• 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.