Red Dragon Caridina Shrimp – Striking Red Calceo Pattern

Red Dragon is a Caridina shrimp recognised for its vivid red Calceo patterning over a translucent body. The photographed shrimp displays concentrated red-to-orange markings around the head and upper body, followed by distinctive red bands and patches along the abdomen. Clear areas between the markings create strong contrast and give the pattern a clean, segmented appearance. Subtle cream-to-yellow tones may also appear around the head. Individual Red Dragon shrimp can vary naturally in red intensity, pattern placement and coverage, making this an eye-catching Caridina variety for collectors, breeders and planted aquariums.

Highlights

• Vivid red Calceo markings over a translucent body
• Distinctive red bands and patches along the abdomen
• Strong red-to-orange pigmentation around the head
• Clear body areas create sharp contrast between markings
• Pattern placement and red coverage vary between individuals
• Rare Caridina line with a distinctive display phenotype

Care Notes

Red Dragon shrimp are best maintained in a mature, fully cycled aquarium with stable soft-water conditions. A buffering active substrate paired with remineralised RO water is well suited to maintaining the low KH and mildly acidic environment typically preferred by these Caridina. Provide established biofilm, mosses and other grazing surfaces, supplemented with a balanced shrimp diet. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, TDS or mineral concentration during maintenance and water changes. Consistent water chemistry and careful acclimation are particularly important, with long-term stability taking priority over continually adjusting parameters to reach exact target values.