Black crystal shrimp

Common Names:

• Black Crystal Shrimp
• Black Bee Shrimp
• Black Crystal Bee Shrimp

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Caridina cantonensis (Black Crystal variety)
• Origin: Taiwan (selectively bred from Bee Shrimp line)
• Size: 2–2.5 cm
• Lifespan: 1.5–2 years
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to advanced

Appearance

Black Crystal Shrimp are known for their premium contrast patterns:

• Deep black and white banding (Bee pattern)
• Some strains are fully dark “Black King Kong” style
• High-grade individuals have solid black bodies with minimal white
• Transparent or white accents on legs and tail

Grading depends on pattern density and color intensity.

Tank Requirements

Important:

• Requires stable, soft, mineral-controlled water
• Sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and copper
• Best kept in dedicated shrimp tanks

Behavior

• Very peaceful and shy compared to Neocaridina
• Constant grazing on biofilm and moss
• Best kept in colonies of 10+
• Prefers low-stress environments