Crystal Black Shrimp care guide
Crystal Black Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis var. 'Crystal Black') — minimum tank 30 L, temperature 22-25 °C, pH 5.8-6.8.
Overview
The Crystal Black Shrimp is a selectively bred colour form of Caridina cantonensis (sensu lato) developed in Asia in the 1990s. It is the black-and-white counterpart of the better-known Crystal Red Shrimp and is graded by the extent and contrast of opaque white patches against a deep black base.
Taxonomy
- Family: Atyidae
- Genus: Caridina
- Scientific name: Caridina cantonensis var. 'Crystal Black'
- Common synonyms: CBS, Crystal Black
Habitat
Wild Caridina cantonensis populations occur in cool, soft, slightly acidic streams of southern China and Hong Kong. The aquarium strain is fully captive-bred and does best in mature, planted tanks with active substrate that buffers pH downward and keeps total dissolved solids low.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L (7.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 2-3 cm
- Temperature: 22-25 °C (72-77 °F)
- pH: 5.8-6.8
- GH: 4-6 °dGH
- KH: 0-2 °dKH
- Lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet
A detritivore and biofilm grazer that constantly forages on aufwuchs covering plants, wood and hardscape. The diet is supplemented with prepared shrimp food, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini) and occasional protein from frozen daphnia or specialised shrimp granules.
Compatibility
Peaceful and shrimp-only by preference. Suitable companions are limited to small, non-predatory fishes (Otocinclus, Pygmy Cory) and Nerite Snails. Avoid keeping with Neocaridina davidi strains because, although they do not crossbreed, they compete for resources; also avoid cichlids, crayfish and any larger fish.
Breeding
Females carry roughly 20-30 eggs under the pleopods for about 30 days at 22-24 °C. Newly hatched shrimp are miniature adults and feed on biofilm within the tank — no separate larval stage is required. Stable parameters and aged tanks dramatically improve survival.