
- Size: 1-1.5 inches
- Care level: Intermediate to advanced
Red crystal shrimp, also called red bee shrimp, display the most vibrant colors and patterns out of the crystal shrimp varieties. Through selective breeding, red crystals exhibit intense reds, whites, and blacks. Higher quality red crystals grade from S to SSS based on their color intensity. These shrimp need more specialized care than Amanos but make a captivating display species.
Black Crystal Shrimp
- Scientific name: Caridina cantonensis
- Color forms: Black, dark grey, blue
- Size: 1-1.5 inches
- Care level: Intermediate
As their name suggests, black crystal shrimp showcase dark black, grey, and blue tones throughout their bodies. Their subtle yet sophisticated colors are in high demand. While not as sensitive as red crystals, they still need clean, stable water conditions to thrive. Their brooding black appearance provides an elegant contrast to brightly colored tankmates.
As you can see, crystal shrimp come in diverse colors, patterns, and color intensities. No two look exactly alike! Certain varieties like red crystals have been selectively bred over generations to achieve their unmistakable hues.
The Appeal of Crystal Shrimp
So what exactly makes crystal shrimp so desirable to aquarists? There are several reasons these exotic shrimp have reached celebrity status in aquarium circles:
Their Stunning and Diverse Appearance
Without a doubt, the number one reason crystal shrimp are so coveted is their dazzling colors and transparency. Their see-through bodies provide a unique, crystallized look you won’t find in other freshwater species.
Crystal shrimp display an array of shades like fiery reds, ocean blues, opaque blacks, and clean whites. Selective breeding has created even more color varieties. The most sought-after grades have dynamic patterns and rich, intense hues.
And given their translucent nature, you can view their inner workings like their saddle (where females store eggs) and flowing blood circulation. It almost feels like having a living anatomy model in your tank!
Their Peaceful Nature and Activity Levels
For their small size, crystal shrimp have huge personalities! They are constantly busy foraging, exploring, and interacting with tankmates. Groups of crystal shrimp darting around and grazing on surfaces make for lively activity in aquariums.
Crystal shrimp generally don’t bother other inhabitants. They can be kept with small community fish and are excellent clean up crew members alongside snails and other shrimp. Their tranquility also makes them ideal for species only setups.
Plus, their behaviors are endlessly amusing to observe. You’ll be entertained watching them pick at leaves, climb decorations, and zoom around the tank.
Their Algae Eating and Tank Cleaning Abilities
Aside from being living works of art, crystal shrimp serve a useful purpose in tanks. They are relentless algae eaters that help control nuisance types like hair algae and diatoms.
Crystal shrimp nibble on decaying plant matter, detritus, and biofilm as well. Having a cleanup crew of crystal shrimp helps reduce the maintenance workload for aquarists. A thriving crystal shrimp colony can potentially eliminate the need to manually clean the tank glass!
The Challenge of Keeping and Breeding Them
While some types like Amanos are beginner-friendly, the more sensitive crystal shrimp offer an exciting challenge for seasoned aquarists. Keeping their water parameters just right takes some experience and patience.
Seeing premium selectively bred varieties like SSS grade red crystals thrive under your care provides a major sense of accomplishment. Breeding happy, healthy colonies of these beauties is rewarding.
The genetic variations between crystal shrimp grades also offer endless opportunities for selective breeding projects. Their intricate genetics continue to fascinate aquarists worldwide.
The Specialized Care Requirements of Crystal Shrimp
Now that you know why crystal shrimp are so amazing, let’s dive into some of their essential care needs:
Appropriate Aquarium Setup
Most crystal shrimp do best in planted aquariums 5-10 gallons or larger. This gives them adequate swimming space and room for lots of plants and hiding spots. A gentle filter with a pre-filter sponge is recommended to prevent baby shrimp from getting sucked in.
Using an aquarium soil substrate boosted with minerals creates the ideal planted crystal shrimp tank. Products like Fluval Stratum and ADA Aquasoil buffer water pH and provide essential elements like calcium. Mixing in some Indian almond leaves gives microorganisms and tannins for shrimp to graze on.
Stable Water Parameters
Maintaining pristine, stable water quality is critical for crystal shrimp, especially sensitive varieties like red crystals. Here are some general water parameter guidelines:
- Temperature between 65-75°F
- pH between 6.2-7.2
- GH between 4-8 dGH
- KH between 0-2 dKH
- TDS between 150-250 ppm
- 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and low nitrates
Avoid drastic parameter swings by only replacing a portion of the water each week and using mineral supplements if needed. An inert substrate and remineralizer can help maintain ideal mineral levels.
High-Quality Diet
Feeding a varied shrimp diet keeps crystal shrimp colorful and healthy. Blanched veggies, shrimp pellets, algae wafers, calcium-rich foods, and supplemented powdered foods will satisfy their nutritional needs. They particularly relish biofilm, algae, and aufwuchs that naturally grows in established tanks.
Only feed as much as your shrimp can consume in a few hours each day. Excess uneaten food will foul water quality.
Gentle Tankmates
Crystal shrimp should only be kept with peaceful fish that won’t nip at or eat adult shrimp or fry like bettas, guppies, and corydoras catfish. Avoid housing them with aggressive species prone to harassment.
They can coexist well with other docile shrimp and snails as long as there is no competition for food. But beware mixing crystal shrimp varieties that could crossbree
Thousands of years ago
The Crystal Shrimps are an invasive species, presumably being creatures from Homeword due to their connection to Gems. At some point after the war, they infested the Lunar Sea Spire.
Pearl tells Steven that touch of their shards will kill him when he tries to squash one in the Lunar Sea Spire. To avoid them, Pearl thinks of an elaborate plan, using Amethyst and Garnet as distractions. While she is explaining her plan, Steven reaches in his backpack and pulls out some bagel sandwiches. He then throws them to opposite sides of the room, distracting the shrimp and clearing a path.
Buddy Buddwick visits the Lunar Sea Spire while traveling around the world and meets the Crystal Shrimp. He writes in his journal that they are called Sparkling Slugs.
- Even though it’s called a shrimp, it looks a lot more like a chiton, which is a type of mollusk.
- No one knows if Crystal Shrimp are connected to any kind of gemstone. As they don’t seem to be linked to any kind of Corrupted Gem, they may be a native species from Homeworld.
- They enjoy bagel sandwiches.
- They are enemies that Steven has to avoid in Gem Bound, along with a purple version of them.
- Crystal Shrimps are common enemies in The Phantom Fable. They poof quite a bit, which makes it seem like they are made of light like Gems are.