Bloody Mary Shrimp - Caridina sp.

These small shrimp is great for controlling algae in aquaria. They are small - typically around 1/2 inch at the time of purchase - so be careful about who you are keeping them with; they can easily become a meal for larger fish. They are best kept in a small tank with small, peaceful tankmates and plenty of plants. They will take care of all types of algae quite well, and will also feed on excess food and plant matter that settles along the bottom of the tank. Because shrimp molt, they benefit from the addition of iodine about every month. Without iodine in the water, they are unable to break out of their old "shell". It is recommended that you keep about 1 shrimp per 1/4 gallon of water if possible for best algae-eating results.