WE WORK FOR YOUR SUCCESS

The World's Most Expensive Aquarium Shrimp

Unique Characteristics
The Pinto Shrimp is a hybrid species born from crossing Tiger Shrimp and Taiwan Bee Shrimp, resulting in exquisite patterns and vivid color morphs. Among them, the Black Galaxy Fishbone variant is considered one of the rarest and most prized.
These shrimp exhibit deep, ink-black bodies speckled with tiny white dots resembling a galaxy. Some individuals feature a striking fishbone stripe running along their back—a highly coveted and incredibly rare trait in the shrimp hobbyist world.
Collection Value & Economic Worth
A purebred Pinto Black Galaxy Fishbone shrimp can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000, depending on the intensity of its coloration, rarity of the pattern, and origin. Top-tier breeding farms in Japan, Taiwan, and Germany produce uniquely patterned specimens that sometimes fetch even higher prices at auction.
Care Guidelines & Ideal Environment
As part of the high-grade Caridina family, Pinto shrimp are sensitive to their surroundings, making them suitable only for experienced keepers.
Tank Size: 30–60 liters
Substrate: Stabilizing soil like ADA Amazonia or Benibachi
  
 
Ideal Conditions:
Temperature: 21–24°C
pH: 5.5–6.5
GH: 4–6
TDS: 100–140 ppm
Water: Use RO water with mineral supplements tailored for Caridina
Aquascape: Incorporate mosses, lava rock, driftwood, and Indian almond leaves to support a healthy micro-ecosystem
Feeding: Offer high-quality shrimp food in small portions to avoid water contamination
➡ Tip: Keep in groups of 10 or more to promote natural behavior and reduce stress. Do not house them with larger shrimp or fish to avoid aggression and anxiety.
More Than a Hobby – It’s Art
The Pinto Black Galaxy Fishbone is not just a tiny invertebrate—it’s a living work of art and a status symbol among aquascaping professionals. For serious hobbyists, successfully breeding and maintaining such rare shrimp brings immense satisfaction, both aesthetically and technically.
Though it demands dedication, expertise, and patience, if you're passionate about precision and beauty, this is a journey worth taking.
Budget-Friendly Shrimp for Aspiring Hobbyists
If the price tag of exotic shrimp feels overwhelming, worry not—Vietnam is home to many affordable and beginner-friendly aquarium shrimp. Here are some popular options to start your aquascaping journey:
Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
Color: Red, orange, yellow, green, brown, etc.
Price: 5,000–15,000 VND per shrimp
Pros: Extremely hardy, thrives in treated tap water, perfect for beginners
Water Parameters:
pH: 6.5–7.5
Temp: 22–28°C
TDS: 150–250 ppm
Rili Shrimp (Neocaridina variant)
Color: Transparent midsection with red or blue ends
Price: 10,000–25,000 VND
Pros: Similar to Cherry Shrimp in care, with a more striking look
Water Parameters: Same as Cherry Shrimp
Crystal Red / Black Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis)
Color: Alternating red-white or black-white bands
Price: 30,000–100,000 VND (higher for pure line variants)
Pros: Beautiful and more affordable than premium lines
Note: Requires RO water with soft, slightly acidic parameters
Water Parameters:
pH: 5.5–6.8
TDS: 100–150 ppm
Temp: 21–25°C
  
 
Tiger Shrimp (Caridina mariae)
Color: Brown or blue with horizontal tiger-like stripes
Price: 20,000–50,000 VND
Pros: Hardier than Caridina shrimp, a great middle-ground species
Water Parameters:
pH: 6.0–7.0
Temp: 22–26°C
TDS: 120–180 ppm
Golden Shrimp (Neocaridina)
Color: Bright or neon yellow
Price: 10,000–20,000 VND
Pros: As easy to care for as Cherry Shrimp, adds a pop of color
Perfect for: Small aquariums or plant-heavy tanks
Where to Buy Shrimp in Vietnam
You can find aquarium shrimp at major aquascaping stores in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or through online communities.
Source: aquaculture.vn
Aqua Mina's distributor in Japan:  REX INDUSTRIES CO., LTD  
- Address: 1-9-3 Hishiya-Higashi, Higashi-Osaka 578-0948 JAPAN  
- Email: kimakubo@rexind.co.jp  
- Phone: +81-(0)72-961-9893  
- Website: http://www.rexind.co.jp/e/
WE WORK FOR YOUR SUCCESS!
Other Articles