• Scientific Name: Caridina babaulti
• Common Names: Babault’s Shrimp, Indian Zebra Shrimp, Green Babaulti Shrimp
• Family: Atyidae
• Origin: India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar
Physical Characteristics
• Size: Typically around 1.2 – 1.5 inches (3 – 4 cm)
• Color Variants: Naturally occurring colors include green, brown, red, yellow, and even blue hues. The green variety is particularly sought after in the aquarium hobby.
• Body Shape: Similar to other Caridina species, with a streamlined body and long antennae.
Tank Requirements
• Tank Size: 5+ gallons (best in 10+ gallons for stable conditions)
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 68 – 78°F (20 – 26°C)
• pH: 6.2 – 7.8
• GH: 3 – 10
• KH: 1 – 6
• TDS: 100 – 250 ppm
• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand with leaf litter for biofilm and hiding places. Darker substrates enhance their colors.
• Filtration: Sponge filters or gentle flow filters to avoid sucking them in.
Diet & Feeding
• Omnivorous: Primarily algae eaters, they also consume biofilm, detritus, and leftover food.
• Supplemental Foods: Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), shrimp pellets, high-quality algae wafers, and protein-based shrimp foods.
• Avoid Copper: Ensure shrimp-safe foods without copper-based preservatives.
Behavior & Compatibility
• Temperament: Peaceful and active scavengers.
• Tank Mates:
• Best kept with other small, peaceful fish and shrimp (e.g., Neocaridina, smaller Caridina species, Otocinclus, and snails).
• Avoid aggressive or predatory fish (e.g., cichlids, large barbs, and bettas).
Breeding
• Freshwater Breeder: Unlike Amano shrimp, Caridina babaulti breeds in freshwater with no larval stage.
• Reproduction Rate: Moderate, but not as prolific as Neocaridina shrimp.
• Ideal Conditions: Stable water parameters, plenty of hiding places (moss, cholla wood), and a good food supply.
| Size |
.5" |
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