Caridina gracilirostris
A brackishwater shrimp with a distinctive red rostrum.
Caridina gracilirostris, a brackish-water shrimp from the family Atyidae and genus Caridina, lives across a wide native range that stretches from Japan and Fiji, through Indonesia, all the way to Madagascar. It feeds on algae and inhabits mangroves and marshes. Common names include red front shrimp, red rhinoceros shrimp, red nosed phantom shrimp, needlenose caridina, and red nosed shrimp.
The shrimp’s body is nearly see-through, but its head features a long, red rostrum—the source of most of its common names, such as rhino shrimp and mosquito shrimp. On the underside of the rostrum are clusters of small, tight spikes, while the top side bears larger, more spaced-out spikes. If the rostrum breaks off, it can grow back. Males display red lines running along the sides of their bodies; females are less colorful and more transparent. Both sexes have a noticeable hump on the abdomen. Adults reach 3.5 to 4 centimeters (1.4 to 1.6 inches) in length.
This shrimp is peaceful and gets along with most other shrimp of similar size. Its swimming has been described as entertaining.
Breeding is challenging because mating only occurs in brackish water. The species prefers water temperatures between 20 and 28 °C (68 to 82 °F) and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Females often carry hundreds of green eggs beneath their bodies, and the larvae require brackish water to develop.
In captivity, these shrimp are popular in aquariums, kept as pets in freshwater tanks due to their unusual red rostrum, their good interactions with similarly sized shrimp, and their algae-eating habits. While they prefer brackish conditions, they can manage in clear freshwater aquariums if given enough food and vegetation.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Caridina
- Species
- gracilirostris
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Caridina gracilirostris has a wide native range extending from Japan and Fiji through Indonesia to Madagascar. It lives in mangroves and marshes and is an algae-eating species. Its nearly transparent body features an elongated red rostrum on its head, which is the basis for many common names like rhino shrimp and mosquito shrimp. The rostrum has clusters of small, tight spikes on the ventral side and larger, more dispersed spikes on the dorsal side; if broken off, it will regenerate. Males have red lines running laterally down the body, while females are less colorful and more transparent, and both genders have a distinct hump on their abdomen.
Reader's Guide
Caridina gracilirostris is a favorite in aquariums due to its unique red rostrum, which gives it an unusual appearance. It interacts well with other shrimp of similar size and temperament, being peaceful and coexisting with most similarly sized shrimps. Its swimming has been described as entertaining. As an algae eater, it is beneficial for aquarium owners. Although it prefers brackish water conditions, it will do fine in clear freshwater aquariums if provided with enough food and vegetation. Breeding is difficult because it will only mate in brackish water, and the larvae require brackish water to grow. Females often have hundreds of green eggs under their bodies. The species prefers water temperature from 20 to 28 °C and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
Did You Know?
- Caridina gracilirostris has a nearly transparent body with an elongated red rostrum.
- If the shrimp's rostrum is broken off, it will regenerate.
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