Pinocchio Shrimp

Pinocchio Shrimp

The Pinocchio Shrimp, also known as the Red Nose Shrimp, is a unique freshwater aquarium shrimp known for its long pointed “nose,” clear body, and reddish markings. This peaceful shrimp is a fun choice for planted aquariums, nano tanks, and shrimp keepers looking for something different from standard Neocaridina shrimp.

Pinocchio Shrimp are active scavengers that spend their time grazing on biofilm, algae, leftover food, and surfaces throughout the aquarium. Their unusual appearance and peaceful behavior make them a great addition to calm planted tanks with gentle fish and stable water conditions.

Pinocchio Shrimp Care

• Scientific Name: Caridina gracilirostris
• Common Names: Pinocchio Shrimp, Red Nose Shrimp, Rhino Shrimp, Rudolph Shrimp
• Care Level: Intermediate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: Around 1.5–2 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger
• Tank Level: Bottom and surface grazer
• Water Temperature: 72–80°F
• pH Range: 7.0–8.0
• Diet: Omnivore / algae and biofilm grazer

Tank Setup

Pinocchio Shrimp do best in a mature, fully cycled aquarium with stable water quality and plenty of natural grazing surfaces. Live plants, mosses, driftwood, rocks, leaf litter, and gentle filtration help create a healthy environment where they can graze throughout the day.

Like most freshwater shrimp, Pinocchio Shrimp are sensitive to poor water quality, sudden parameter swings, copper, and aggressive tank mates. A sponge filter or intake sponge is recommended to protect shrimp and provide extra biofilm grazing.

Diet & Feeding

Pinocchio Shrimp are scavengers and grazers, but they should still be offered supplemental foods in the aquarium. A varied diet helps support healthy molting, activity, and long-term care.

• Natural biofilm and soft algae
• Shrimp pellets
• Algae wafers
• Blanched vegetables
• Botanicals and leaf litter
• Powdered shrimp foods
• Small amounts of leftover fish food

Avoid overfeeding, as extra food can quickly affect water quality in shrimp aquariums.

Tank Mates

Pinocchio Shrimp are peaceful and should be kept with calm tank mates that will not harass or eat them. They do best in planted community tanks or shrimp-focused aquariums.

• Small peaceful rasboras
• Small peaceful tetras
• Otocinclus catfish
• Pygmy corydoras
• Peaceful snails
• Other peaceful dwarf shrimp

Avoid cichlids, large fish, aggressive fish, puffers, loaches that hunt shrimp, and any fish large enough to eat them.

Breeding Notes

Pinocchio Shrimp are not as easy to breed in freshwater as Neocaridina shrimp. While adults can live in freshwater aquariums, successful breeding usually requires special conditions because the larvae need brackish or saltwater stages to develop.

For most hobbyists, Pinocchio Shrimp are best enjoyed as unique display shrimp rather than a shrimp that will easily reproduce in a standard freshwater tank.

Important Care Notes

• Unique shrimp with a long red “nose”
• Peaceful and safe for planted aquariums
• Needs a mature, stable aquarium
• Sensitive to copper and sudden water changes
• Not easy to breed in standard freshwater tanks
• Best with peaceful shrimp-safe tank mates

Why Buy Pinocchio Shrimp from Tropical Treasures Wyo?

At Tropical Treasures Wyo, we offer freshwater shrimp, nano fish, live aquatic plants, snails, and aquarium supplies for hobbyists of all experience levels. Our team can help you choose shrimp-safe foods, plants, tank mates, and setup options for your Pinocchio Shrimp.

Local pickup is available in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Shipping may be available when weather and livestock safety allow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pinocchio Shrimp freshwater shrimp?

Yes. Adult Pinocchio Shrimp can live in freshwater aquariums, but successful breeding usually requires brackish or saltwater larval stages.

Are Pinocchio Shrimp peaceful?

Yes. Pinocchio Shrimp are peaceful and do well in calm planted tanks with shrimp-safe tank mates.

How big do Pinocchio Shrimp get?

Pinocchio Shrimp usually grow to around 1.5–2 inches, with a slender body and long pointed nose.

What do Pinocchio Shrimp eat?

They graze on biofilm, soft algae, leftover food, shrimp pellets, algae wafers, botanicals, and small prepared shrimp foods.

Can Pinocchio Shrimp live with fish?

Yes, they can live with small peaceful fish. Avoid large, aggressive, or predatory fish that may eat or harass shrimp.

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