description Red-nosed Shrimp Overview
Caridina gracilirostris, commonly called the red-nosed shrimp or pinocchio shrimp, is a small atyid shrimp native to parts of the Indo-Pacific region. It is recognizable by its unusually long, narrow rostrum, which often carries red coloration, and by a largely translucent body. The species is kept in ornamental aquariums, but successful breeding generally requires brackish or marine conditions for the larval stages rather than an entirely freshwater life cycle.
help Red-nosed Shrimp FAQ
What do red-nosed shrimp eat in an aquarium?
Caridina gracilirostris, commonly known as the red-nosed shrimp, is primarily an algae grazer that is highly valued by aquarists for eating hair algae and filamentous algae. They will also accept sinking algae wafers and blanched vegetables like spinach if natural algae is scarce.
Can red-nosed shrimp live in a fully freshwater aquarium?
Yes, they are commonly kept in freshwater aquariums, though they naturally inhabit brackish environments in the Indo-Pacific region. While they can live their adult lives in fresh water, their larvae require brackish or salt water to survive past the larval stage.
How big do red-nosed shrimp get?
The red-nosed shrimp (or pinocchio shrimp) is a relatively small species, typically reaching a maximum size of only about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) in length. They are completely peaceful and suitable for micro-aquariums with small fish or other dwarf shrimp.
Do red-nosed shrimp have a specific water parameter requirement?
Like most Caridina species, they prefer clean, well-oxygenated water with a stable pH, generally between 6.5 and 7.5, and a temperature between 72°F and 80°F. Because of their long rostrum, they are sensitive to rapid changes in water hardness and high levels of ammonia.
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