Pinocchio Shrimp
Caridina gracilirostris
Also sold as Red nose shrimp
Synonyms Rhino shrimp
Pinocchio Shrimp (Caridina gracilirostris) is a peaceful freshwater shrimp that reaches about 5 cm (2 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 72–79°F (22–26°C) and pH 6.5–7.8, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 20 L (5 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Shrimp |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Minimum tank | 20 L (5 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 72–79°F (22–26°C) |
| pH | 6.5–7.8 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Lifespan | 1.5–2 years |
| Eats shrimp | No |
Before it goes in
- Pinocchio Shrimp needs at least 20 L (5 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 36P.
- It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Betta, Goldfish and Angelfish: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 72–79°F (22–26°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
What tank size does it need?
At least 20 L (5 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 36P.
Will it eat shrimp?
No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.
What water does it want?
72–79°F (22–26°C), pH 6.5–7.8.
How long does it live?
1.5–2 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Pinocchio Shrimp | Amano Shrimp | Crystal Red Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 5 cm | 5 cm | 3 cm |
| Min tank | 20 L | 20 L | 20 L |
| Group | 1+ | 3+ | 10+ |
| Temperature | 72–79°F (22–26°C) | 64–81°F (18–27°C) | 68–75°F (20–24°C) |
| Eats shrimp | No | No | No |
More livestock
Sources (5) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eats, Mature tankaquaticarts.com
- What it eatsaquadiction.world
- Mature tanksplashyfishstore.com
- aquariumbreeder.com
- greenaqua.hu