Other Names:
Rhino Shrimp, Mosquito Shrimp, Rudolph Shrimp, Rocket Shrimp.
Scientific Name:
Caridina gracilirostris
Range:
Asia: India.
Maximum size:
4cm. (1,75").
Diet:
The red Nose Shrimp is predominantly herbivorous: algae of all sorts are their prefered food. If algae become scarce, they may start eating aquarium plants, bitter species such as Java Fern not excluded. Once acclimatized, this species will also eat leftovers such as flakes, pellets, mosquito larvae, small pieces of fish meat, mussels or shrimp, and krill: because of this, it's an ideal addition to any clean-up crew of any suitably stocked community tank.
Temperament:
This remarkably shaped shrimp actively searches the aquarium for food throughout the day, is quite dominant, and can possibly outcompete smaller shrimp-species living in the same tank. But otherwise, the Red Nose Shrimp is peaceful, and will not disturb other fish or invertebrate tank mates.
These small shrimp are an appreciated food source for many predatory fish and larger fresh water invertebrates, so hiding places are essential when kept with larger tank mates.
Notes:
The Red Nose Shrimp moves around in a remarkable way: it lets itself drift in the water flow with the nose pointing towards the gravel, and steers with paddling movements made with the small legs located on the back end of the body. Although it may seem a bit awkward and unusual, it is not a sign of bad health: it's simply the way these creatures evolved to get from point A to B.
With Red Cherry Shrimp
