King Kong Shrimp

Care at a glance

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.

Related species

• 

  Blue Bolt Shrimp

  Caridina cantonensis

  1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)
• Bee Shrimp

  Caridina cantonensis

  1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)66–79°F (19–26°C)
• Crystal Black Shrimp

  Caridina cantonensis

  1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)
• Panda Shrimp

  Caridina cantonensis

  1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)

• 

  Crystal Red Shrimp

  Caridina cantonensis

  1.6 in (4 cm)8 gal (30 L)66–79°F (19–26°C)

• 

  Tiger Shrimp

  Caridina mariae

  1.6 in (4 cm)7 gal (25 L)64–73°F (18–23°C)