Ninja Shrimp

Caridina serratirostris, the Ninja Shrimp, is renowned in the aquarium hobby for its remarkable colour-changing ability — individuals can shift from near-transparent to dark brown, red, or green within seconds to blend with their environment. This natural camouflage makes them surprisingly easy to overlook in a planted tank, adding to their mystique. They are tolerant of a wider range of parameters than most Caridina and make a compelling addition to species or community invertebrate setups.

Water: 22–27°C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 4–10, KH 1–4; accepts slightly softer or harder water. Tank: minimum 20 L, varied substrate textures and plant colours to observe camouflage. Feeding: biofilm, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, powdered shrimp food. Behaviour: cryptic and fascinating; most active at dawn and dusk. Compatibility: peaceful; keep with small non-predatory fish or other invertebrates.