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Short-nose algae shrimp

Caridina longirostris

Also known as Long-nose shrimp, Red nose algae shrimp

FreshwaterBrackishShrimp

Short-nose algae shrimp (Caridina longirostris)

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C
pH
6.8–8.0
Adult size
1.4 in
3.5 cm
Minimum tank
5 gal
20 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Hard
Rarity
Rare
Family
Atyidae
Origin
Coastal streams across the Indo-Pacific

Overview

The short-nose algae shrimp is a peaceful, hard-working grazer for a community or planted tank. It is a step up from the easiest shrimp.

Did you know

The trade cannot agree on the short-nose algae shrimp's nose. The same shrimp is sold as both short-nose and long-nose, depending on the batch. The length of its rostrum varies more from one shrimp to the next than the two names suggest.

Caring for the short-nose algae shrimp

Keep short-nose algae shrimp as a group in a mature community or planted tank of 5 gal (20 L) or more. Buy the numbers you want up front, because the colony will not grow on its own. Algae-covered rock and wood, with gentle to moderate flow, suit them.

Plain fresh water is fine, though a touch of mineral hardness keeps them in good shape. Hold conditions stable at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C) and a pH of 6.8 to 8.0.

They spend their time picking algae and biofilm from surfaces. They are one of the better shrimp for tough algae, including black brush algae. Feed a shrimp staple plus vegetables and a little frozen food to fill the gaps.

Keep them with small, gentle fish that will not eat them. Short-nose algae shrimp are amphidromous, and that makes breeding hard. The larvae need brackish water to develop before returning to fresh, so a normal tank yields no lasting colony.

Good to know

The short-nose algae shrimp is Caridina longirostris, an atyid from the dwarf shrimp family. Its rostrum is the spike between the eyes. It is also sold as the long-nose shrimp or red nose algae shrimp.

In the wild

The short-nose algae shrimp lives where lowland coastal streams meet tidal influence across the Indo-Pacific. Its home water runs from fresh to lightly brackish.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The short-nose algae shrimp is a peaceful, social species that keeps to the bottom. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a short-nose algae shrimp need?

A short-nose algae shrimp needs at least 5 gal (20 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a short-nose algae shrimp need?

A short-nose algae shrimp is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 6.8–8.0.

What does a short-nose algae shrimp eat?

A short-nose algae shrimp picks algae and biofilm from surfaces, including tough black brush algae. Fill the gaps with a shrimp staple, vegetables and a little frozen food.

How big does a short-nose algae shrimp get?

An adult short-nose algae shrimp reaches about 1.4 in (3.5 cm).

How does a short-nose algae shrimp breed?

Short-nose algae shrimp larvae need brackish water to develop before returning to fresh. A normal tank yields no lasting colony, so breeding them is hard.

Related species