Red Pinto (Caridina cantonensis var.)

Meet the Red Pinto Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis variant) — a stunning Caridina known for its bold white patterns splashed across a bright red body. Whether it’s zebra, spotted head, skunk, or galaxy-style markings, Red Pintos look like miniature artwork moving through the tank. Peaceful and graceful, they’re a favourite among Caridina keepers who enjoy unique patterns and striking contrast.

Tank Requirements

Tank Size: Minimum 20 L (more water volume = more stability)

Temperature: 20 – 24 °C

pH: 5.5 – 6.8

Water Hardness: GH 4 – 6, KH 0 – 2

TDS: 100 – 160

Filtration: Sponge filter or gentle flow with a pre-filter guard to protect shrimplets

Substrate & Décor:
Active shrimp soil helps keep the pH stable and slightly acidic. Add moss, cholla wood, fine-leaf plants and catappa leaves to boost biofilm and give shrimplets hiding spots.

Caridina thrive on stability — slow, careful water changes and no parameter swings.

Diet

Red Pintos enjoy a varied shrimp diet including:

✅ Biofilm and algae
✅ Shrimp pellets, snowflake food and specialty Caridina food
✅ Blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini
✅ Mineral supplements for healthy moults

Feed lightly 2–4 times per week. They graze in between meals, so clean tanks with biofilm are ideal.

Social Behavior

Peaceful and active when kept in groups.
Safe tank mates include:

✅ Ember tetra
✅ Phoenix rasbora
✅ Pygmy corydoras
✅ Otocinclus
✅ Snails

For the best breeding results and highest shrimplet survival, a species-only tank is best.

Breeding

Females carry eggs for around 25–35 days.
Babies hatch as tiny fully-formed shrimp and start grazing instantly.
Stable parameters, low nitrates and biofilm-rich surfaces increase survival rates.

Red Pintos come from mixed Taiwan Bee genetics, so babies often hatch with different pattern types — every generation brings exciting new designs.

⭐ Fun Fact

Red Pintos are known for having some of the most dramatic patterns in the shrimp world. Under strong lighting and on dark substrate, their red-and-white contrast looks like tiny candy canes dancing through the aquascape!

Reference: Bubbly Fish – creating underwater wonders.