If you’re looking to add some color to your aquarium, consider pinto shrimp! These little shrimp are not only beautiful, but they’re also great cleaners, helping to keep your tank tidy.
Native to freshwater streams and rivers in Southeast Asia, black pinto shrimp are relatively easy to care for and make a great addition to any community tank. They’re peaceful and get along well with other fish, but can be a bit nippy so it’s best to keep them with larger fish.
Black pinto shrimp are Omnivores and will eat just about anything, so you don’t have to worry about feeding them special foods. A good quality shrimp food or Flake food will do the trick. Be sure to supplement their diet with some algae wafers or blanched vegetables for added nutrition.
Since they’re such good cleaners, black pinto shrimp are often used in biofilters to help keep the water quality high in aquariums. They’ll gladly munch on algae, detritus, and uneaten food, helping to keep your tank clean and tidy.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and helpful addition to your aquarium, consider pinto shrimp!
Species Summary
| Scientific name: | Caridina cantonensis x mariae |
| Common names: | Fishbone shrimp, Fishbone Pinto shrimp, Pinto shrimp |
| Difficulty level: | Intermediate |
| Origin: | South-East Asia |
Is Pinto Shrimp True?
Where do They Come From?
There are many different shrimp species in the world, but the Red and Black pinto shrimp are two of the most popular. These shrimp are native to the Indo-Pacific region and can be found in the wild from India to Australia.
How Long do Pinto Shrimp Live for?
Red and black pinto shrimp are relatively hardy shrimp and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They are a good choice for beginning aquarists. Red and black pinto shrimp are easy to care for and can live for up to 2 years.
How Big do Pinto Shrimp Grow?
The red and black pinto shrimp are a type of freshwater shrimp that can grow up to 2 inches long.
Pinto Shrimp Anatomy, Appearance, & Varieties
They have a streamlined body covered with a hard exoskeleton. The shrimp’s body is divided into two main parts – the cephalothorax and the abdomen. The cephalothorax is the head and thorax of the shrimp, covered by one large shell. The abdomen is the tail part of the shrimp, consisting of 10 segments. Each of these segments is covered with a small hard plate.
The pinto shrimp has two pairs of antennae on its head. The first pair of antennae are used to detect the environment. The second pair of antennae are used for movement. The shrimp also has two pairs of legs on its torso. The first pair of legs are used for swimming. The second pair of legs is used to groom the shrimp’s body.
The pinto shrimp has five pairs of gills on its abdomen. These gills are used to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. The shrimp also has a heart, stomach, and liver. The shrimp’s heart is located on its back and pumps blood throughout the shrimp’s body. The shrimp’s stomach is located in the cephalothorax and is used to digest food. The shrimp’s liver is located in the abdominal cavity and is responsible for filtering toxins from the shrimp’s blood.
Black Pinto Shrimp
| Scientific name: | Caridina cf. cantonensis |
| Common name: | Black Pinto shrimp |
| Origin: | South East Asia and Taiwan |
| Behavior: | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan: | 1.5–2 years |
| Breeding: | Easy |
| Diet: | Omnivores |
| Size: | 0.70–1–2 inches |
| Habitat: | Freshwater |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Tank size: | Large tanks up to 20–25 gallons |
| Biotope: | Amazonian |
| Plant safe: | Safe |
| Suitable for aquarium: | Yes |
| Care levelL | Normal to difficult |
Red Pinto Shrimp
| Scientific name: | Caridina cf. cantonensis |
| Common name: | Red Pinto shrimp, Red Zebra Pinto |
| Origin: | Taiwan and South East Asia |
| Behavior: | Calm |
| Lifespan: | 1.2–2 years |
| Breeding: | Simple |
| Diet: | Omnivores |
| Size: | 1–1.2 inches |
| Habitat: | Freshwater |
| Temperament: | Pacific |
| Tank size: | 10–20 gallons |
| Biotope: | Amazonian |
| Plant safe: | Yes |
| Suitable for aquarium: | Yes |
| Care level: | Moderate |
Galaxy Pinto Shrimp
| Scientific name: | Caridina cf. cantonensis |
| Common name: | Galaxy Pinto shrimp, Black Galaxy Pintos, Red Galaxy Pinto |
| Origin: | Taiwan and South East Asia |
| Behavior: | Calm |
| Lifespan: | 1.2–2 years |
| Breeding: | Simple |
| Diet: | Omnivores |
| Size: | 1–2 inches |
| Habitat: | Freshwater |
| Temperament: | Pacific |
| Tank size: | 10–20 gallons |
| Biotope: | Amazonian |
| Plant safe: | Yes |
| Suitable for aquarium: | Yes |
| Care level: | Moderate |
How Much do Pinto Shrimp Cost?
