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Crystal Black Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis 'Crystal Black'
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae
Variety of Crystal Red Shrimp · crystal black
📍 Japan (captive developed)
Crystal Black Shrimp are selectively bred bee shrimp displaying bold black and white banding — the black body pattern is the inverse of Crystal Red Shrimp. They are graded S to SSS by the clarity and coverage of the white banding. Like all Caridina cantonensis varieties they demand very soft, slightly acidic water with low TDS, and are highly sensitive to copper, temperature swings, and nitrate accumulation. A dedicated shrimp-only tank with buffered aquasoil is strongly recommended.
Care Guide
Diet
Crystal Black Shrimp are omnivores that primarily graze on biofilm and algae in the tank. Supplement with high-quality shrimp-specific powdered foods 2-3 times weekly, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini), and dried leaf litter (Indian almond leaves, oak leaves) to provide natural grazing surfaces and essential nutrients.
Behavior
These shrimp are peaceful, sedentary grazers that spend most of their time foraging on substrate and hardscape surfaces. They are nocturnal and most active during low-light periods; they may hide during bright daylight. Crystal Black Shrimp are social and thrive in groups of 6 or more, displaying natural hierarchical behavior without aggression.
Breeding
Breeding is moderately difficult and requires strict adherence to water parameters—soft water (0–6 dGH), low TDS (100–150 ppm), and stable temperatures are essential. Females produce small batches of 20–30 shrimplets every 4–6 weeks; shrimplets are fully-formed miniatures and require no special care beyond stable conditions. Success rates improve significantly in dedicated shrimp-only tanks with established biofilm.
Tank Mates
Similar water requirements and peaceful temperament; may compete for biofilm but generally compatible
Different water parameter preferences (Cherry Shrimp tolerate harder water); separate tanks recommended to avoid hybridization
Excellent algae control partner with identical water needs; peaceful and non-competitive
Compatible water parameters and peaceful grazing behavior; complements shrimp biofilm diet
Provides grazing surface, shelter, and biofilm growth; essential for shrimp-only setups
Hardy plant that provides cover and biofilm surface without competing for nutrients
Common Diseases
Molting Syndrome / Failed Molt
Shrimp stuck in old exoskeleton, inability to shed, lethargy, death within 24–48 hours
Ensure stable water parameters, adequate calcium (via mineral supplements or cuttlebone), and proper iodine levels; maintain pH 5.8–6.8 and avoid sudden parameter swings
Bacterial Infection / Black Death
Black spots or patches on body, lethargy, loss of appetite, rapid death in colony
Perform 30% water change immediately, increase aeration, remove dead shrimp, and maintain pristine water quality; antibiotics are rarely effective; prevention through stable parameters is key
Copper Poisoning
Sudden death, convulsions, discoloration, mass die-off in colony
Copper is lethal to shrimp—avoid all copper-based medications and fertilizers; use only shrimp-safe products; perform immediate large water change if exposure occurs
Parasitic Infection (Vorticella / Epistylis)
White fuzzy coating on body and appendages, difficulty moving, reduced feeding
Increase water changes to 50% every 2–3 days, improve water quality and oxygenation, and avoid stress; salt baths are not recommended for freshwater shrimp; focus on prevention through stable parameters
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – biofilm, shrimp-specific powdered food, leaf litter, blanched vegetables
- breeding
- Moderate; requires stable, species-appropriate parameters
- lifespan
- 1.5–2 years
- max size
- 3 cm (1.2 in)
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Peaceful
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)