Species Profile Mixed Caridina Culls are a great choice for hobbyists interested in a mix of different shrimp varieties, colors, and patterns. Caridina Culls are primarily male. These shrimp are non-aggressive and suitable for community tanks that contain peaceful livestock and shrimp-only tanks. These freshwater shrimp adapt quickly and spend most of their time eating algae and biofilm off plants, aquarium glass, substrate, and hardscape. **Note: All livestock orders will come carefully packaged with solid wall Styrofoam insulation and shipped via 1-day shipping only. No extra insulation needs to be added to your cart for your livestock. Key Features & Notes Tank-raised specimens showcasing an assortment of colors, patterns, and line-breeding variations. Assortments consist primarily of male specimens, making them ideal for budget-friendly clean-up crews or display tanks. Relentless clean-up crew that continuously grazes on biofilm and algae. Care Specifications Maintain stable, soft, acidic water chemistry using an active buffering substrate to support sensitive Caridina health. Keep water parameters strictly free of copper-based medications or heavy metals. Supplement their diet with high-quality vegetable-based shrimp pellets, spirulina wafers, and blanched greens for shell health. Quick Facts Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to maintain stable parameters to ensure a healthy, thriving colony! Attribute Specification Scientific Name Caridina sp. Common Name(s) Caridina Culls, Mixed Caridina Culls, Mystery Caridina Care Difficulty Intermediate Adult Size 1.25" (3.0 cm) Diet Omnivore / Biofilm & Algae Scavenger Minimum Tank Size 5 Gallons Temperature Range 70°F–75°F (21°C–24°C) pH Range 6.0–6.8 General Hardness (GH) 4–5 dGH Carbonate Hardness (KH) 0–1 dKH Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 120–140 ppm Lifespan 1–2 Years Frequently Asked Questions 1. How do I properly acclimate my new freshwater shrimp to prevent shock? Dwarf shrimp are sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters and total dissolved solids (TDS). Always drip acclimate new arrivals over 1 to 2 hours before releasing them into your tank. Follow our step-by-step tutorial in 7 Easy Steps to Drip Acclimate Shrimp and Fish for the perfect drip rate setup. 2. What substrate is best for keeping dwarf shrimp healthy? It depends on the species! Neocaridina species thrive in inert substrates like gravel or sand, while Caridina species like Mixed Caridina Culls require active aquasoils that buffer pH down and pull KH near zero. Learn how to select the right foundation for your aquarium shrimp in our Best Substrate for Shrimp Guide. 3. How do I get my colony to start breeding? Because Caridina Culls consist primarily of males, they are intended as clean-up crews and display livestock rather than breeding stock. 4. Are dwarf shrimp easy to care for if I am a beginner? While Neocaridina species are great for beginners, Caridina species require soft-water conditions (low KH, low TDS, and active buffering soil). If you are just starting out, get a complete overview of parameters, diet, and setup requirements in our Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Care Guide.
