BLACK PINTO SHRIMP
BLACK PINTO SHRIMP
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$23.99 USD
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Black Pinto Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis), also known as Black Pinto Bee Shrimp, are a stunning and popular variety of freshwater shrimp in the aquarium hobby. They are prized for their striking black and white patterns, which resemble a pint of milk with spots. Here’s a comprehensive care guide for Black Pinto Shrimp:
Tank Size and Setup
- Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended. Larger tanks provide more stable water conditions and more space for the shrimp.
- Substrate: Use a fine, soft substrate such as sand or a specialized shrimp substrate. Shrimp substrates help maintain appropriate water parameters and provide a good foraging surface.
- Plants and Decor: Include live plants like Java moss, Java fern, and Anubias. These plants offer hiding spots and grazing areas. Driftwood and rocks can also be added to create a more natural environment.
- Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. Providing shaded areas or floating plants can help create a comfortable environment.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 68-74°F (20-23°C). Black Pinto Shrimp prefer stable, cooler temperatures and can be sensitive to fluctuations.
- pH: They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.0 Maintaining stable pH levels is crucial.
- Hardness: Soft water is ideal, with a general hardness (GH) of 4-6 dGH and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 0-4 dKH. Use shrimp-specific water conditioners to achieve and maintain the appropriate hardness levels.
- Water Quality: Excellent water quality is essential. Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to keep ammonia and nitrite levels at 0 ppm and nitrates below 10 ppm. A well-maintained filtration system helps keep the water clean and oxygenated.
Filtration and Water Flow
- Filtration: Use a gentle filtration system, such as a sponge filter or a low-flow canister filter. Avoid strong currents as they can stress the shrimp. Sponge filters are ideal because they provide both filtration and gentle water movement.
- Water Flow: Ensure that the water flow is gentle to moderate. Strong currents can be stressful and may interfere with the shrimp’s ability to forage.
Feeding
- Diet: Black Pinto Shrimp are omnivorous and need a balanced diet. Offer high-quality shrimp pellets or tablets as their staple food.
- Supplemental Foods: Supplement their diet with algae wafers, blanched vegetables (like zucchini or spinach), and occasional live or frozen foods such as daphnia or baby brine shrimp.
- Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts once or twice a day, providing only what the shrimp can consume within a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and health issues.
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