Surabhi Datta

Successful captive breeding of Caridina hodgarti, a native Indian ornamental freshwater shrimp, requires meticulous simulation of its natural stream habitat. This study details a standardized protocol for aquarium-based rearing and breeding, employing a 24″ × 18″ × 18″ tank setup with dark soil substrate, dual-stage sponge and canister filtration and stable temperature maintenance between 22–26°C. Habitat enrichment with aquatic plants, driftwood, rocks, and natural substrates enhanced survival rates and juvenile retention, while effective biological filtration and low-flow circulation maintained a stable ecological balance. Water quality was rigorously managed through routine testing and 25–30% weekly water changes, with a customized reverse osmosis (RO) and tap water mix to maintain pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5 and total hardness between 50 and 75 ppm. A diverse feeding regimen comprising spirulina-enriched pellets, blanched vegetables and natural detritus (almond leaves and driftwood) promoted healthy moulting, vibrant pigmentation and active foraging behavior. Reproductive indicators—including berried females and juvenile emergence—were consistently observed under these conditions, validating the system’s suitability for full life-cycle support. The results present a replicable model for ex situ conservation and commercial production of C. hodgarti, offering a sustainable alternative to wild stock collection in the ornamental aquaculture sector.

The present investigation was undertaken to compare the morphometric correlations between major body components of male and female Caridina hodgarti (Kemp 1913), commonly known as the Green Rocket Shrimp, a freshwater atyid of ecological and aquacultural significance in India. Four morphometric traits—Total Length (TL), Carapace Length (CL), Abdominal Length (AL) and Rostrum Length (RL)—were measured from field-collected specimens and analyzed through linear regression models to evaluate inter-trait relationships and sex-linked growth variations. In males, weak to moderate positive correlations were recorded between TL and CL (R² = 0.1007), TL and AL (R² = 0.3666) and TL and RL (R² = 0.2001), while RL and CL also showed a moderate relationship (R² = 0.2175). A negative correlation between AL and CL (R² = 0.2274) indicated possible segmental trade-offs. In contrast, females exhibited stronger and more consistent proportional growth, especially between TL and AL (R² = 0.7008) and TL and RL (R² = 0.3229), whereas CL–AL (R² = 0.001) and RL–CL (R² = 0.0048) relationships were negligible. The results reveal marked sexual dimorphism in growth allometry, with females showing stable and reproductive-oriented body proportions, while males exhibited greater variability and segmental differentiation. This morphometric characterization provides useful baseline information for taxonomic identification, broodstock evaluation, population structure analysis and conservation management of freshwater atyid shrimps.