Ninja Shrimp Caridina Serratirostris 1-2cm

Description

Ninja Shrimp (Caridina serratirostris)

Masters of camouflage, Ninja Shrimp are one of the most fascinating freshwater shrimp available. Renowned for their incredible ability to change colour depending on their environment, these hardy algae grazers can display shades of green, brown, red, blue and almost black, making every individual completely unique.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Caridina serratirostris
  • Common name: Ninja Shrimp, Chameleon Shrimp
  • Current size: Approximately 2–3 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 3–4 cm
  • Tank size: 20L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟑 Moderate
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Best kept: Individually or in groups

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want a truly unique freshwater shrimp.
  • You enjoy observing natural behaviours and colour changes.
  • You have a mature planted aquarium with biofilm.
  • You're looking for peaceful invertebrates to complement a nano aquarium.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep fish that prey on shrimp.
  • Your aquarium is newly established.
  • You expect them to breed in freshwater.
  • Your water quality fluctuates significantly.

Why choose Ninja Shrimp?

Unlike most freshwater shrimp, Ninja Shrimp are famous for their remarkable ability to change colour over time. Depending on their surroundings, stress levels, diet and moult cycle, they may develop shades of green, brown, orange, red, blue, purple or nearly black, helping them blend seamlessly into their environment.

Native to coastal streams and estuaries across the Indo-Pacific region, these shrimp spend their days grazing on algae, biofilm and organic matter found on rocks, driftwood and plant leaves. Their peaceful nature makes them excellent additions to mature planted aquariums.

Although they live entirely in freshwater, their larvae require brackish or marine conditions to develop, meaning they do not reproduce in standard freshwater aquariums.

Benefits

  • Amazing natural colour-changing ability
  • Excellent algae and biofilm grazer
  • Peaceful and reef-like behaviour
  • Suitable for planted aquariums
  • Unique addition to nano aquariums
  • Will not overpopulate freshwater tanks

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–28Β°C
  • pH: 6.8–8.0
  • Diet: Biofilm, algae, quality shrimp foods, algae wafers and occasional blanched vegetables
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with plenty of oxygen
  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel with driftwood, rocks and live plants
  • Setup: Mature planted aquarium with mosses, leaf litter and natural grazing surfaces
  • Avoid copper-based medications, as they are toxic to shrimp.
  • Provide plenty of hiding places, especially during moulting.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Otocinclus
  • Pygmy Corydoras
  • White Cloud Mountain Minnows
  • Celestial Pearl Danios
  • Nerite Snails
NTA Insight:
Ninja Shrimp are one of the most unusual shrimp you'll ever own. Don't be surprised if the shrimp you receive looks completely different a few weeks later. Their colour can gradually change after moulting and as they adapt to their aquarium. A mature planted tank with plenty of biofilm and natural grazing surfaces will encourage the best health and behaviour. Because they cannot complete their life cycle in freshwater, they're an excellent choice for hobbyists who want shrimp without worrying about a rapidly growing population.

FAQ

Why are they called Ninja Shrimp?

They earned their name because of their incredible ability to camouflage themselves by changing colour to blend into their surroundings, making them surprisingly difficult to spot.

Do Ninja Shrimp really change colour?

Yes. Their colour can gradually change depending on their environment, diet, stress levels, lighting and moulting cycle. Every shrimp is unique.

Will they breed in freshwater?

No. Although adults live happily in freshwater, their larvae require brackish or marine water to develop, so they will not reproduce in a typical freshwater aquarium.

Are they good algae eaters?

Yes. They constantly graze on soft algae, biofilm and organic matter, helping keep surfaces clean in established aquariums.

Can they live with fish?

Yes, provided the fish are peaceful and shrimp-safe. Avoid housing them with large or predatory species that may eat shrimp.

Are they suitable for beginners?

They are best suited to aquarists with a mature, stable aquarium. Once established, they are hardy, but like most shrimp they are sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry.

How long do Ninja Shrimp live?

With excellent care and stable water conditions, Ninja Shrimp typically live for around 2–3 years.

