Caridina Panda is a selected form of Caridina cf. cantonensis, closely related to the famous Crystal Red & Black shrimp. It is so named because of its deep black colour contrasted by thick white stripes, reminiscent of a panda's coat.

This shrimp requires soft, stable, well-filtered water. It should be reserved for careful aquarists and special tanks.

Behaviour and maintenance

• Very peaceful - ideal in special tanks or with non-aggressive micro-fish
• Group life - a minimum of 10 individuals is required to observe natural behaviour
• Do not mix with other strains of Caridina to avoid cross-breeding

Best kept in a well-cycled nano-aquarium with a technical floor, moss and slow-growing plants.

Feeding

Detritivore / biofilmivore:

• Natural biofilm (wood, catappa leaves)
• Specific foods for shrimp (powders, vegetable sticks)
• Fresh supplements: spinach, poached nettle, spirulina

Avoid overfeeding to limit nitrite peaks.

Water quality

• Temperature: 20 - 24°C
• pH: 5.5 - 6.5
• GH: 4 - 6 °dGH
• KH: 0 - 1 °KH
• Conductivity: 100 - 200 µS

Recommended use of technical soil and remineralised osmosis water (GH+)

Decor and environment

• Technical soil (low, stable pH)
• Mosses, buces, dwarf anubias
• Natural hiding places: wood, leaves, mini caves

No excessive mixing or sudden water changes. Moderate lighting sufficient for biofilm growth.

Maintenance sheet

Scientific name	Caridina sp. cf. cantonensis "Panda
Common name	Caridina Panda
Adult size	2.5 - 3 cm
Origin	Asian selection (China / Taiwan)
Temperature	20 - 24 °C
pH	5.5 - 6.5
GH	4 - 6 °dGH
KH	0 - 1 °KH
Conductivity	100 - 200 µS
Life expectancy	1 - 2 years
Behaviour	Calm, gregarious
Living zone	Bottom / vegetation
Minimum volume	20 L specific (best from 30 L)
Diet	Detritivore / herbivore

AquaBota tip

To ensure good reproduction, useremineralised osmosis water and leave the tank to age. A population of microfauna (infusoria, microvers) will help juvenile fish to survive.