Crystal Black Shrimp - Caridina cantonensis

Crystal Black Shrimp are exquisite freshwater shrimp known for their distinct black and white banded patterns. These shrimp are closely related to the Crystal Red Shrimp but feature black instead of red coloration, offering a striking contrast in aquascaped tanks.

Description:

• Common Name: Crystal Black Shrimp (CBS)

• Scientific Name: Caridina cantonensis

• Family: Atyidae

• Size: Up to 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm)

• Coloration: Black and white banding; graded by the intensity and clarity of color and pattern

Native Region:

These shrimp originated from wild Caridina species in Asia and have been selectively bred in captivity to enhance their unique black and white coloration.

Aquarium Setup:

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons, with larger tanks providing better parameter stability

• Substrate: Soft, shrimp-specific substrates that maintain a stable pH

• Plants and Decor: Live plants, mosses, and driftwood for hiding spots and grazing surfaces

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 68-75°F (20-24°C)

• pH: 6.0-6.8 (slightly acidic)

• Hardness: Soft water (1-5 dGH)

• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 100-200 ppm

Care Level:

• Difficulty: Moderate to advanced; highly sensitive to changes in water conditions

• Diet: Omnivorous; thrives on biofilm, high-quality shrimp food, and blanched vegetables

• Behavior: Peaceful and social; ideal for species-only tanks or tanks with non-aggressive, small fish

Additional Tips:

• Tank Mates: Best kept with other peaceful shrimp or nano fish to avoid stress or predation.

• Breeding: Reproduces when stable water conditions are maintained; females carry eggs for approximately 3-4 weeks before releasing young shrimp.

• Maintenance: Frequent, small water changes are essential to keep water quality high without sudden parameter changes.