Space restrictions make crystal shrimp an ideal pet for Hong Kong homes

When we think of aquatic pets, we usually envisage colourful tropical fish swimming in their glass enclosures. Rarely do we imagine shrimp crawling around in there.

In the past three or four years, crystal-red shrimp have been gaining popularity in Hong Kong as pets rather than for the cooking pot, and they usually cost more money, time and patience than other aquarium varieties to keep or breed successfully. 'Lots of people love crystal-red shrimp due to their size. Breeding this little creature of only two to three centimetres takes up very little space. You know Hong Kong people usually live in small houses so it is suitable for them to keep crystal shrimp,' says Jackie Poon, owner of Crystal Garden pet shop in Mong Kok that specialise in the species.

Crystal shrimp is the same species as another aquatic pet, the bee shrimp, only the colour being different - bee shrimp have black stripes and crystal shrimp red ones. Crystal shrimp are said to have originated from a Japanese bee shrimp breeder who found three red-striped variants among his stock, so he bred these and selected the darker red shrimp to breed again.

Some pet shop owners in Hong Kong breed crystal shrimp themselves, while others import them from Japan. 'Some shopkeepers also bring in shrimp from Taiwan, but the quality is not as good as those from Japan,' Poon adds.

The price of a crystal shrimp varies from HK$100 to more than HK$20,000. 'The higher prices are due to their appearance,' Poon says. 'Shrimp with beautiful patterns and those displaying neat stripes are more eye-catching [and therefore cost more].'

According to Poon, crystal shrimp are sensitive, so they need more attention paid to them than other aquatic pets. They need their own aquariums as other fish may eat them. Aquariums must also contain purified water with no ammonia which can kill the shrimp. You also need to make sure the chloride level is not too high. The better the water, the longer the shrimp will live.

'Crystal shrimp live up to two years, depending on the condition of an aquarium and food. Conditions include the right amount of carbonate concentration, and calcium and magnesium concentration,' Poon says. The amount of chemicals determines shrimps' growth, and life-expectancy.