How did selective breeding lead to the development of the Pure Red Line (PRL)

How did selective breeding lead to the development of the Pure Red Line (PRL)

The development of Pure Red Line (PRL) shrimp through selective breeding is an interesting process:
  1. Origin: PRL shrimp were developed from Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS), which themselves were selectively bred from wild Bee shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis) found in Taiwan and southern China.
  2. Focus on red coloration: PRL breeders specifically aimed to create a strain with intense, pure red coloration and distinct white markings. This was in contrast to regular CRS, which can have varying degrees of red intensity.
  3. Avoiding crossbreeding: Unlike some CRS breeders who crossed their shrimp with Golden Bee shrimp to enhance white coloration, PRL breeders maintained a pure lineage without such crossbreeding.
  4. Long-term process: The development of PRL took many generations of selective breeding. Breeders consistently chose shrimp with the most desirable traits (deepest red color, clearest patterns) to reproduce.
  5. Strict selection criteria: PRL breeders focused on achieving a consistently vibrant red color, often prioritizing this over the complex grading system used for regular CRS.
  6. Introduction to the market: PRL shrimp were introduced to the US market in early 2014, representing a new standard in crystal shrimp breeding.
  7. Ongoing refinement: Even after establishing the PRL strain, breeders continue to selectively breed for desired traits, with some spending 15-20 years refining their lines.
  8. Genetic consistency: Due to this selective breeding process, PRLs tend to produce offspring with more consistent coloration and patterns compared to regular CRS.
The result of this careful and long-term selective breeding process is a shrimp variety known for its intense red coloration, distinct patterns, and genetic purity. PRLs are highly valued in the aquarium hobby for these traits, which set them apart from standard Crystal Red Shrimp.
Back to blog

Leave a comment