Crystal Black Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis var. Crystal Black
The Crystal Black Shrimp (CBS), or Black Bee Shrimp, is the wild-type ancestor of the famous Crystal Red Shrimp, selectively bred for intense, opaque black and white banding. Their high-contrast, tuxedo-like appearance makes them one of the most elegant invertebrates available in the hobby. Like their red counterparts, CBS require a strict, dedicated environment with RO water, GH+ remineralizer, and active buffering soil to maintain a low pH and zero KH. They thrive in cooler, highly oxygenated water with plenty of biofilm, cholla wood, and leaf litter (like Indian Almond leaves). When provided with these pristine conditions, they are active grazers and will breed readily, rewarding dedicated hobbyists with miniature black-and-white replicas.
Water Parameters
pH Range
5.8 – 6.8
TDS
100 – 150 ppm
General Hardness
4 – 6 dGH
Carbonate Hardness
0 – 1 dKH
Temperature
20 – 24 °C
Min Tank Size
20 L
Select Colony Size
Pack of 5 (Starter)
5 pieces
₹220 / each
Pack of 10+1 Free (Colony)
11 pieces
₹180 / each
Save 10%
Pack of 20+2 Free (Breeder Colony)
22 pieces
₹160 / each
Save 20%
📦 ₹250 Express Air Delivery (insulated thermocol box + seasonal ice/heat gel pack) across India. Dispatched Mon & Tue only.
💡 Interesting Facts
- • Crystal Black Shrimp can be interbred with Crystal Red Shrimp. The black gene is dominant over the red gene.
- • They originated from mountain streams in Southern China and Hong Kong, which explains their need for cool, clean, fast-flowing water.
- • Adding Indian Almond leaves to their tank provides necessary tannins, antibacterial properties, and a surface for their staple diet (biofilm) to grow.