Black Crystal Shrimp — Grade S

Scientific Name: Caridina cantonensis
Common Name: Crystal Black Shrimp / Black Bee Shrimp
Grade: S Grade

The Black Crystal Shrimp is a selectively bred Caridina shrimp known for its bold black-and-white banding and high-contrast appearance. S Grade specimens display attractive white coverage with deep black patterning, creating an especially striking look against green plants, mosses, and natural aquarium hardscape. Aqua Huna specifically sells this line as Grade S.

Crystal Black Shrimp share essentially the same care requirements as Crystal Red Shrimp. They require soft, slightly acidic water with very low carbonate hardness and are considerably more sensitive to unstable water conditions than typical Neocaridina shrimp. A mature Caridina aquarium with active buffering substrate and stable water chemistry provides the best environment.

Care Level: Moderate–Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult Size: Approximately 1–1.25 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons; 10+ gallons recommended for greater stability
Temperature: 68–74°F
pH: 5.8–6.8
GH: 4–6 dGH
KH: 0–2 dKH
TDS: Approximately 100–160 ppm
Diet: Omnivore / Biofilm Grazer
Recommended Group Size: 6–10+ shrimp
Breeding: Breeds completely in freshwater under stable Caridina conditions.

Recommended Setup: Keep Black Crystal Shrimp in a fully cycled, mature aquarium containing active buffering substrate, mosses, plants, driftwood, leaf litter, and plenty of established biofilm. Sponge filtration or a shrimp-safe protected intake is strongly recommended, especially if breeding. Remineralized RO/DI water and a Caridina-specific GH remineralizer provide a much more controllable way to achieve their preferred soft-water conditions.

Black Crystal Shrimp spend much of their time grazing on biofilm, algae, microorganisms, and organic material throughout the aquarium. Supplement this natural grazing with quality shrimp foods and occasional protein-rich foods while avoiding overfeeding.

Please Note: You are purchasing S Grade Black Crystal Shrimp. Individual shrimp naturally vary in black-and-white pattern, color coverage, size, and sex. Grade describes coloration and pattern quality and does not mean every shrimp will have an identical pattern. Aqua Huna selects males and females randomly and does not guarantee a particular sex ratio.

IMPORTANT: Black Crystal Shrimp should not be maintained using typical Neocaridina/Cherry Shrimp parameters. They perform best in soft, acidic, low-KH water, and stability is especially important.

All livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.