Flora & Fauna

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.

Blue bolt shrimp are a selectively bred Caridina variety featuring a striking white body with vivid blue patches. They require the same pristine, soft, acidic water as other Taiwan bee shrimp. Their dramatic colouration makes them highly sought after by advanced hobbyists.

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.

Crystal red shrimp are selectively bred bee shrimp featuring striking white and red banding, graded S to SSS by pattern clarity. They demand very soft, slightly acidic water and are highly sensitive to temperature swings, dissolved solids, and trace copper. Dedicated shrimp-only tanks using buffered aquasoil are strongly recommended.

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.

Pinto shrimp are highly prized Taiwan bee variants with bold black and white patterning in distinctive stripe, skunk, or spotted configurations. They are among the most valuable freshwater shrimp in the hobby and require immaculate water quality.

High-grade Caridina with a reverse panda pattern — black where panda shrimp are white, and white where they are black. Requires the same soft, acidic conditions as Crystal Reds. Collector's shrimp.

Tiger Shrimp (Orange Eye Blue Tiger or Black Tiger depending on variant) display striking alternating body bands of blue-black to brown on a translucent base, with prominent orange eyes in some forms. They are Caridina species requiring the same soft, acidic, low-TDS water as bee shrimp. Several colour forms exist including Orange Eye Blue Tiger (OEBT) which is among the most sought-after shrimp in the hobby, commanding premium prices for high-grade specimens.

Deep maroon-red Caridina with little to no white markings. A striking colour mutation of the Crystal Red lineage. Requires the same demanding soft, acidic water parameters as other high-grade Caridina.