I use grading to guide selection and move a line in the direction I want. It gives each shrimp a role in the breeding programme.

What I look at

  • Pattern: Are the markings clean and true to the line?
  • Coverage: How completely does the colour or pattern cover the body?
  • Consistency: Does the shrimp resemble its siblings, or is its appearance unusual within the group?

Keepers, project stock and culls

Keepers help move the line in the direction I want. I keep project stock in separate racks to test pairings. Culls show me what I do not want to repeat and help me learn from each pairing.

Farm note: Names and grades such as King, Queen, Galaxy or BOA are useful only when they match what you can consistently see. I grade under the lighting I normally use, rather than relying on a filtered photograph.

Why photos matter

A macro photograph captures a single moment. Living shrimp moult, respond to stress and change over time. I encourage people to understand a line rather than judge it from one striking photograph. When comparing breeders, consider the lighting and the accuracy of the photographs as well as the shrimp.