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Caridina babaulti
A small freshwater shrimp traded for its green colouring. A member of the atyid genus Caridina, it grazes biofilm and algae. Colour varies between individuals, and other colour forms are sold under the same name.
Caridina babaulti is a freshwater shrimp of the atyid genus Caridina, and WoRMS accepts the description by Bouvier, 1918. GBIF occurrence records cluster in India and extend to Nepal, Thailand and Iran. Caridina is a genus of small shrimp of tropical and subtropical fresh waters across Asia, Oceania and Africa that combine filter feeding with omnivorous scavenging, and about 340 species are currently recognised. Green individuals are selected for the trade, as the trade name suggests, but colour varies and other forms are sold under the same name. Primary information dealing with this species alone is scarce and no firm water figures could be confirmed, so no pH, hardness or temperature is given here. Hybridisation between related Caridina species is documented, so do not house it with congeners if a line is to be kept pure. It is not listed by CITES.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Green Shrimp lives 2-3 years.
Origin
South and Southeast Asia (India, Nepal, Thailand and Iran)
Lifespan
2-3 years
Temperature
22〜28℃
Biofilm, algae and prepared shrimp foods
Sources: WoRMS / GBIF / Wikipedia (Caridina)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Caridina babaulti Bouvier, 1918
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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It can be kept in a small tank, though less water means larger swings in chemistry. Use soil substrate, driftwood and mosses to give surfaces for biofilm and places to hide, and sponge over filter intakes so the young are not drawn in.
No verifiable pH, hardness or temperature figures exist for this species, so none are given. Caridina is a genus of tropical and subtropical fresh waters, and the basic approach is to avoid sudden changes and to renew water in small amounts.
Peaceful and not aggressive. It is small enough to be eaten, so keep it from shrimp-eating fish. Hybridisation between related Caridina species is documented, so keep it away from congeners if the colour is to be maintained.
Caridina species combine filter feeding with omnivorous scavenging. In the aquarium it grazes biofilm and algae from stones and wood, and a sinking shrimp food can be given in small amounts, with leftovers removed.
No verifiable primary information covers this species' reproduction, so gestation and larval development are not described here. As in Caridina generally, the female carries and tends the eggs on her pleopods.
It is soft and defenceless just after moulting, so provide plenty of cover, and never use copper-based fish medications, which are toxic to shrimp. Be aware that buying by trade name may bring in stock whose identification is unconfirmed.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Green Shrimp is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Green Shrimp feeds on: Biofilm, algae and prepared shrimp foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Green Shrimp varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026