Red Galaxy Pinto Shrimp

Common Name: Red Galaxy Pinto Shrimp, Galaxy Fishbone (Red)
Scientific Name: Caridina Cantonensis
Genus: Caridina
Wild Origin: Selective Breed
Adult Size: 1 in

**Note: All livestock orders will come carefully packaged with solid wall Styrofoam insulation and shipped via 1-day shipping only. No additional insulation is needed for your livestock.

The Red Galaxy Pinto Shrimp is a variety that represents the peak of selective breeding. These freshwater shrimp are famous for their intricate "Galaxy" head markings paired with a "Pinto" striped or spotted body pattern. The deep ruby-red pigmentation contrasted against the opaque white markings makes them a stunning focal point in any shrimp tank. Because of their complex hybrid heritage, each shrimp features a unique distribution of spots and stripes, adding a layer of character to your colony.

As aquatic pets, Red Galaxy Pintos are active and social, though they require a disciplined approach to water quality. As a hybrid, they are more sensitive to parameter shifts than standard freshwater shrimp. They are best suited for a dedicated shrimp aquarium with a mature ecosystem and an active buffering substrate to maintain the stable, acidic environment they need to display their most vibrant red hues.

Check out our guide on the different substrates that can help achieve ideal water parameters for these shrimp: Best Substrate for Shrimp

Key Features & Important Notes

• Tank raised specimen
• Unsexed juveniles
• Bright, bold colors
• To increase survival rates, please allow 2-3 business days after an order is placed to properly prepare live animal shipments.
  

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature Range: 68-72 °F
• pH: 5.5-6.7
• TDS: 90-120 ppm
• GH: 3-6 dGH
• KH: 0-1 dKH

Recommended Tank Size
5+ gallons, minimum. While they can thrive in nano setups, we recommend a 10–20+ gallon shrimp aquarium to ensure chemical stability and provide ample grazing surface area for this premium variety.

Diet
Omnivorous. Red Galaxy Pintos are tireless scavengers that primarily graze on biofilm, diatoms, and algae. To support their health and shell coloration, supplement their diet with high-quality plant-based pellets, bee pollen, and blanched vegetables.

Breeding
Red Galaxy Pinto Shrimp are eager breeders once they are established in a stable, species-only environment. Sexing becomes easier as they mature; females are larger and exhibit a wider underbelly to protect their eggs. To ensure a self-sustaining colony, we recommend starting with 8–10 specimens to guarantee a healthy mix of males and females.

The breeding cycle begins when a fertile female molts and releases pheromones, triggering a frenzy among the males. Once "berried," she will carry the eggs for approximately 30 days. To ensure high fry survival rates, provide plenty of hiding spots like mosses and Cholla wood. Always leave molted shells in the tank so the colony can recycle the calcium and minerals essential for their development.

Check out our blog article to learn how to breed freshwater shrimp.