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Bee Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis
Family: Atyidae
📍 Southern China
Caridina cantonensis is the base species from which the famous Crystal Red, Crystal Black, and Tiger Bee shrimp have been selectively bred. Wild-type specimens display variable banding of white and translucent to brown, but it is the domesticated varieties that drive the hobby's fascination. All variants require the same exacting soft, acidic water conditions with very low TDS, and are intolerant of copper, fluctuating parameters, or high nitrates.
Keeping this species
- diet
- Omnivore – biofilm, shrimp-specific powders, leaf litter, blanched vegetables
- breeding
- Moderate; requires stable buffered water
- lifespan
- 1.5–2 years
- max size
- 3 cm (1.2 in)
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum; shrimp-only or nano planted
- temperament
- Peaceful
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Tips from the community 💡
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Water it likes
- ph
- 5.8–6.8
- tds
- 100–150 ppm
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <10 ppm
- hardness
- 0–6 dGH
- temperature
- 68–75°F (20–24°C)
Natural Habitat Temperature
57°F — 79°F seasonal range · (Jan low, Jul high)