Question about RCS

[Sarahann31190]

I assume it's normal for them to lose coloring throughout generations.
But even when I first got 10 of them, the next generation had barely any red.
Now with about 70 or more I only see about 3 or 4 that are red. The rest are clear. Is this normal?

I will be ordering more to introduce a new bloodline soon.

 

[shawnhu]

What you probably had was not true RCS, but shrimp that was fed coloring to induce their red color.

 

[msjinkzd]

What color is your substrate? I have not had any color loss through generations.

 

[Sarahann31190]

It's playsand, white.

 

[msjinkzd]

When they are kept in a light environment, they often lighten up. Think of it as self-preservation. I bet if you switch them to dark sand or gravel or soil they will get dark

 

[feiyang]

When they are kept in a light environment, they often lighten up. Think of it as self-preservation. I bet if you switch them to dark sand or gravel or soil they will get dark

agree. also try to feed them some red color enrichment fish food.

 

[Bubbles2112]

I too agree that the substrate will darker them up. I've not had any color loss with subsequent generations of shrimps.

 

[The Zigman]

Male RCS are nearly clear. Maybe you have alot of males.

 

[Sarahann31190]

I will try switching the substrate. Even though I didn't have fun dealing with this tank last time. I switched them from a 5 to a 10 gallon. Took me about an hour just to catch all the shrimpys cuz I had tons of babies...no fun.

 

[BandiCat]

Do you have an really fine substrate or is it gravelly? My rcs tank has gravel and whenever i change the gravel, i do it in small bits. That way, i never have to move shrimp or worry about babies.

I've also never had color loss throughout the generations.