Hong Kong Caridina care guide
Hong Kong Caridina (Caridina serrata) — minimum tank 30 L, temperature 18-26 °C, pH 6.5-7.5.
Overview
Hong Kong Caridina (Caridina serrata) is a freshwater dwarf shrimp of the Caridina cantonensis bee-shrimp complex of the family Atyidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. Wild Caridina from Hong Kong streams, ancestor of many bee/tiger lines. Rarely kept pure but valuable for breeders.
Taxonomy
- Family: Atyidae
- Genus: Caridina
- Scientific name: Caridina serrata
- Common synonyms: Hong Kong Wild Shrimp
Habitat
The wild ancestor Caridina cantonensis (Caridina serrata complex) is native to montane streams of southern China and Hong Kong, where it occupies soft, slightly acidic, well-oxygenated water above shaded leaf litter. Selectively bred bee-shrimp lines descend from this complex and have been intensively cultivated in Japan and Taiwan since the 1990s. The Aquairi knowledge base records this entry from: Hong Kong.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L (7.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 2-3 cm
- Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 4-10 °dGH
- KH: 1-6 °dKH
- Lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet
A grazing detritivore. In the aquarium the animal continuously feeds on biofilm, soft algae, decaying plant matter and dropped food. A small daily ration of a shrimp-formulated sinking pellet, occasional blanched spinach or zucchini and rare protein wafers keep the colony in good condition without polluting the water.
Compatibility
Peaceful and best kept in a colony of ten or more in a stable, well-cycled, planted aquarium. Suitable tank mates listed in the Aquairi knowledge base: Otocinclus, Pygmy Cory. Should be kept away from: Crayfish.
Breeding
Reproduces in fresh water without a planktonic larval stage. Mature females develop ripe ovaries visible as a yellow or olive "saddle" on the back; after a successful moult they are fertilised by the male and carry fertilised eggs under the pleopods for roughly three to four weeks before juveniles hatch as miniature fully-formed individuals. Stable parameters and absence of predation are the main success factors.