Caridina cf. cantonensis

Alternative names

 * , (original species often called CBS),  (colour mutation of the Black shrimp often called CRS).

Species Notes

 * There are many selectively-bred colour morphs of the Bee Shrimp, established in 1991, it will commonly be found in stores as the Crystal Red Shrimp or CRS, the red/white variant. It is exactly the same as the Bee Shrimp but is now being bred separately for the colour.


 * The Crystal Black genetic mutation was discovered in Japan in 1996 and was registered as a trademark in that country. It is like the Crystal Red but with black bands instead

Grading

 * Crystal Red Shrimp/Crystal Black Shrimp have different grades. In order from lowest to highest, the grades are: C, B, A, S, SS, and SSS. The higher the grade, the more white it has and the more expensive it is. Visit external link below for grading information.

Other Morphs

 * Other selectively bred morphs are appearing on the market regularly, including the with a black body and red eyes. Also the  with a very dark blue body and orange eyes.
 * The has very similar markings to the  but with a very orange body.
 * The has a solid white/cream body. It may also be called the  or.


 * Many of these morphs may be reclassified with their own Caridina names as more is discovered about them.

Sexing

 * The difference in sex is quite obvious in adult animals, especially if one can compare male and female.
 * Adult females are 10-30% larger than adult males.
 * Females have substantially larger scales on the abdomen (See image on the right)
 * Before laying eggs, the female's ovaries are visible in the 'head' and back of the female.


 * One of the few recognizable characteristics of young females, is the presence of ovaries before their first spawn.


 * The extended scales of the female form a 'breeding chamber' for the eggs which are carried on the shrimp's swimming legs.

Tank compatibility

 * A small peaceful shrimp. Best not kept with other members of the Cardinia family or aggressive or nippy fish.

Diet

 * Herbivorous in nature, will graze constantly around the tank. Will prefer a well planted tank, and moss or Riccia will provide them with a snack. Will also take crumbled algae wafers or catfish tablets.

Feeding regime

 * Feed once a day. However, if feeding food bought from a pet store, make sure the food doesn't contain any copper or its derogatives (copper sulphate, etc.). Any type of copper can kill these shrimp, and you don't want to risk killing them with food.

Environment Specifics

 * These shrimp are highly sensitive to water conditions. They need an ammonia and nitrite free tank. Although they will graze on algae, the presence of algae represents a heightened nitrate level, which will also effect the shrimp. They prefer a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Seem to breed well when doing water changes with R/O water. These shrimp prefer lower water temperatures around a low . Temperatures about stress them out and they won't breed readily and may even die. Many keepers of these shrimp install fan systems to keep the tank cool during warm weather.

Behaviour

 * A peaceful scavenger.

Identification

 * An attractive shrimp with many colour morphs, see above.

Commercial Sellers

 * BreedInUSA.com - USA Breeder & Seller
 * The Shrimp Spot - Worldwide Seller of Freshwater Shrimp