Black King Kong Shrimp

Caridina logemanni

Also known as BKK, Black King Kong

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

The Black King Kong Shrimp is a striking freshwater shrimp variant prized for its deep black coloration and robust build. This is a color morph of Caridina logemanni, known for its hardiness and active foraging behavior. It thrives in established, well-planted tanks and makes an excellent addition to peaceful community aquariums.

Where it's from

Recorded as introduced in Norway

At a glance

Size: 1.2 in; 3 cm
Min tank: 10 gal; 38 L
Group: 5+
Temp: 72–79°F; 22–26°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
GH: 71–143 ppm; 4–8 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 3-4 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Black King Kong Shrimp are detritivores that primarily feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying organic matter in the tank. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and occasional protein sources like dried seaweed. A mature, established tank with plenty of leaf litter and moss is ideal for natural food availability.

Behavior

These shrimp are active bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time foraging and grazing on surfaces. They are social and do best in small groups or colonies, displaying minimal aggression toward each other. They molt regularly as they grow; provide plenty of hiding spots with plants and driftwood to feel secure during vulnerable molting periods.

Breeding

Black King Kong Shrimp breed readily in freshwater without requiring brackish conditions, making them excellent for home aquariums. Females produce small batches of 20-30 shrimplets that develop directly without a larval stage. With stable water parameters and adequate food, colonies will naturally increase over time.

Tank mates

See all 6

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae eater that shares bottom space without competing or predating on shrimp

excellent

Ember Tetra

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that occupy mid-water column and do not threaten shrimp

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that coexist peacefully; may compete for food but rarely aggressive

good

Java Moss

Provides shelter, grazing surface, and biofilm production essential for shrimp health

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Generally peaceful but may occasionally nip at shrimp; monitor behavior closely

caution

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Global Register of Invasive and Introduced Species (CC BY 4.0).