Caridina Serratirostris

Previous nomenclature for the Australian native commonly known as the ‘Ninja Shrimp’. They have since been reclassified as two independent yet related species by Dr Tim Page of Griffith University.

Preferred conditions; Mean conditions from two collection sites.

pH ranging 6.5 to 8 depending on rainfall and time of year.

GH : 6 to 25

KH; Not detectable at either collection site

Temperature : 24 to 27 °C some areas get as warm as 29°C

Size : 1.8-2.4cm males tending smaller like most Caridina species

Description : As the name suggests these guys are characterised by the Caridina typical body shape but with a “serra†serrati or rough/serrated “rostris†Rostrum. “19 to 26 spikes from which a long segment that comprises 6 to 8 spikes behind the orbitsâ€. The colouration of the carapace is extremely variable and can range from red/orange through to red, brown and black in some specimens with areas of white or cream colouration on darker coloured specimens.

Activity : Best in larger groups they prefer a lower lit or well shaded by plants hardscape aquarium as this emulates their natural habitat more closely than a well lit manicured one. Generally seeking hides or at least nooks during times of higher light they are best observed under wide leaved or well grouped plants. Caridina Serratirostris can be found in areas of higher water flow rates and their stocky build and short periopods and antennae are testament to this feature.

Life span : around 18 months. Similar to most other freshwater crustaceans of this size

Feeding: Omnivorous and opportunistic with a strong vegetarian aspect.

Dimorphism : The females are generally larger than the males showing better colouration, Holes in the inside of the third pair of pleopods can be noted with some serious inspection.

This specie uses an indirect type of reproduction that comprises larval stages in salt however successful reproduction in entirely freshwater occurs extremely often.

Specificity : “The final factor in the separation of the Ninja shrimp from serratirostris is based on the length of the stylocerite according to De Man’s works. This element varies depending on the populations of Caridina serratirostris and of Caridina celebensis, the distinction between the two species was questioned more than once.†I think this bit was quoted on Crusta-Fuana

Great thread Naraic. I'll ask to have this promoted to an article in the library. Any chance you have some pictures to add?

Good work

The guy working on the taxo of natives at the moment will most likely break them up into 2 or maybe 3 new species, don't hold you breath it takes time, is that field data is from the NT and not from QLD populations.

Bob

That's really interesting, thanks for posting

I'll promote this later this week. Anyone have some good quality pics?

----- Sent from my mobile so apologising in advance for any grammar or spelling mistakes.

I'll promote this later this week. Anyone have some good quality pics?

----- Sent from my mobile so apologising in advance for any grammar or spelling mistakes.

I have two or three that I am pretty sure are true serratirostris. Will post tonight.

One Love

I have a couple of pictures but I am not 100% sure if they are c. serratirostris or C. Sp WA 4. I can post the pictures and people can help decide which one it most likely is.

Wont be able to tell as the only difference is DNA, on the out side they are the same and all of them use to be Serratirostris

Bob