TGA Gold Dust shrimp - Neocaridina ketagalan

The wild Gold Dust shrimp Neocaridina ketagalan is a beautiful species in the universally known genus Neocaridina that has virtually never been imported before. It looks quite similar to other wild Neocaridina, but it can be clearly identified by the shape of its rostrum (the pointed "nose" between the eyes). This very new Neocaridina lives in the wild in northern Taiwan, where it is endemic to a relatively small area in rivers and streams. The species was described only in 2007. Offspring of Neocaridina ketagalan in aquaristics are very desirable to preserve the species of these rare animals.

The Gold Dust shrimp Neocaridina ketagalan is often transparent to grayish in color by itself and has a pattern of dark brown to black and light spots and stripes. It looks a bit like it has been dusted with gold dust. Other specimens, however, may look brown, blue, red, or green; the species is markedly variable. Females of Neocaridina ketagalan sometimes have a beautifully bright distinct dorsal stripe. Female Gold Dust shrimp grow up to 2,5 cm long, the males stay a bit smaller with about 2 cm and also have a slimmer physique.

There is a suggestion in breeding circles that Neocaridina ketagalan may have played a role in the breeding of the Bloody Mary, Chocolate Neocaridina, Blue Dream and Carbon Rili because their rostrum looks quite similar to that of these variants.

In habitat Neocaridina ketagalan live in slow flowing streams with strong plant growth and rather soft water, which is very rich in humic substances. It is not known if the shrimp will do well in harder water. However, soft to medium hard water in the aquarium should not be a problem, ideal would be osmosis water with a shrimp salt, which only increases the total hardness. It is ideal to keep Neocaridina ketagalan like bee shrimp or tiger shrimp. The values in the habitat are: Water temperature 5-30 °C, pH 6-7, KH 2, GH 8-9.

We recommend an aquarium from 20 liters for a group of 10-20 of the wild Neocaridina ketagalan. An active substrate is well suited , shrimp silk is ideal. Also water-neutral gravel or sand are possible as aquarium substrate. The tank can be planted, the Neocaridina ketagalan know plants from their habitats.

As hiding places the little wild fellows like shrimp tubes, dense moss cushions, fine-leaved plants and roots and stones as aquarium furnishings. Especially small Neocaridina juveniles like to use these hiding places.

The cute Gold Dust Neocaridina ketagalan are peaceful and as group animals would like the company of 10 to 20 other Gold Dust as a starting population. Please do not socialize these rare aquarium guests with other Neocaridina, there is a risk of crossbreeding. Although Neocaridina ketagalan cannot interbreed with Caridina shrimp, there is a risk of displacing one species.

You can also keep the Gold Dust in a community aquarium if the fish in it are small, calm and peaceful. Small catfish and peaceful snails also make good aquarium mates. However, these new shrimp are really very rare, so we recommend a species tank for the Gold Dust Neocaridina ketagalan.

Neocaridina ketagalan "Gold Dust", like all Neocaridina backstroke shrimp, belongs to the specialized reproductive type. The dwarf shrimp are very productive in the right conditions. The young grow up without problems in fresh water and can stay in the aquarium of their parents. After mating, females carry about 20 to 40 brownish eggs under their abdomen on their webbed feet, where they nurse them for 3-4 weeks. After this period of brood care, the young shrimp hatch.

Like all dwarf shrimp of the genus Neocaridina, the Gold Dust shrimp is an omnivore. Gold Dust shrimp diligently take care of algae coverings and biofilms, they also enjoy consuming brown diatoms and flaky green microalgae. The shrimp are also first class scraps recyclers in the aquarium. A few leaves of brown autumn leaves or catappa leaves have proven to be a permanent food in the shrimp aquarium. A good quality shrimp food with predominantly vegetable content is useful, as is protein supplementation by giving a suitable high quality protein food for dwarf shrimponce or twice a year.

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, which preserves the vitamins and other valuable ingredients as much as possible.

Our plant recommendation: Use for 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.