Crystal Black Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis
Also known as CBS shrimp, Crystal Black Bee shrimp, Black crystal shrimp
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 64–75°F (18–24°C)
- pH
- 5.8–6.8
- Adult size
- 1.2 in (3 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 5 gal (20 L)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Common
- Origin
- A captive bred bee shrimp line of Caridina cantonensis, whose wild form lives in soft, acidic freshwater streams in southern China.
- Family
- Atyidae
Overview
Keep CBS in a mature, stable tank of at least 20 L using RO water remineralized to a low hardness, a pH of 5.8 to 6.8, TDS around 100 to 150, and a temperature of 18 to 24 C. They are sensitive to swings in temperature, pH and TDS, so drip acclimate and change water slowly. Keep them with other bee shrimp or leave them in a dedicated tank. Feed biofilm, botanicals, blanched vegetables and shrimp specific foods.
In the wild
The crystal black, or CBS, is the black and white bee shrimp, the same line as the crystal red but with black replacing the red bands. It is a small, peaceful grazer that needs much softer, more acidic water than a cherry shrimp. It is kept on inert or active buffering soil with RO water remineralized for shrimp. Grades run from patchy low grades up to the solid white SSS bands prized by breeders.
Good to know
The crystal black is a color form of Caridina cantonensis, the bee shrimp, selected from the wild black and white bee pattern. It needs soft, acidic water, unlike the hardy Neocaridina, which is why it is rated harder to keep. Color intensity and the amount of white are graded from C up to SSS.
Did you know
Crystal black and crystal red shrimp are the same species and will interbreed freely, producing a mix of red and black banded young.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Aquatic Arts Freshwater fish, shrimp and snails with an arrive-alive guarantee
- Flip Aquatics Quarantined shrimp, snails and nano fish
- LiveAquaria Freshwater and saltwater fish, inverts and corals
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Keeping Crystal Black Shrimp?
Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.
Related species
Blue Bolt Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)
Green babaulti shrimp
Caridina babaulti1.2 in (3 cm)10 gal (38 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)Bee Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)66–79°F (19–26°C)King Kong Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)Panda Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)
Crystal Red Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis1.6 in (4 cm)8 gal (30 L)66–79°F (19–26°C)