"
Pure Line Shrimp," specifically the Pure Black Line (PRL) Caridina shrimp, are a selectively bred variant of the Crystal Black Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis) prized in the aquarium hobby for their vibrant, opaque red and white coloration and pure genetics.
Key Characteristics
- Purity: PBL shrimp have been meticulously line-bred over many generations and are not crossed with other variants like Golden Bee shrimp to enhance white coloration. This ensures that they consistently produce offspring with the same high-quality red and white patterns, unlike standard Crystal Black Shrimp, which can produce black or golden offspring.
- Appearance: They are known for their deep red and thick, opaque white shell patterns, which are graded for intensity, clarity, and coverage (ranging from A to SSS+ grades).
- Size: Adults typically grow to about 1.2 to 1.5 inches (3 to 4 cm) in length.
- Behavior: They are peaceful, social omnivores that spend most of their time foraging on algae and biofilm in the aquarium.
Care and Habitat Requirements
PRL shrimp are a Caridina species and require specific, stable water parameters to thrive, making them a moderately challenging species for aquarists.
- Water Parameters: They require soft, slightly acidic water. The ideal conditions, according to various sources, include a pH of 5.4-6.2, a general hardness (GH) of 4-5 dGH, a carbonate hardness (KH) of 0-1 dKH, and total dissolved solids (TDS) of 100-120 ppm.
-
Tank Setup:
- Substrate: Active substrates (like ADA Aqua Soil) are ideal as they help maintain the necessary low pH and soft water conditions.
- Filtration: A gentle filtration method, such as a sponge filter, is recommended to protect the tiny shrimplets.
- Environment: A well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots (mosses, driftwood, rocks) is essential to provide shelter and foraging areas.
- Diet: They are omnivores. Their diet should consist of biofilm, algae, and high-quality commercial foods specifically formulated for Caridina shrimp, such as those from brands like Shrimp King or Hikari Shrimp Cuisine, often supplemented with blanched vegetables.
Check Water Parameters
