Shrimp tale – episode one
As promised to our fellow Pirates we are here to present you with the #episode_one of #shrimp_tale !!
Introduction:
Dwarf Ornamental Shrimps have been in the hobby for the past 50 years or so. There are three categories of dwarf freshwater shrimp that are widely available to the hobbyist today: Sulawesi, Neocaridina and Caridina species.
Green Babaulti Shrimp are just one color variant of the Caridina Babaulti species – a group which includes Indian Zebra shrimp, Malaya shrimp, Rainbow shrimp, and many more. Babaulti shrimps are named after Guy Babault, a French collector of fish, reptiles, and birds. In 1914, he discovered this species of dwarf shrimp in the freshwater waterways of India.
Red Cherry Shrimps:In India we find mostly the Neocaridina and Caridina Shrimps. Red Cherry Shrimps are the most easily available species of dwarf shrimps in the hobby so we will focus more on this type. You are most welcome to share your shrimp photos here along with a brief description.
Neocaridina Shrimps are quite resilient by nature and they can adapt to a wide range of pH (6.2 – 
, carbonate hardness(kh) and general hardness (gh) in water. Even their temperature tolerance suits the Indian climate because they will survive upto 30-31°C in summer and till 14°C in winter. However like every species they have an optimal range in which they do well and feel comfortable to feed and breed.
Optimal Parameters for Neocaridina Shrimps
pH: 6.5 -7.5
Temperature: 22°C to 24°C
gH: 4-8
kH: 3-15
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 150 – 250
Common Reasons for Shrimp Death:
1. Sudden fluctuation in the water parameters is the number one cause for death
2. Ammonia, Nitrite and Copper are toxic for shrimps. Tanks need to be cycled for 3-4 weeks before shrimps are introduced.
3. Temperature crossing the limit of 30°C. At this point there is little oxygen in water and shrimps’ metabolism increases a lot resulting in shorter life span.
4. Filter inlets often suck shrimps inside the filter causing them to die.
5. Excess feeding spoils water quality for shrimps
Things to remember:
Shrimps are a wonderful addition to your planted tanks and they love plants as much as you do. They feel comfortable when there is ample hiding space in the tank like a rock nest, cave, moss or hedges. They will spend hours grazing on the tank bio-film and algae and are perhaps one of the best tank cleaners. However it is important to feed them once in a while with good source of calcium and other minerals required for their growth and health. Shrimps molt once every month on an average dont be scared if you see a white shrimp like thing in your tank. Leave it there they will feed on it. But dead shrimps need to be removed because they will cause ammonia spike in the tank. Lastly shrimps are very peaceful bottom feeders who enjoy the company of snails and other crustaceans and Otocinclus are the only fish which are 100% shrimp safe.
Next week we will discuss a bit more in details regarding Shrimp Keeping. Feel free to ask questions in the comments below.