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This article was written by Werner Klotz, the scientist who authored the recent description of CRS and tigers from Southern China. I have written permission from the author to translate and reproduce the article here. I thank the author for permission to post this information here. I apologise in advance if my translation differs substantially from the original. The original article can be found (in german) here: http://www.wirbellose.de/klotz/neocaridina.html Caridina or Neocaridina? © Werner Klotz Many of our dwarf shrimp do not have a scientific name and are instead referred to as Caridina sp. or Neocaridina sp.. In aquarists literature - (I believe the author is referring to online forums, magazines, ect., but not scientific literature), one occasionally finds the idea that species with large eggs and direct-developing larvae (larvae that essentially hatch as mini adults) belong to the genus Neocaridina, whilst species that have planktonic larvae and small larvae belong to the genus Caridina. This is incorrect. The type of larval development has nothing to do with which shrimp belong in which genus. In 1938, the genus Neocaridina was divided from the genus Caridina by Japanese scientists (1). The separation of the two genera was based on the inner branch (Endopod, En) of the first swimming leg pair of male animals. In species of the genus Neocaridina, this has a pear-shaped, distally broadened shape. The internal appendix (ai), a small appendage on the inside of the endopod, is found (if present) always in the basal region (bottom) of the endopods (Figure 1). Figure 1 In the species of the genus Caridina, the endopod has an elongated, sheet-like, distal, narrow shape. An internal appendix is found (if present) near the distal end (the end furthest away) of the endopods (Figure 2). Figure 2 Another thing which differentiates Neocaridina and Caridina can be found in females as well. On the first maxilliped (the legs around the mouth that assist in feeding), many (but not all) species of the genus Caridina have an exopodite (a finger like spur). This is absent for species in the genus Neocaridina (Figure 3 & 4 - arrow). It should be noted that the separation of the genus Neocaridina has been opposed by some taxonomists. In their opinion, the term Neocaridina is just a synonym for Caridina (2). The genus Neocaridina was recently reviewed by Cai (3) who confirmed the genus as being separate to Caridina. Literature cited: 1) I.Kubo, J. Imp. Fish. Inst. Tokyo 33:67-100,1938 On the Japanese atyid shrimps 2) MS Hung, J. of Crustacean Biology, 13(3): 481-503, 1993 Aytyd shrimps (Decapoda: Caridea) of Taiwan, with descripitons of three new species 3) Cai, Y, Acta Zootaxon. Sinica 21: 129-60, 1996 A revision of the genus Neocaridina (Crustacea: Decapoda:Atyidae) Text and photos © Werner Klotz 2003

fix the water parameters first before worrying about trying to treat for bacterial infections. More than likely they are the sole cause of the problem/s, any infection is likely secondary.

All shrimplets seem to know an annoying trick from birth. They like to disappear days on end and turn up the moment you think you have lost them.

I've noticed that RO+SSM top up increases tank TDS over the long term. I've started to WC 40-50% less TDS mix of RO+SSM to the tank values just to manage it. The ocassional deaths from my tank is due bad moulting (high TDS). Also increases GH over time.

Welcome to the forum. There is a ton of info and nice people here. ;)

If you have UV sterilizer, turn in on immediately to limit fungal spores spreading. As most fungal treatment has copper trace elements, be careful what you use. I can't remember what's it's called but there's an organic solution to treat fish with fungal infections without copper. I'll check when I get home and let you know.

Welcome to SKF youve come to the right place to learn

Anything we can help you with?

If you are looking for a buce to start, I'd highly reccomend kedagang. Its one of the cheapest available, seems to be very hardy and IMO has the most colourful leaves. Between $20 and $50 is cheap for buces. I've paid $100's for mine. Still think they are worth it and would pay that amount again for a variety I really want. Unfortunately photos never show the true beauty of buces.

Hi all, The ammonium level is much lesser now. If you want to know about more details on the result of past few days, please refer to my blog: http://www.shrimpydaddy.com/2014/12/traditional-nitrogen-fixing-bacteria-vs.html Cheers. Shrimpy Daddy

As promised, I've made a little video of Vivarium 2014 with included the Dutch Shrimp Contest. Hope you like it . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agv66Mb-cZE