Ninja Shrimp Caridina Serratirostris 1-2cm

Product form

SKU: NINJA

πŸ“ In-Store Locations: APE12

Out of stock,  

$7.50  $6.50


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Ninja Shrimp (Caridina serratirostris)

    Masters of camouflage, Ninja Shrimp are one of the most fascinating freshwater shrimp available. Renowned for their incredible ability to change colour depending on their environment, these hardy algae grazers can display shades of green, brown, red, blue and almost black, making every individual completely unique.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Caridina serratirostris
    • Common name: Ninja Shrimp, Chameleon Shrimp
    • Current size: Approximately 2–3 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 3–4 cm
    • Tank size: 20L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟑 Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Best kept: Individually or in groups

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want a truly unique freshwater shrimp.
    • You enjoy observing natural behaviours and colour changes.
    • You have a mature planted aquarium with biofilm.
    • You're looking for peaceful invertebrates to complement a nano aquarium.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep fish that prey on shrimp.
    • Your aquarium is newly established.
    • You expect them to breed in freshwater.
    • Your water quality fluctuates significantly.

    Why choose Ninja Shrimp?

    Unlike most freshwater shrimp, Ninja Shrimp are famous for their remarkable ability to change colour over time. Depending on their surroundings, stress levels, diet and moult cycle, they may develop shades of green, brown, orange, red, blue, purple or nearly black, helping them blend seamlessly into their environment.

    Native to coastal streams and estuaries across the Indo-Pacific region, these shrimp spend their days grazing on algae, biofilm and organic matter found on rocks, driftwood and plant leaves. Their peaceful nature makes them excellent additions to mature planted aquariums.

    Although they live entirely in freshwater, their larvae require brackish or marine conditions to develop, meaning they do not reproduce in standard freshwater aquariums.

    Benefits

    • Amazing natural colour-changing ability
    • Excellent algae and biofilm grazer
    • Peaceful and reef-like behaviour
    • Suitable for planted aquariums
    • Unique addition to nano aquariums
    • Will not overpopulate freshwater tanks

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–28Β°C
    • pH: 6.8–8.0
    • Diet: Biofilm, algae, quality shrimp foods, algae wafers and occasional blanched vegetables
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with plenty of oxygen
    • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel with driftwood, rocks and live plants
    • Setup: Mature planted aquarium with mosses, leaf litter and natural grazing surfaces
    • Avoid copper-based medications, as they are toxic to shrimp.
    • Provide plenty of hiding places, especially during moulting.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Otocinclus
    • Pygmy Corydoras
    • White Cloud Mountain Minnows
    • Celestial Pearl Danios
    • Nerite Snails
    NTA Insight:
    Ninja Shrimp are one of the most unusual shrimp you'll ever own. Don't be surprised if the shrimp you receive looks completely different a few weeks later. Their colour can gradually change after moulting and as they adapt to their aquarium. A mature planted tank with plenty of biofilm and natural grazing surfaces will encourage the best health and behaviour. Because they cannot complete their life cycle in freshwater, they're an excellent choice for hobbyists who want shrimp without worrying about a rapidly growing population.

    FAQ

    Why are they called Ninja Shrimp?

    They earned their name because of their incredible ability to camouflage themselves by changing colour to blend into their surroundings, making them surprisingly difficult to spot.

    Do Ninja Shrimp really change colour?

    Yes. Their colour can gradually change depending on their environment, diet, stress levels, lighting and moulting cycle. Every shrimp is unique.

    Will they breed in freshwater?

    No. Although adults live happily in freshwater, their larvae require brackish or marine water to develop, so they will not reproduce in a typical freshwater aquarium.

    Are they good algae eaters?

    Yes. They constantly graze on soft algae, biofilm and organic matter, helping keep surfaces clean in established aquariums.

    Can they live with fish?

    Yes, provided the fish are peaceful and shrimp-safe. Avoid housing them with large or predatory species that may eat shrimp.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    They are best suited to aquarists with a mature, stable aquarium. Once established, they are hardy, but like most shrimp they are sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry.

    How long do Ninja Shrimp live?

    With excellent care and stable water conditions, Ninja Shrimp typically live for around 2–3 years.

    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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