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North Australian Chameleon Shrimp
Caridina sp WA 4
General information: This small shrimp was previously identified as Caridina serratirostris as it is very similar in shape, colour and habits to this species. However Dr Tim Page of Griffith University was kind enough to run tests on the DNA of this shrimp. Dr Page wrote - Your C. serratirostris from Howard River, Gunn Pt. Rd Xing, Darwin Area groups with C. sp. WA 4 (Page et al. 2007) from WA. It is not C. serratirostris, which I also have in the tree. The other specimens I have of C. sp. WA 4 come from the Fitzroy and Ord Rivers (WA). These serratirostris-like species are very divergent from other Caridina, and I think that Yixiong Cai from Singapore, who is working on them at the moment, might move them to a new genus. We are thankful for the help from Dr Page. It is a very small species of Caridina that lives among Vallisneria beds and leaf litter in its natural habitat here in the top end of the NT. It probably has similar diet to other small similar shrimps which are a scavenging omnivore and will eat periphyton, the layer of algae and bacteria adhering to the hard surfaces in a submerged environment. In the wet season floods it leaves the river bed and can be found in the grassy areas in shallow water at the edges of the flood.
Cultivation notes : Best kept in a small aquarium without any fish. It is a small species and would be easy pickings for any fish especieally during moulting time when crustaceans are most vulnerable. The petshrimp web site suggests using weathered leaf litter, http://www.petshrimp.com/serratirostris.html , as a source of nutrition. The shrimps will also take flake foods and have been observed gathered over a small piece of fish flesh. Be very careful with tap water and other chemicals, always prepare your make up water a week before you need it and keep it in a shady place in the garden where mother nature can add the final preparations to making it safe. The practise of doing a waterchange from the tap and adding chlorine remover as you go is not recommended.
Distribution : In Australia it is found in the NT and WA.
Reference: Communication with Dr Tim Page, Griffith University, Qld. Page et al (2007), "Molecular Phylogenetics & Evolution 43:pp.645-659 "
Q: How much is postage cost?
A: All dry goods are $8.95 flat shipping, $11.95 for Plants express postage and live stock are $20 express postage flat. Handling time applies.
Q: Where do we ship ?
A: We ship Australia wide but Live stock are not shipped to WA,NT & Tasmania because of the state law.
Q: Where do we ship from ?
A: We ship from Sydney,
Q: When do we ship ?
A: All dry goods are shipped Monday - Friday. Live Goods are shipped Mon - Wed depending where you are.
Q: Can I Pick Up ?
A: We are not offering any pickup at this stage
A: All dry stock can be returned back. Live goods are not refundable. Shipping cost will be deducted upon return of the item and also customer is responsible to send the item back.
We do ship dry goods.
Step 1: Prepare the necessary materials
Clean bucket or container large enough
Airline tubing
Air pump (optional but recommended)
Adjustable valve or knot (to regulate the flow of water) or get a abquatics drip kit
Clean, dechlorinated water (ideally matching the temperature and pH of your tank)
Step 2: Set up the drip acclimation system
Fill a clean bucket or container with the clean, dechlorinated water.
Attach one end of the airline tubing to an air pump (if using) and place the other end inside the bucket. Make sure it reaches the bottom of the container.
Step 3: Start the drip
Open the bag containing the aquatic animals and carefully pour the entire contents into the bucket, including the water from the transport bag.
Start a siphon by sucking on the free end of the airline tubing or use a siphon starter. This will initiate a slow drip of water into the bucket.
Step 4: Adjust the drip rate
Use an adjustable valve or tie a knot in the airline tubing to regulate the drip rate. Aim for approximately 2-4 drips per second.
The slow drip helps gradually mix the water in the bucket with the water from the transport bag, preventing any sudden changes in water parameters.
Step 5: Monitor the process
Keep an eye on the acclimation process and periodically test the water parameters in the bucket using a test kit. This helps ensure a smooth transition.
Depending on the sensitivity of the animals and the water parameters involved, the acclimation process may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
Step 6: Adjust water volume if needed
If the water volume in the bucket becomes too high, you can remove some water and continue the drip acclimation process with fresh, dechlorinated water. Be cautious not to remove too much water, as it can lead to sudden changes in water parameters.
Step 7: Transfer the animals to the tank
Once the acclimation process is complete, gently net the aquatic animals from the bucket and transfer them to the tank. Avoid adding the water from the acclimation container to the tank to prevent any potential contamination.
Step 8: Dispose of the acclimation water
After transferring the animals, discard the acclimation water from the bucket. Do not pour it directly into any drains or natural bodies of water.
By following these steps, you can safely and gradually acclimate your shrimp, snails, and fish to their new tank environment after transport. Remember, it's important to monitor the process closely and make adjustments as necessary to ensure a smooth transition for your aquatic pets.