Opae Ula

Opae Ula

 

Opae Ulas are the longest lived shrimp species, upwards to 20 years. Found in volcanic regions and anchialine pools of Hawaii, these shrimp are possibly one of the hardiest species on Earth, tolerating large shifts in temperature, pH, as well as salinity. Opae Ulas can live from fresh to marine environments, but seem to do best and only breed in brackish environments of gravity 1.010-1.015 in a more alkaline pH range of 7.4-8.4. Opaes are low form breeders, with a larvae stage in between hatching and becoming a shrimp, but the survival rate of larvaes are very high compared to other low form breeders such as the Amano shrimp or the Sunkist shrimp.

Specifications

  • Scientific Name: Halocaridina Rubra
  • Common Name: Opae Ula, Volcano Shrimp, Micro Red Lobster, Hawaiian Shrimp
  • Origin: America
  • pH: 7.4-8.4
  • Temp: 64-84°F
  • TDS: 100-1500
  • KH: 0-10
  • GH: 4-14
  • Fertility: Medium
  • Difficulty: Easy

Grading and Variations

Adult Opae Ulas reach approximately 0.5″ in length (compared to upwards to 1.5-2″ for other species). Opaes vary in redness and opaqueness, much like the RCS.