Black Pinto Shrimp are highly ornamental Caridina shrimp prized by aquarists for their striking appearance and voracious appetite for all kinds of freshwater algae. As their name suggests ("pinto" meaning piebald or painted), Black Pinto Shrimp are very ornate shrimp demonstrating unique markings or patterns. Though Black Pinto Shrimp are highly variable in appearance, their head and thorax will be typically decorated with white spots while their abdomen and tail demonstrate striping or large blocks white coloration of varying coverage. Each Black Pinto Shrimp is a unique specimen sure to inject fantastic activity and visual interest to your freshwater aquarium.

Ornamental shrimp such as the Black Pinto Shrimp have gained popularity as members of an effective freshwater aquarium cleanup crew thanks to their hardy appetite for freshwater algae. These attractive shrimp do best in established freshwater aquarium setups with good filtration, high water quality, and peaceful, compatible tank mates. Black Pinto Shrimp can also thrive in planted aquariums where food and shelter are abundant. In dedicated, "shrimp-only" setups, Black Pinto Shrimp can be kept in an aquarium of at least 3 gallons in size or in a colony or breeding tank of least 10 gallons in size.

If there is a male and female Black Pinto Shrimp in your aquarium they will most likely breed. The female will carry a clutch of yellowish eggs under her tail until they hatch in about 30 days. The newly born shrimp will look like miniature adult shrimp and will eat the same thing as the adults. If you are breeding Black Pinto Shrimp, it is important to house the hatchlings in a separate dedicated breeder aquarium with a sponge filter since most other tank mates will consume the young shrimp.

Like all invertebrates, Black Pinto Shrimp are sensitive to copper. Therefore, copper-based medications should never be used in aquariums housing ornamental invertebrates. Do not house Black Pinto Shrimp in aquariums with loaches, puffers, and other larger carnivores that will feed on invertebrates.

The Black Pinto Shrimp is an omnivore that consumes algae, detritus and left over food. If insufficient food is present, supplement with a quality flake food or pellet.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1/4" to 3/4"