Shrimplet Survival: Tank Setup, Water Parameters, Biofilm, and Supplements

Keeping shrimplets alive has been a persistent challenge among some hobbyists, and is a problem observed across many forums of different languages.  Many report having berried females and seeing released shrimplets; however, after a few days, the shrimplets simply vanish.  This can be a frustrating experience since the goal of many shrimpkeepers is to be able to breed them, whether their aims are selective breeding or simply increasing their colonies.

My first experiences weren't so great, but after reading, reading some more, and communicating with other shrimpkeepers, I picked up some tips and gained some useful experiences.  To date, I have successfully bred (at least F2+) CRS, CBS, TBs (BKK/WR), Super Tigers, OEBTs, Red Tigers, Cherries/Fire Reds, Red Rili, Blue Pearls, and Sulawesi Cardinals.  The ones I've kept that I was unable to breed due to having a group of only one gender or inexperience include BTOEs, Orange Neos, Sulawesi Blueberry, and Sulawesi Harlequins.

I would like to share some personal tips on shrimplet survival (thus, breeding success).  Keep in mind that these are practices that have worked best for me and that there are many other ways to approach keeping and breeding shrimp.

Tank Setup
- Sponge filters or steel-mesh/sponge-covered intakes on power/canister filters are a must so that shrimplets do not get sucked into the filter.
- Do not keep any fish with shrimp you are trying to breed.  Any fish that can fit a shrimp/shrimplet in its mouth will probably try to eat it, even small rasboras and boraras are a threat to shrimplets.  Oto cats may be okay, but I do not keep any fish with my shrimp.
- Use plants/moss and leaves/cholla wood/alder cones, etc.  These provide places for shrimplets to hide and have a large surface area for biofilm/microfauna/beneficial bacteria to thrive in.

Water Parameters
- Keep a close watch on your water parameters, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, KH, GH, TDS, and temperature, to ensure they are in suitable ranges.  Shrimp have been observed to breed in certain ranges; however, shrimplets did not survive in the same ranges.
- Copper, chlorine, and CO2 also need to be monitored if you are adding them or come from some other source.
- Take necessary measures (water changes, etc.) to adjust your parameters if any are significantly off and affecting your shrimp; however, keep in mind that drastic changes may do more harm, and that stability is important.  If they are thriving and breeding well in parameters not in "recommended" ranges, then let them be.

Biofilm
- Keep the back and sides of your tank full of algae and biofilm (if not a show tank).  I only scrape the front and let the shrimp go to work on the other panes.  I've actually observed them cleaning away good portions from the glass.
- Moss and leaves are also good places where biofilm and microfauna thrive for shrimplets to consume.

Supplements
- Shrimplets cannot compete with adults when feeding from pellets or other food you add.  Therefore, supplement with powdered food that can be dispersed throughout the tank.
- In addition to powdered food, you may want to add an immunity booster, such as Mosura Tonic Pro or BorneoWild Shield.  Infections can occur for various reasons and can easily wipe out one's colony; take precautions to prevent such disasters.

Hope these tips are helpful.  Let me know if you have any questions, thoughts, or anything you'd like to add.
Happy shrimping!

Shrimp breeding tank with sponge filter, biofilm on glass, moss, catappa leaves, and supplements.

Takashi Amano X Sumida Aquarium

This 4-part video series documents Takashi Amano's (Aqua Design Amano) attempt at creating massive scale nature aquariums at Tokyo's Sumida Aquarium.  The planning phase, planting, and finished layouts are very impressive.  Though not shrimp related, I think these are great videos. Embedded in order below.

The Lure of Pure

The US shrimp hobby has seen a wave of "Pure Red Lines" (PRL) for sale recently, marketed to be from reputable breeders such as Benibachi, Crimson, and Ebi-ten.  Such shrimp carry quite a hefty price, but cost hasn't deterred many shrimpkeepers; most of these shrimp are pre-ordered and the remaining are quickly purchased by eager buyers.

This isn't the first time Pure Red Lines were in the US though.  Shrimp breeder Yoyo has been keeping Ebi-ten PRL CRS since June of 2011, and has successfully bred them, and continues to do so.

Benibachi PRL CRS

Wanting to see these shrimp for myself, I purchased a group of 10 last month.  As I am already working on selectively breeding my own lines, I opted to go with the "lowest" grade, just to see what they are like.  Phenotypically, they look just like my other CRS, whites and reds aren't any thicker or brighter. Perhaps this is what the low grades are like, culls from the high grade shrimp; though from seeing photos from keepers who purchased high grades, they do not seem comparable to shrimp featured on the sites of said line (again, culls?).  We'll see what the subsequent generations are like.

However, I warn novice shrimpkeepers to not make a quick decision to purchase these PRL shrimp.  The prices are quite high compared to other CRS in the market, and if you are inexperienced with keeping shrimp (particularly the "more difficult" Caridina types), the risk exists that the shrimp won't last very long.  Though it is great to see PRLs available in the US (I am grateful that these breeders are allowing their shrimp to be sold here - thank you!), I suggest shrimpkeepers keep, breed, and maintain their own lines as well - breeding projects are great fun and doing so will propel US shrimpkeepers in the international shrimp hobby.

YU CRS CENTER

Here is a great informational video on YU CRS CENTER, a company based in Taiwan that employs a state-of-the-art operation, reaching shrimpkeepers around the world.  YU CRS CENTER will be at Interzoo this week; if you find yourself in Nuremberg, Germany with nothing to do, stop by and check out their amazing shrimp (along with everything else there)!

The Latest Buzz: Freshwater Bee Shrimp (TFH Magazine)

The shrimp hobby is in full swing here in the States, and Tropical Fish Hobbyist (TFH) Magazine has taken notice.  Several articles on shrimp have been published in TFH before; however, this one focuses primarily on the Bee Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis), with a photo by Speedie!

Follow the link below to read the full article:
"The Latest Buzz: Freshwater Bee Shrimp"