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King Kong Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae
Variety of Crystal Red Shrimp · king kong
📍 China/Taiwan (captive developed)
Premium Caridina with heavy, mostly black patterning and bold white patches. More black than a standard Crystal Black Shrimp. Requires very soft, acidic water. Prized by serious shrimp breeders.
Care Guide
Diet
King Kong Shrimp are detritivores that primarily feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter in the substrate. Supplement with specialized shrimp pellets (sinking type), blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach, and occasional protein sources such as dried spirulina or fish food designed for Caridina species. Feed small amounts 2-3 times weekly, removing uneaten food within 24 hours to maintain water quality.
Behavior
These shrimp are peaceful, slow-moving grazers that spend most of their time foraging along the substrate and plant surfaces. They are primarily nocturnal and will hide during the day, becoming more active in dimly lit conditions. King Kong Shrimp are social and do best in groups of 6 or more, where they exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduced stress.
Breeding
Breeding King Kong Shrimp in captivity is moderately difficult and requires strict water parameter control, particularly maintaining pH between 5.8–6.8 and soft water (GH 4-6). Females produce small batches of 20-30 shrimplets that develop without a planktonic larval stage, making them easier to raise than some species. Success rates improve significantly with established tanks containing abundant biofilm and stable conditions; patience and attention to detail are essential.
Tank Mates
Similar water requirements and peaceful temperament; both prefer soft, acidic conditions
Compatible Caridina species with identical water parameter needs; no aggression between them
Small, peaceful algae eater that thrives in soft water; minimal competition for food
Tiny, non-aggressive fish that prefer similar acidic water; unlikely to prey on adult shrimp
Nano fish with peaceful demeanor and preference for soft, acidic water conditions
Common Diseases
Bacterial Infection (Septicemia)
Discoloration, lethargy, white patches on body or appendages, molting difficulties
Perform 25% water changes daily, ensure pristine water quality, remove affected individuals to isolation tank if possible; antibiotics rarely effective in shrimp
Fungal Infection
White or gray fuzzy growth on body, appendages, or gills; reduced activity and feeding
Increase water changes, improve aeration, lower tank temperature slightly if possible, remove decaying plant matter; salt baths are ineffective for freshwater shrimp
Molting Problems (Molt Trap)
Inability to shed exoskeleton completely, shrimp stuck partially in old shell, death shortly after
Maintain stable water parameters and adequate calcium/minerals; ensure GH is not too low; provide iodine-enriched foods; cannot be reversed once trapped
Parasitic Infection
Visible parasites on body, excessive scratching against surfaces, lethargy, appetite loss
Quarantine affected shrimp; perform frequent water changes; copper-based treatments are toxic to shrimp; focus on maintaining pristine water quality
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 5.8–6.8
- diet
- biofilm/specialist shrimp food
- minTankSize
- 10 gallons
- temperature
- 64–75°F (18–24°C)
Temperature
64–75°F
18–24°C