Taiwan zebra shrimp - Caridina prashadi

Caridina prashadi, the Taiwan zebra shrimp, comes - as its name suggests - from Taiwan, but also from the Japanese Ryukyu Islands and the Andaman Islands. A younger synonym of this dwarf shrimp is Caridina sakshimensis. The large dark brown to black dots and stripe patterns on the otherwise transparent body of this pretty wild colored dwarf shrimp actually explain the name by itself. Females grow larger than males and, like all dwarf shrimp, have a beefier body shape with more pronounced belly pockets.
 

Due to the rarity of this wonderful wild form we advise to keep them in groups in the aquarium. A good starting stock consists of 10-20 shrimps.

Caridina prashadi can be found in nature in Taiwan in rather soft to medium hard water,  in Japan (Ryukyu Islands) in mountain streams and small rivers, on the Andaman Islands however in harder water and even in brackish water of river mouths. Active Soil or neutral aquarium gravel and soft to medium hard water should work well here. We generally recommend the addition of humic substances. Humins should not be missing from the aquarium water, especially for shrimp that are directly descended from populations found in the wild. They reduce stress and can even keep pathogens in check - an absolute must for these pretty animals!

Room temperature is sufficient for Caridina prashadi, so a heater is rather not needed. In summer, the aquarium should be additionally ventilated and at very high temperatures also cooled with an aquarium cooler.

In an aquarium from 20 liters an initial stock, consisting of 10-20 of the great patterned crawlers, is well kept. Caridina prashadi does not necessarily need dense planting in the aquarium - in nature many dwarf shrimps live in rather plantless habitats. It also serves the clarity, if the aquarium is not too densely overgrown. Surfaces, which they can graze, need the Taiwan Zebra Shrimp nevertheless. From these surfaces they scrape off fine algal coverings, diatoms, microalgae and other algal growth as well as biofilms of bacteria and other microorganisms with their bristle scissors. Shrimp also feed on growth in the wild, as well as plant debris, fallen leaves in the stream, and so on.

As omnivorous dwarf shr imp, Taiwan Zebra shrimp also feed similarly in the aquarium. Biofilms, algae growth, brown autumn leaves, sea almond leaves and plant de bris are best supplemented with a high quality aquarium shrimp mainfeed (such as NatureHolic Mainfeed). As a protein supplement you give once or twice a week a suitable protein food for dwarf shrimps, such as NatureHolic Proteinfeed. Dust food or food pastes for shrimp (shrimp pudding) are also readily eaten by Taiwan Zebra Shrimp. These fine foods become especially interesting when offspring appear.

Hiding places are important in the aquarium with Taiwan Zebra Shrimp, especially for freshly skinned animals. Besides shrimp tubes, fine plants, moss cushions and other hiding places also serve their well-being. Structures of roots and rocks also provide shelter and cover, as well as areas for grazing.

With particularly small, peaceful fish such as Boraras or snails, which tolerate soft water, the Taiwan Zebra Shrimp can possibly be well socialized. Because Caridina prashadi is an absolutely rare dwarf shrimp in the aquaristics, we plead at this point quite clearly for a species tank!

Caridina prashadi probably belongs to the specialized reproduction type, which would mean that young animals hatch from their eggs, which grow up in freshwater without any problems. Unfortunately, not much is known about the reproduction of the Taiwan Zebra Shrimp in the aquarium.

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.