Babaulti Shrimp

A hardy caridina that behaves like a neocaridina: it breeds in ordinary freshwater and tolerates a wide range, so it is a good first caridina. The catch is colour, individuals shift between green, brown, red and near-clear with mood, diet and background, so a colony can look mixed rather than uniform. Stable water and a calcium source for moulting are what matter.

Babaulti Shrimp (Caridina babaulti) reaches 2.5–3 cm and needs a minimum tank of 20 L with a colony of 10+. Native to India and South Asia. Aim for 20–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.8, 4–10 dGH, and 150–250 ppm TDS. Lifespan: 1.5–2 years. Breeding: easy, breeds in plain freshwater with no brackish larval stage, like a neocaridina. Diet: omnivore / detritivore, Biofilm, soft algae, blanched courgette and spinach, sinking pellets, a calcium source for moulting. Plant-safe: Yes. Tank-mates: Nano and peaceful community fish, chili rasbora, ember tetra, otocinclus.