Darwin Algae Shrimp 1-3cm
Darwin Algae Shrimp offers australian native interest with active biofilm and soft-algae grazing for a carefully prepared aquarium. The identification below is the best fit for the current trade listing and is stated with its practical limits.
Quick Facts
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Best-fit scientific identity: Caridina sp. “NT nilotica”
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Identification confidence: Best-fit trade identification; this form was previously circulated as Caridina longirostris
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Product type: Australian freshwater shrimp
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Sale size: Approximately 1–3cm as listed
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Sale unit: One individual per quantity ordered unless the selected variant states otherwise
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Social needs: Peaceful grazing shrimp; keep with small, non-predatory companions
Is this for you?
Perfect if: you want an Australian shrimp for a mature planted aquarium and can provide ongoing food after algae declines.
Consider something else if: the aquarium is newly established or contains fish likely to hunt shrimp.
Why choose Darwin Algae Shrimp?
Choose Darwin Algae Shrimp for australian native interest with active biofilm and soft-algae grazing. Plan long-term housing around the care guidance and identification confidence shown here.
Key Benefits
- Australian native interest with active biofilm and soft-algae grazing
- Care guidance matched to the best-supported trade identity
- Clear sale-size, sale-unit and identification information
Care & Specifications
Use a mature, well-oxygenated aquarium with stable water, plants, wood or rock for grazing, cover for moulting and a protected filter intake. Gentle-to-moderate circulation helps keep surfaces supplied without exposing the shrimp to unsafe suction.
Social requirements: Peaceful grazing shrimp; keep with small, non-predatory companions.
What will you receive?
You will receive the selected quantity of Darwin Algae Shrimp. Size within the stated range, colour, markings, maturity and sex can vary unless the listing explicitly fixes them.
Acclimation & Introduction
Prepare the invertebrate aquarium before arrival and follow current NTA livestock acclimation guidance. Reduce lighting, avoid sudden changes in temperature or mineral content, keep transport water out of the display where practical, and observe movement and condition after introduction.
Ongoing Care
Support natural grazing with a quality shrimp food, fine algae-based foods and suitable botanicals in controlled portions. Do not rely on visible algae as the only food source.
Maintain stable water with regular testing and appropriately sized water changes. Review the setup as the animal grows, moults, burrows or changes its behaviour.
Pairs perfectly with
- A mature aquarium prepared for this invertebrate’s feeding method
- Reliable water tests and an invertebrate-safe maintenance routine
- Species-appropriate food, cover and protected filtration
NTA Insight:
The best-fit identity is Caridina sp. “NT nilotica”, an undescribed Darwin-region form once circulated as Caridina longirostris. Use that identification for care while recognising that the trade name is not a formal species confirmation.
Before You Buy
Confirm adult size, water requirements, diet and compatibility for Darwin Algae Shrimp before ordering. The listed sale size describes current stock, not its permanent size.
The identity is a best-supported trade interpretation rather than a specimen-level determination. Ask NTA to confirm current stock if the exact species, locality or breeding line affects your aquarium plan.
FAQ
Will Darwin Algae Shrimp remove every kind of algae?
No. They may graze biofilm and some soft algae, but they do not replace normal maintenance and still need deliberate feeding.
Will the supplied Darwin Algae Shrimp match the photograph exactly?
No. Livestock photographs represent the listed type; colour, markings, size and maturity naturally vary.
Is the identification guaranteed?
No. The description states the best-supported trade identity and clearly marks the remaining uncertainty.
