Bumblebee Shrimp care guide
Bumblebee Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis (wild form)) — minimum tank 30 L, temperature 20-26 °C, pH 6.2-7.5.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Bumblebee Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis (wild form)) is a freshwater dwarf shrimp of the family Atyidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. Wild-type Caridina cantonensis with black-and-white bands. Origin of all Bee/CRS lines. Hardier than selectively-bred lines.
Taxonomy
- Family: Atyidae
- Genus: Caridina
- Scientific name: Caridina cantonensis (wild form)
- Common synonyms: Bumblebee Bee, Wild Bee
Habitat
Caridina cantonensis is native to montane streams of southern China and Hong Kong, where it occupies soft, slightly acidic, well-oxygenated water above shaded leaf litter. The wild-type Bumblebee pattern was the foundation for the entire bee-shrimp selective breeding programme that began in Japan in the 1990s. The Aquairi knowledge base records this entry from: Hong Kong, Southern China.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L (7.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 2-3 cm
- Temperature: 20-26 °C (68-79 °F)
- pH: 6.2-7.5
- GH: 4-8 °dGH
- KH: 1-4 °dKH
- Lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet
A grazing detritivore. In the aquarium the shrimp continuously feeds on biofilm, soft algae, decaying plant matter and dropped food. A small daily ration of a shrimp-formulated sinking pellet, occasional blanched spinach or zucchini and rare protein wafers keep the colony in good condition without polluting the water.
Compatibility
Peaceful and best kept in a colony of ten or more in a stable, well-cycled, planted aquarium. Suitable tank mates listed in the Aquairi knowledge base: Otocinclus, Pygmy Cory. Should be kept away from: Crayfish, Cichlids.
Breeding
Reproduces in fresh water without a planktonic larval stage. Mature females develop ripe ovaries visible as a yellow or olive "saddle" on the back; after a successful moult they are fertilised by males and carry the fertilised eggs under the pleopods for roughly three to four weeks before juveniles hatch as miniature fully-formed shrimp. Stable parameters and absence of predation are the main success factors.
Bumblebee Shrimp Breeding Guide
Overview
The Bumblebee is a wild-type Caridina cantonensis with black-and-white banding and is the ancestor of the bee, Crystal and Taiwan Bee lines. The Shrimp Farm notes the wild Caridina cantonensis is found in southern China (Guangdong), Hong Kong, Taiwan and possibly northern Vietnam. As a direct developer, its eggs hatch into miniature adults.
Being closer to the wild form, it is generally hardier than the heavily selected colour morphs derived from it.
Sexing
Females are larger than males and carry a deeper abdomen. Wikipedia describes females releasing pheromones to signal readiness, with males then swimming vigorously around the tank to find them.
Conditioning
Keep a stable, mature tank with soft, slightly acidic water close to the shrimp's native stream conditions. Wikipedia notes the species does best in soft water matching its native pH, and develops strongest colour at about 24-25 °C (75-77 °F).
- Soft, slightly acidic water with gentle filtration
- Mature surfaces with biofilm and algae for grazing
- Light daily feeding of prepared shrimp food
Breeding Setup
Wild-type Bumblebee tolerates a slightly wider range than the selected lines. Wikipedia gives a working temperature of 21-26 °C (70-78 °F) for the species; soft water remains important. A single-species tank avoids cross-breeding with other Caridina cantonensis morphs, which interbreed freely.
Spawning & Berried Females
After mating the female carries eggs under her abdomen, circulating water over them with her pleopods. Wikipedia reports hatching in about 28 days at roughly 22 °C, with warmer water giving earlier maturity but smaller adults.
Shrimplet/Larval Care
Eggs hatch directly into tiny copies of the adults, which are independent at once and graze on biofilm. No larval rearing or salinity stage is needed — a mature tank with abundant biofilm carries them through.
Common Challenges
Although hardier than the colour morphs, the Bumblebee still suffers from high temperatures, which Wikipedia links to reduced egg survival and higher mortality. Stable soft water and avoiding aggressive tankmates such as crayfish and cichlids are the main concerns.