Galaxy Fishbone - Pinto lower grade

The Black Galaxy Fishbone Pinto Lower Grade have been purposefully bred as hybrids from several shrimp species. Their ancestry includes bee shrimp (Caridina logemanni), Caridina cantonensis and classic tiger shrimp (Caridina mariae) from southern China. Black Galaxy Fishbone Pinto Lower Grade have inherited a preference for soft water from their wild ancestors. Their scientific name as hybrids is Caridina sp.

The pattern of the Black Galaxy Fishbone Pinto Lower Grade consists of a lacquer-black basic coloration (partly not completely covering) and a bright white pattern of markings, which is partly somewhat coarser than in the High Grades. The white markings of the Galaxy pattern on the head, the pied Pinto pattern and the distinct dorsal stripe with the horizontal stripes of the Fishbone pattern form an attractive contrast.

Black Galaxy Fishbone Pinto Shrimp grow to a size of 2 to about 3 cm. The males do not reach the body size nor the body length of the females. Females can be recognized by their rounder shape and of course by the eggs they hatch under their abdomen when they are pregnant. Unfortunately, the dense coloration makes it impossible to see an egg spot on the nape. Another feature by which Black Galaxy Fishbone Pinto females can be identified is a second abdominal segment that widens at the bottom, called the tiger scoop. It can be more or less pronounced.

Black Galaxy Fishbone Pinto Shrimp prefer rather soft water with a carbonate hardness as low as possible and a pH in the slightly acidic range. Plenty of oxygen and the lowest possible number of germs in the open water are important for successful keeping and breeding of these beautiful high breeding shrimp, as well as a powerful filter that keeps the water load low.

Because of their special requirements, our Black Galaxy Fishbone Pinto Lower Grade dwarf shrimp are generally not suitable for aquariums with tap water. Successful breeders of the high breeding hybrids usually use osmosis water or demineralized water and then raise the total hardness with a so-called bee salt. This way the carbonate hardness stays low. Of course, we also offer the appropriate mineral salt in the store at Garnelio. Added humic substances can have a very positive effect on the water and on the shrimps.

For aquascapes and heavily fertilized planted aquariums the Black Galaxy Fishbone Pinto Lower Grade dwarf shrimp are not a suitable stock, this breeding form does not tolerate high nitrate levels. A suitable aquarium volume for these beautiful dwarf shrimp should be at least 20 liters - a larger tank is of course always an option. At water temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees Black Galaxy Fishbone Pinto Shrimp feel perfectly fine. At higher temperatures (especially in summer) the aquarium should be cooled with an aquarium cooler.

The breeding aquarium for these black and white high breeding shrimp is set up with active Soil for shrimp, which should not be pre-fertilized. Active Soil buffers the pH value of the water and lowers the carbonate hardness, so that the aquarium water becomes optimal for shrimps from soft water. Such a breeding aquarium is planted rather moderately for the sake of better clarity. Moss cushions or bucephalandra tied on stones are a perfect choice for this. This way the plants can be easily removed from the aquarium when the Black Galaxy Fishbone Pinto Shrimp are selected for breeding by color and pattern.

The Caridina sp. Black Galaxy Fishbone Pinto Lower Grade is as a high breeding shrimp somewhat susceptible to stress and should therefore rather not be socialized with lively or curious, scurrying fish. Small growth eating catfish such as ear lattice catfish of the genus Otocinclus may be good aquarium mates. However, a species tank is always better for Black Galaxy Fishbone Pinto Shrimp.
Snails unfortunately do not live long in soft water, an alternative as a cleaning troop would be for example shiny worms or Tubifex, which clean up and loosen the bottom and can even serve as a living food source for the shrimps. With Caridina cantonensis, bee shrimp or tiger shrimp, the Black Galaxy Fishbone Pinto will mix, which can lead to undesirable patterns.

For advanced shrimp keepers, breeding Black Galaxy Fishbone Pinto shrimp is relatively easy. Females carry their eggs under their abdomen for approximately four to six weeks after mating. As Caridina hybrids, these ornamental shrimp are of the specialized reproductive type, and the newly hatched young look like copies of their parents - just possibly with a different pattern. 15 to 30 juveniles drop per litter in this Caridina sp.

As omnivores, Black Galaxy Fishbone Pinto Lower Grade shrimp like mostly vegetable foods and a high quality protein food once or twice a week: dried green walnut leaves, scalded nettle leaves, Artemia nauplii, or special protein food, and brown autumn leaves or a piece of sea almond leaf as a permanent food. 

Our food recommendation: NatureHolic's soft mainfeed softpads are designed for daily feeding. They contain all the nutrients shrimp need for shell development, egg formation and growth. During the production we pay attention to a gentle and environmentally friendly production, in which the vitamins and other valuable ingredients are preserved as far as possible.

Our plant recommendation: Use for the planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.