How to Breed Mosura Shrimp

The Mosura shrimp is a grade given to certain Crystal Red shrimp. Crystal Red shrimp are bred and produce a variety of offspring. The markings on the offspring are graded. The Mosura shrimp are considered to be the SSS grade, which is the top and most desired grade due to the fact that they seem to be the hardest to produce. The "flower" and the "crown" are the two specific markings that are required to be a Mosura. Other markings can produce lower grades such as the "Hinomaru" or the "No-Entry Hinomaru," which gets its name because its markings are similar to a "no-entry" sign. Breeding these shrimp can be done successfully under certain conditions.

Things You'll Need

  • Crystal Red shrimp
  • 20-gallon tank
  • Water hardness test strips
  • pH strips
  • Tank thermometer
  • Aquarium plants
  • Frozen spinach
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test the tank waters' pH and hardness levels. The pH levels need to be between 6.50 and 7.0. The softness levels should be between 1 and 3. Adding seashells, crushed coral or reef rock will help raise levels if needed. Low levels are usually due to the need of a water change because of the natural wastes that the inhabitants produce. Change 30 to 50 percent of the tank water on a weekly basis.

    • 2

      Place the tank thermometer in the water. Let it float for two hours before checking the temperature. The proper temperature is 75 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjust the tank thermometer if necessary. Keep a constant temperature 24 hours a day.

    • 3

      Keep aquarium moss and plants growing at all times in the tank. This will provide the shrimp places to hide and to graze.

    • 4

      Rinse one or two leaves of frozen spinach, or any organic spinach that hasn't been sprayed with pesticides. Drop into the tank once or twice a week to provide the shrimp with a boost of iron and other minerals. Continue use of your daily shrimp food.

    • 5

      Keep looking for offspring. It may take a few months for the shrimp to get comfortable enough to reproduce. As the offspring grow, you will be able to determine what grades of shrimp you have by reading their markings. Ideally, you want very white shrimp with a red "flower" or "crown" on the head for a Mosura. A red circle on the back like the Japanese flag may indicate a "Hinomaru," while a red circle that is separated with a white line like a "no-entry" sign may be a "No-Entry Hinomaru."