Darwin Algae Shrimp 1-3cm

Description

Darwin Algae Shrimp

One of Australia's best natural algae-eating shrimp, prized for its hardiness, peaceful nature, and exceptional cleaning abilities.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Caridina sp. (Darwin Algae Shrimp)
  • Size: ~3–5 cm
  • Tank size: 30L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Best kept: Groups of 5 or more

Is this for you?

āœ”ļø Good if:

  • You want one of the best natural algae-eating shrimp available
  • You keep planted or community aquariums
  • You need an active cleanup crew
  • You prefer hardy Australian freshwater species

āŒ Avoid if:

  • You keep large predatory fish
  • Your aquarium is newly established
  • You expect shrimp to eliminate every algae problem
  • You want a shrimp that breeds easily in freshwater

Why this shrimp?

Darwin Algae Shrimp are widely regarded as one of the most effective freshwater algae-grazing shrimp available in Australia. They constantly forage across plants, rocks, driftwood, and glass, consuming soft algae, biofilm, and leftover food throughout the day.

Unlike many ornamental shrimp, Darwin Algae Shrimp are larger, extremely hardy, and well suited to community aquariums. Their transparent bodies often develop attractive blue, green, or brown tones depending on their environment and diet.

They make an outstanding addition to planted aquariums where they provide continuous cleaning while remaining completely peaceful toward fish and plants.

Common mistakes

  • Adding them to an immature aquarium with little natural biofilm
  • Keeping them with large predatory fish
  • Expecting them to remove every type of algae
  • Not supplementing their diet once algae becomes limited
  • Assuming they'll breed readily in freshwater aquariums

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–28°C
  • pH: 6.5–8.0
  • Diet: Algae, biofilm, shrimp foods, algae wafers, blanched vegetables
  • Water: Stable, well-established freshwater aquarium
  • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, rocks, mosses and hiding places

Pair with

  • Peaceful community fish
  • Freshwater snails
  • Live aquatic plants
  • Algae wafers
  • Shrimp foods and botanicals
NTA Insight:
If your primary goal is algae control rather than breeding colourful shrimp, Darwin Algae Shrimp are one of our top recommendations. They're active almost all day, noticeably larger than Cherry Shrimp, and excellent at grazing soft algae from plants and hardscape. While they may carry eggs in freshwater, their larvae require brackish water to develop, so they won't overpopulate a freshwater aquarium.

FAQ

Are Darwin Algae Shrimp good algae eaters?

Yes. They are among the best freshwater shrimp for grazing soft algae, biofilm, and leftover food from plants, driftwood, rocks, and aquarium glass.

Will they breed in my aquarium?

Adults may carry eggs, but the larvae require brackish water to develop successfully. They generally will not establish breeding colonies in freshwater aquariums.

Can they live with fish?

Yes. They do well with peaceful community fish but should not be kept with large predatory species that may eat them.

Do they eat healthy aquarium plants?

No. Darwin Algae Shrimp feed on algae, biofilm, microorganisms, and leftover food without damaging healthy aquatic plants.

How many should I keep?

We recommend keeping at least five individuals. They are more active, confident, and effective as a cleanup crew when maintained in groups.

Darwin Algae Shrimp 1-3cm

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SKU: 230D516

 

$5.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Darwin Algae Shrimp

    One of Australia's best natural algae-eating shrimp, prized for its hardiness, peaceful nature, and exceptional cleaning abilities.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Caridina sp. (Darwin Algae Shrimp)
    • Size: ~3–5 cm
    • Tank size: 30L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Best kept: Groups of 5 or more

    Is this for you?

    āœ”ļø Good if:

    • You want one of the best natural algae-eating shrimp available
    • You keep planted or community aquariums
    • You need an active cleanup crew
    • You prefer hardy Australian freshwater species

    āŒ Avoid if:

    • You keep large predatory fish
    • Your aquarium is newly established
    • You expect shrimp to eliminate every algae problem
    • You want a shrimp that breeds easily in freshwater

    Why this shrimp?

    Darwin Algae Shrimp are widely regarded as one of the most effective freshwater algae-grazing shrimp available in Australia. They constantly forage across plants, rocks, driftwood, and glass, consuming soft algae, biofilm, and leftover food throughout the day.

    Unlike many ornamental shrimp, Darwin Algae Shrimp are larger, extremely hardy, and well suited to community aquariums. Their transparent bodies often develop attractive blue, green, or brown tones depending on their environment and diet.

    They make an outstanding addition to planted aquariums where they provide continuous cleaning while remaining completely peaceful toward fish and plants.

    Common mistakes

    • Adding them to an immature aquarium with little natural biofilm
    • Keeping them with large predatory fish
    • Expecting them to remove every type of algae
    • Not supplementing their diet once algae becomes limited
    • Assuming they'll breed readily in freshwater aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–28°C
    • pH: 6.5–8.0
    • Diet: Algae, biofilm, shrimp foods, algae wafers, blanched vegetables
    • Water: Stable, well-established freshwater aquarium
    • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, rocks, mosses and hiding places

    Pair with

    • Peaceful community fish
    • Freshwater snails
    • Live aquatic plants
    • Algae wafers
    • Shrimp foods and botanicals
    NTA Insight:
    If your primary goal is algae control rather than breeding colourful shrimp, Darwin Algae Shrimp are one of our top recommendations. They're active almost all day, noticeably larger than Cherry Shrimp, and excellent at grazing soft algae from plants and hardscape. While they may carry eggs in freshwater, their larvae require brackish water to develop, so they won't overpopulate a freshwater aquarium.

    FAQ

    Are Darwin Algae Shrimp good algae eaters?

    Yes. They are among the best freshwater shrimp for grazing soft algae, biofilm, and leftover food from plants, driftwood, rocks, and aquarium glass.

    Will they breed in my aquarium?

    Adults may carry eggs, but the larvae require brackish water to develop successfully. They generally will not establish breeding colonies in freshwater aquariums.

    Can they live with fish?

    Yes. They do well with peaceful community fish but should not be kept with large predatory species that may eat them.

    Do they eat healthy aquarium plants?

    No. Darwin Algae Shrimp feed on algae, biofilm, microorganisms, and leftover food without damaging healthy aquatic plants.

    How many should I keep?

    We recommend keeping at least five individuals. They are more active, confident, and effective as a cleanup crew when maintained in groups.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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