A captive bred Taiwan Bee line of Caridina cantonensis, line bred from bee shrimp whose wild form lives in soft, acidic streams in southern China.
Overview
Keep king kongs in a stable, cycled tank of 20 L or more using RO water remineralized for Caridina, a pH of 5.2 to 6.2, TDS around 100 to 130, and 18 to 24 C. Active buffering soil helps hold the low pH they need. They tolerate no sudden changes, so acclimate slowly and keep water quality high. Feed biofilm, botanicals and shrimp specific foods, ideally in a species only tank.
In the wild
The king kong is a high grade Taiwan Bee line of Caridina cantonensis, a dense, solid black shrimp with heavy white or bluish markings. Taiwan Bees are line bred from bee shrimp and are more demanding than crystals, wanting lower pH and TDS. They need soft, acidic water on active shrimp soil and very stable conditions. This is a shrimp for keepers with some soft water experience.
Good to know
Taiwan Bees such as king kong were line bred from Caridina cantonensis bee shrimp and carry a recessive trait for solid, heavy coloration. They want lower pH and TDS than crystal shrimp, closer to a pH of 5.2 to 6.0. King kong, panda and blue bolt all come from the same Taiwan Bee genetics.
Did you know
Breeding two king kongs can produce blue bolts and pandas, since all three are just different visible outcomes of the same Taiwan Bee genes.
Weekly picks
Tank mates
King Kong shrimp is a peaceful, social species that keeps to the bottom. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.
1.6 in (4 cm)7 gal (25 L)64–73°F (18–23°C)
1.2 in (3 cm)10 gal (38 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)
1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)
1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)
2 in (5 cm)8 gal (30 L)59–81°F (15–27°C)
1.4 in (3.5 cm)5 gal (20 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)