Pinto shrimp are relatively inexpensive and can be found for sale online and at pet stores. A group of six pinto shrimp will cost between $10 and $20.
Pinto Shrimp Care & Tank Requirements
Below you can read the rules of pinto shrimp care and tips for setting up an aquarium for the good life of your pinto shrimp.
The Best Aquarium Size for Pinto Shrimps
When it comes to setting up an aquarium for red and black pinto shrimp, there are a few things to consider.
First, these shrimp are not very big, so they don’t need a lot of space. A 10-20 gallon aquarium is more than sufficient. Second, these shrimp are very sensitive to water quality, so the aquarium should be well-filtered and have a good water quality test kit on hand. Third, these shrimp are very active and love to swim, so an aquarium with plenty of hiding places and plenty of room to swim is ideal.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 60-75 Fahrenheit
Conductivity: Up to 300
pH: 5-7
GH: 4-8
Total dissolving solids: 90-200
Minerals: 120-130grams of salt
In the wild, red and black pinto shrimp inhabit areas with a wide range of water parameters. In the home aquarium, however, it is important to provide them with water that closely resembles their natural habitat.
The ideal water parameters for red and black pinto shrimp are a pH of 5-7, a water hardness of 4-8 dGH, and a temperature of 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. While they can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, it is important to maintain stability in the aquarium to prevent stress and illness.
Filtration
In the wild, these shrimp live in very clean, fast-moving water. In captivity, they are often kept in slow-moving, stagnant water which quickly becomes polluted. This is why it is so important to have a good water filtration system in place if you want to keep red and black pinto shrimp.
There are a few different types of water filtration that can be used for shrimp tanks. The most common and effective type of filtration is mechanical filtration. This is where water is passed through a filter media such as sponge or filter floss. This media will trap particles of dirt and debris as the water flows through it. This is an effective way to remove solid waste from the water and it also helps to keep the water looking clean.
Another type of filtration that can be used is chemical filtration. This is where chemicals are used to remove dissolved waste from the water. The most common type of chemical filtration is activated carbon filtration. This is where water is passed through a bed of activated carbon. The carbon will absorb dissolved waste products and help to keep the water clear.
Finally, biological filtration can also be used. This is where beneficial bacteria are used to break down waste products in the water. The bacteria will consume the waste and convert it into harmless byproducts. This is an effective way to remove dissolved waste from the water and it also helps to keep the water looking clean.
Do Pinto Shrimp Need Air Pump?
One of the most important pieces of equipment for pinto shrimp is an air pump. This is because pinto shrimp are filter-feeders, meaning they feed by filtering water through their bodies. In order to do this effectively, they need a constant supply of oxygen-rich water. An air pump will help to ensure that your pinto shrimp have the oxygen they need to stay healthy and thrive.
Aquarium Lighting
In the wild, they live in areas with plenty of vegetation, and they thrive in water that is well-lit. In an aquarium, you can recreate this environment by providing bright, full-spectrum lighting.
Make sure your aquarium has a hood or cover to prevent the light from escaping. Pinto shrimp are very sensitive to light and can be easily stressed by too much or too little light. The ideal lighting setup for a pinto shrimp aquarium would be a combination of fluorescent and LED lighting.
Fluorescent bulbs should be placed on one side of the aquarium, and LEDs on the other. This will provide a bright, well-lit environment for your pinto shrimp to thrive in.
Plants and Decorations
When choosing plants and decorations for your pinto shrimp aquarium or pond, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, pinto shrimp are very active and love to swim, so you’ll want to make sure there is plenty of room for them to move around. Second, pinto shrimp are attracted to bright colors, so choose plants and decorations that are colorful and eye-catching.
Some good plant options for a pinto shrimp aquarium or pond include water lilies, lotus flowers, and floating plants. These plants will provide cover and hiding places for the shrimp, as well as some beautiful colors. For decorations, consider adding rocks, driftwood, or shells. These will add some contrast and interest to the tank, and the shrimp will enjoy crawling and hiding in them.
What’s the Best Substrate for Pinto Shrimps?
The best substrate for pinto shrimp is a sandy substrate with some rocks and coral. This provides the shrimp with a place to hide and forage. The sand also allows the shrimp to burrow and create their own space.
Pinto shrimp are also known to eat algae, so a substrate with some algae growth is beneficial. This can be achieved by adding live plants to the aquarium or by using a special algae-based substrate.
Aquarium keepers should avoid using a substrate that is too fine, as this can cause problems with the shrimp’s gills. A coarse substrate is best.
Food & Diet
Pinto shrimp are not picky eaters, but there are still a few recommendations for their diet.
What Can I Feed Pinto Shrimp?
Pinto shrimp are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including algae, detritus, and small invertebrates. In the wild, they are known to eat snails, insects, and fish fry. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of commercial shrimp foods, as well as live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
How Often Do Pinto Shrimp Need to Be Fed?
