Taiwanese algae shrimp - Caridina sp

The Taiwanese algae shr imp is a newly imported species from the genus Caridina. In Taiwan, these dwarf shrimp are found in rivers and streams with access to the sea. The coloration of this pretty Caridina reminds a little bit of the red rhino shrimp, it is transparent with red lines.

The animals grow to about 2.5 to 3 cm in length, the females grow to a slightly greater length than the males and have slightly downward extended abdominal segments, thus appearing thicker. In addition to the body structure, sexually mature females can be identified by the light green egg spot on the back of their neck or the eggs under their abdomen.

The small light green to yellowish eggs, which the females carry in large numbers for three to five weeks, indicate that the Taiwanese algae shrimp is of the primitive reproductive type, so it should not be able to reproduce in freshwater. The eggs hatch into larvae that require seawater or at least brackish water for development. The breeding of the Taiwanese algae shrimp should be the same as with the Amana shrimp. The larvae have to be sucked out after hatching and transferred to a saltwater aquarium, where they are fed with finest algae and microorganisms until they have completed the metamorphosis to shrimp.

In our aquarium the Taiwanese algae shrimps live in soft to medium hard water at room temperature, which they tolerate well. We have not done any tests with hard water yet. Purely by their origin they should tolerate water temperatures up to 26 °C well.

Typical for dwarf shrimp, these interestingly colored crawlers will eat anything that is offered. The Taiwanese algae shrimps like to graze on biofilms and algae growth, but they also eat brown algae Autumn leavesnatureholic shrimp food, protein feed, pumpkin chips and pumpkin blossoms, various natural foods and so on. It seems important to us to provide sufficient protein twice a week, this is best done with a protein feed specially designed for the needs of dwarf shrimp.

You cansocialize the peaceful Taiwanese algae shrimp with all peaceful fish, which should not be too big and also not too intrusive, and also with other dwarf shrimps - provided that the demands on the water values are more or less congruent. Due to the peculiarities of reproduction of the Taiwanese algae shrimp, interbreeding will not occur. They can also be kept very well together with non-predatory snails in the aquarium. We rather advise against socialization with dwarf crayfish or crabs .

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.