A variant of bee Shrimps (Cardina species) bred through selective breeding, the Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS) was discovered by Mr. Hisayasu Suzuki of Japan in 1996. The shrimp has gain popularity since then and more color variants and grades was produced by the founder and other breeders. Today, CRS has spread worldwide with numerous products specially produced for keeping them.

Life Span
With a smaller gene pool, CRS proves to be the most sensitive shrimp species among those available in the market today. They have a life span of about 15 month, take the first 6 months to grow into adulthood. An adult Crystal Red spawns 20~30 babies every month. Fries usually hatch after 3 weeks.

Challenging Hobby
Bearing similiarity to other fish keeping hobbies such as Koi and RanChu, CRS breeders proud themselves with producing high grades specimens, which are usually judged by the body patterns as well as the fullness of the coloration, especially the white bands. High grade specimens can sometimes fetch incredible price despite the small size.

Keeping the Shrimps is a Breeze
Shrimps should be kept in mature aquarium with no ammonia or nitrate presence. This can be easily achieved today by combining specialized shrimp soils and water conditioners. A good filtration, coupled with stable ph (6.0~6.8) and a cooling temperature of 23~26C is often enough to kick start your shrimp keeping hobby. When you are proficient enough and ready to move on to breeding higher grade shrimps, it is again made simpler with the range of mineral, supplements, premium food and specialize tools available.

Ideally, shrimps should be kept in a planted tank. A planted tank always provide shaded areas, shelters and hiding grounds and will reduce stress on the invertebrates. The fries will also be less open to predators if they are kept in a community tanks with other small fishes.

As much as you can afford in space and financial, it is recommended to breed the shrimps in a big tank. Not only does bigger amount of water provides more stable water condition by slowing down the process of nutrients build up, the shere volume also buffer any temperature or parameter changes that takes place during a water change.

A series of tiny food for rearing of baby shrimps are also available

The Bee shrimps are very sensitive to water quality, thus, water management is a very important skilled required. During the initial set up stage, use bacterial product which is effective in kick start the biological maturity of the filter. Serious keepers should also check the water quality frequently. Use a heater or chiller depending on environmental factors.

As water available to us are usually lacking in the rich minerals presence in the wild, it is important to add them in abundance to improve the immunity of the shrimps as well as to aid in growth and develoement.

Apart from the essential items needed to keep the shrimps growing well, there are also different tools and accessories that will make your hobby hassle free and simpler.

Check out the individual products listed below for their unique functions.

Enjoy a beautiful and relaxing planted aquarium today in your own living space and add a splash of vivid red and whites with the Crystal Shrimps! The fun and sense of achivement in seeing them flourish and the ability to produce better grade specimens will bring you endless joy.