Pinto shrimp should be fed 2-3 times per day. This can be done by placing a small amount of food in the aquarium and allowing the shrimp to eat their fill. Any uneaten food should be removed after a few minutes to avoid over-feeding and water quality issues.
How Long Can a Pinto Shrimp Go Without Food?
Pinto shrimp can live for up to several weeks without eating anything. This is possible because they are able to store energy in their bodies. When food is scarce, pinto shrimp can rely on this stored energy to survive.
Although pinto shrimp can go without food for long periods of time, this does not mean that they do not need to eat. If pinto shrimp don’t eat for a long period of time, they will eventually die. This will happen because they will not have the energy to survive. It is important to remember that pinto shrimp need to eat regularly to stay healthy.
Behavior & Temperament
Pinto shrimp is a type of shrimp that is known for its temperament. These shrimp are known to be very active and outgoing, and they are also known for their ability to adapt to new environments quickly.
Good Tank Mates
One of the best things about ponty shrimp is that they are not aggressive. This means that they make good tank mates for other shrimp and fish. They will not fight with other shrimp or fish, and they will not try to eat them.
Another good thing about ponty shrimp is that they are very easy to care for. They do not require a lot of care, and they are very hardy. This makes them a good choice for beginners.
When it comes to choosing tank mates for your ponty shrimp, there are a few things to consider. First, you will want to choose tank mates that are peaceful and not aggressive. Second, you will want to choose tank mates that are easy to care for. Third, you will want to choose tank mates that are not too large.
One of the best choices for a tank mate for your ponty shrimp is another shrimp. This is because shrimp are peaceful and easy to care for. Another good choice for a tank mate is a small fish. Small fish are also peaceful and easy to care for.
Unsafe Tank Mates
The following fish are known to be unsafe tank mates for ponty shrimp:
- Cichlids: many cichlids are aggressive fish that will eat shrimp.
- Gouramis: they are known to be fin nippers and can cause stress and injury to shrimp.
- Bettas: they are also aggressive fish that may eat shrimp.
- Barbs: they are active fish that may chase and harass shrimp.
- Goldfish: they are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste. They also require cooler water temperatures than ponty shrimp, which can lead to stress and illness.
Pinto Shrimp Breeding
To breed pinto shrimp, you will need to have at least one male and one female. The female will need to be at least 1.5 inches long, and the male will need to be 1 inch long.
Pinto shrimp are not picky eaters and will eat most aquarium foods. However, they do need a diet that is high in protein in order to breed successfully.
To encourage breeding, you can raise the temperature of the water to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also add some live plants to the aquarium for the shrimp to hide in.
When the female is ready to breed, she will release pheromones into the water. The male will then chase her and fertilize the eggs.
After the eggs are fertilized, the female will carry them for about 30 days. The larvae will then hatch and grow into juvenile shrimp.
Pinto shrimp can breed multiple times per year. However, they will only produce a small number of offspring each time.
FAQs on How to Care for Pinto shrimp
What is a Galaxy Pinto shrimp?
A Galaxy Pinto shrimp is a cross between a tiger shrimp and a Taiwan bee shrimp. The result is a shrimp with a unique pattern that is difficult to replicate or reproduce.
How many Pinto shrimp can I put in a 10-gallon tank?
There is no definitive answer to this question since it can vary based on the size of the shrimp and the other inhabitants of the tank. Generally, it is recommended to have 2 gallons of water per shrimp.
How long does it take for shrimp to settle in a new tank?
It can take up to a month for shrimp to become accustomed to their new tank. During this time, they may be shy and hide in the corners or under the plants.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, pinto shrimp is a beautiful and popular addition to many aquariums. They are peaceful and easy to care for, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced shrimp keepers.
Pinto shrimp are native to the brackish waters of Southeast Asia. In the wild, they can be found in rivers, estuaries, and mangrove forests. They are a hardy species that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
In the aquarium, pinto shrimp should be kept in a well-filtered set up with plenty of hiding places. They are not a demanding species but do appreciate a little extra care in the form of regular water changes and supplemental feeding.
Pinto shrimp are omnivorous and will readily eat most aquarium foods. They are especially fond of algae and detritus, and their grazing helps to keep the aquarium clean. In addition to their regular diet, pinto shrimp will also benefit from occasional treats of live or frozen foods.
Pinto shrimp are a social species and do best in groups of 5 or more. They are peaceful fish and can be kept with a wide variety of tankmates.
References:
- Tadpole (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hephalothorax
- Lotus Flower (North Dakota State University): https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/chiwonlee/plsc211/student%20papers/articles09/elizabeth%20larson/lotusflower/New%20Folder/Lotus%20flower.html
- Artemia (Britannica): https://www.britannica.com/animal/brine-shrimp
