Fourth of July Update

Hope everyone is having a positively shrimpy holiday this fourth of July (despite the current state of the country). I wanted to give a little update since some developments have happened and I wanted to make a post going over it all.

First and foremost, as you can see in the featured picture, I added some of the cardinal shrimps to the new tank. Seven to be exact. While I was hoping this would be good news, the next morning, I woke up to find three deceased. I have not seen the remaining four which could be good or bad. In their original tank, I had something similar happen with the original population of shrimps. It goes to show just how sensitive they are to change. I've already rechecked the water parameters and did a water change and have essentially done every thing in my power to make this transfer successful. It's a stressful waiting game but I'm remaining hopeful.

In other news the new "mystery" shrimp have arrived. While I was also hoping this would be a good thing and was really excited, that feeling turned into disappointment when I learned that these shrimp are not a naturally occurring Sulawesi species.

"Snow Zebra" Sulawesi shrimp

Thought to be a selectively bred line from the original Caridina caerulea, the Snow Zebra is not the kind of shrimp I wanted to have in my collection. Something I know I need to address more is the fact that native species in the wild are going extinct and are in desperate need of conservation. Manufactured ones like this are most definitely not in need of that. That's why the distinction is important. I am currently working on more informational/ educational content however stuff of of that nature takes more time to produce so please give me time.

While I am taking accountability for not figuring this out before purchasing, in my defense, the description on the website I purchased from states, and I quote, "This strikingly beautiful shrimp, native to the pristine waters of Sulawesi, is now available tank-raised and thriving under our expert care.". That is absolutely false advertising and I will NOT be perpetuating that lie. I have gone ahead and sent the website an email expressing my disappointment, imploring them to edit the info, and requesting a full refund so I can put the money towards shrimp actually native to Sulawesi.

The new shrimp are otherwise healthy and thriving in the new tank which I suppose is a positive. It isn't their fault that they exist. Whilst I want to prioritize the native species, I have them now and they are much less sensitive than the cardinals. I have recognized the snow zebra shrimp would be a better option for less advanced shrimp keepers leading to a more positive experience. When I start selling, I will be offering this species at a discount. Rest assured, any money I make from them will be going to help support the care and acquisition of actual native species.

I will do better in the future and avoid making this mistake again by taking the time to fully validate claims made by sellers before purchase. It's good to remember that no one is perfect, but it is even more important in every facet of life to learn and grow from your goofs and blunders otherwise you will stay the same stagnant flawed person forever.