What is Pure red line shrimp ?

Pure Red Line Shrimp (PRL): Origin, Care, and Grading Explained

Pure Red Line shrimp (PRL) are one of the most sought-after shrimp in the freshwater aquarium hobby, admired for their intense red coloration and refined patterns. PRL shrimp are a selectively bred line of Crystal Red Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis), developed through generations of careful selection. In this guide, you'll learn about the origin of PRL shrimp, their breeding background, and how to identify high-quality PRL shrimp based on standard grading practices.

Origin and Breeding Background of Pure Red Line Shrimp

Where do PRL shrimp come from? Pure Red Line shrimp were originally developed from the Crystal Red Shrimp lineage. Breeders in Taiwan played a major role in refining this line, aiming to create shrimp with stable red pigmentation, clear body contrast, and consistent pattern traits. The result is a visually striking shrimp that has become a staple in advanced shrimp-keeping communities worldwide.

Genetics and lineage: While PRL shrimp share genetic roots with Crystal Red Shrimp, they are distinct in terms of purity. PRL shrimp are bred only from red shrimp lines, with no Golden Bee or other color variants mixed in. This makes them ideal for breeders looking to maintain or improve red coloration over time.

Grading Pure Red Line Shrimp: What to Look For

Grading PRL shrimp is essential for breeding programs, competitions, and maintaining quality in your aquarium. The grading system focuses on four main areas: color intensity, pattern, body clarity, and overall health.

1. Color Intensity

  • High Grade: Deep, vibrant red with full coverage across the body. These are the most desirable shrimp for show and breeding.
  • Mid Grade: Moderate red coloration that may have some fading near the tail or head.
  • Low Grade: Pale red or uneven color distribution. Often used for pet-only tanks or culling.

2. Pattern Quality

  • Solid Red Line: A clean, uninterrupted line across the body. Considered a top-tier trait.
  • Broken or Split Lines: Patterns with gaps or fading. Graded lower unless part of a recognized variant.
  • Multi-Line Patterns: Multiple red bands may be evaluated on their symmetry and alignment.

3. Body Clarity and Cleanliness

  • Clear Body: A transparent or lightly tinted body that highlights the red coloration.
  • Cloudy or Marked Body: Discoloration or blemishes reduce the shrimp’s grade and breeding value.

4. Health and Size

  • Healthy Shrimp: Active movement, clean shell, and no signs of parasites or stress.
  • Well-Developed Size: Larger, fully grown shrimp are preferred in grading—especially when paired with strong color and pattern.

5. Breeder Grading Systems

Different breeders use different grading systems, such as A, S, SS, SSS, or numbered scores. Regardless of the system, the goal remains the same: to help identify the best PRL shrimp for breeding and sale based on visual and genetic quality.

Conclusion: Why PRL Shrimp Are a Top Choice for Hobbyists

Pure Red Line shrimp stand out in the world of freshwater shrimp due to their brilliant red coloration and genetic stability. Whether you're starting a new shrimp colony or selecting high-grade breeders, understanding PRL shrimp grading helps ensure you're choosing the healthiest, most vibrant specimens. Their beauty, combined with their selective lineage, makes PRL shrimp a perfect addition for hobbyists focused on Caridina shrimp care and selective breeding programs.

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