German Black Pinto Shrimp are a distinct color variety of ornamental Caridina shrimp highly-prized by aquarists for their unique coloration and voracious appetite for all kinds of freshwater algae. German Black Pinto Shrimp demonstrate a high degree of opaque white coloration typically covering the majority of the abdomen and tail. The head and thorax is black in coloration and decorated with varying degrees of white patches or spots. This unique color combination gives the German Black Pinto Shrimp a sophisticated appearance to instantly transform your freshwater aquarium into a "black-tie event" worthy of attention.

Ornamental shrimp such as the German Black Pinto Shrimp have gained popularity as members of an effective freshwater aquarium cleanup crew thanks to their healthy 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. German Black Pinto Shrimp can also thrive in planted aquariums where food and shelter are abundant. In dedicated, "shrimp-only" setups, German 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 German 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 German 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, German Black Pinto Shrimp are sensitive to copper. Therefore, copper-based medications should never be used in aquariums housing ornamental invertebrates. Do not house German Black Pinto Shrimp in aquariums with loaches, puffers, and other larger carnivores that will feed on invertebrates.

The German 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"