Red Nose Shrimp

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Caridina gracilirostris
• Common Name: Red Nose Shrimp (also called Pinocchio Shrimp or Rudolph Shrimp)
• Adult Size: 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 inches)
• Life Expectancy: 1 to 2 years in captivity
• Habitat: Native to Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia). Found in brackish coastal areas, estuaries, and mangroves. Requires brackish water for breeding, but survives well in freshwater for general keeping.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 liters (5 gallons), but more space is ideal for stability
• Ideal Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• pH Range: 6.5–7.5
• Water Hardness: 5–12 dGH (soft to moderately hard)
• Temperament: Peaceful and shy. Best kept in groups of 6+ in species-only tanks or with other gentle invertebrates and nano fish.

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes.
  • Primarily grazes on biofilm, algae, and detritus

  • Supplement diet with:

    • Algae wafers
    • Shrimp pellets
    • Blanched spinach or zucchini

    • Spirulina-based foods

  • Avoid overfeeding to keep water parameters stable

Appearance

• Body: Transparent with a bright red rostrum (snout), often curved and pronounced, giving rise to the name "Red Nose"
• Coloration: Body is usually clear or slightly bluish with a vivid red stripe down the rostrum
• Size: Slightly larger than many dwarf shrimp, with long legs and antennae

Distinctive Features

• Long, Red Rostrum: Signature feature, often curved downward—resembles a “nose”
• Brackish Breeder: Unique among Caridina species due to brackish-water larval development
• Good Swimmer: More active in open water than many shrimp species; often seen mid-water column
• Delicate Shell: Sensitive to copper and sudden parameter changes—requires stable, clean conditions