Red Nosed Shrimp, scientifically known as Caridina gracilirostris, is a type of brackish water shrimp that belongs to the Caridina genus in the Atyidae family.
It can be found in many places, from Japan and Fiji, through Indonesia, all the way to Madagascar.
This shrimp is known for eating algae and living in mangroves and marshes.
Some other common names for it are Red Front Shrimp, Red Rhinoceros Shrimp, Red Nosed Phantom Shrimp, and Needlenose Caridina.
What Does Red Nosed Shrimp Look Like?
Red Nosed Shrimp has a nearly see-through body and a long red rostrum on its head.
The red rostrum is why it has many of its common names, like Rhino Shrimp and Mosquito Shrimp.
There are small, tight spikes on the bottom side of the rostrum, and bigger, more spread-out spikes on the top side.
If the rostrum breaks off, it can grow back. Males have red lines on their bodies, while females are less colorful and more see-through.
Both males and females have a hump on their bellies.
Adult Red Nosed Shrimp can grow to be 1.4 to 1.6 inches long.
How Does Red Nosed Shrimp Behave?
Red Nosed Shrimp is a peaceful shrimp that gets along with most other shrimps of the same size.
People have described the way they swim as “entertaining.”
How Does Red Nosed Shrimp Reproduce?
Breeding Red Nosed Shrimp is difficult because they will only mate in brackish water.
They grow to be 1.4 to 1.6 inches long. They like water that is 68°F to 82°F and has a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
Female Red Nosed Shrimp often carry hundreds of green eggs under their bodies. The baby shrimp need brackish water to grow.
Why Are Red Nosed Shrimp Popular in Aquariums?
Red Nosed Shrimp are loved in aquariums and often kept as pets in freshwater tanks because:
- Their red rostrum gives them a unique look.
- They get along well with other shrimp of a similar size and attitude.
- They eat algae, which many aquarium owners find helpful.
They do best in brackish water, but they can live in clear freshwater tanks as long as they have enough food and plants to hide in.
You can check out what this invertebrate looks like over here.
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Family: | Atyidae |
| Genus: | Caridina |
| Scientific Name: | Caridina gracilirostris |
| Also Known As: | Red Nosed Shrimp, Red Front Shrimp, Red Rhinoceros Shrimp, Red Nosed Phantom Shrimp, Needlenose Caridina |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |