A highly prized dwarf freshwater shrimp known for its striking opaque color bands. Native to streams in Southern China, they require specific parameters to thrive: cool, highly oxygenated, acidic, and very soft water. This is usually achieved using RO (Reverse Osmosis) water remineralized with specific shrimp salts and active buffering soil. They are highly sensitive to nitrogen spikes and copper, and are extremely vulnerable to fish predation.
Bee Shrimp At a Glance
Bee Shrimp Tank Requirements
Will Bee Shrimp fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Bee Shrimp needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Bee Shrimp against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Bee Shrimp Water Parameters
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Bee Shrimp Temperament & Compatibility
Bee Shrimp Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Wild Type / Standard
The ancestral coloration of the species, featuring alternating bands of dark brown/black and white. Generally slightly hardier than the highly selectively bred morphs.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Bee Shrimp, Brown Bee
Crystal Red (CRS)
The most famous mutation, selectively bred for bright red and white opaque banding. Graded by hobbyists (from C to SSS) based on the amount and opacity of the white coverage.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: CRS, Red Bee Shrimp
Crystal Black (CBS)
A refined black and white lineage bred for stark contrast, opaque colors, and clean lines. Similar grading system to CRS.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: CBS, Black Bee Shrimp, Pure Black Line
Taiwan Bee / Shadow Shrimp
Advanced, deeply colored and high-opacity morphs derived from Caridina logemanni lineage. They are extremely sensitive to water quality fluctuations and require meticulous care and pristine parameters.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: King Kong, Panda, Blue Bolt, Pinto, Shadow Bee
Bee Shrimp Care Guide Summary
The Bee Shrimp, scientifically known as Caridina logemanni, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 2.5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Bee Shrimp requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 24°C, with a pH range of 5.5–6.8 and a general hardness of 3–6 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Bee Shrimp is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 4 varieties: Wild Type / Standard, Crystal Red (CRS), Crystal Black (CBS), and Taiwan Bee / Shadow Shrimp. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Bee Shrimp Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Bee Shrimp, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a nutrient-rich soil substrate to support planted setups, leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Bee Shrimp Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Bee Shrimp is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Bee Shrimp Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Bee Shrimp.
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
Show 27 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bee Shrimp
How big does Bee Shrimp get?
Bee Shrimp (Caridina logemanni) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 2.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Bee Shrimp need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm are recommended for Bee Shrimp. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Bee Shrimp need?
Bee Shrimp thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–24°C, a pH between 5.5 and 6.8, and a general hardness of 3–6 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Bee Shrimp peaceful or aggressive?
Bee Shrimp is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Bee Shrimp live alone?
No, Bee Shrimp should be kept in groups of at least 5 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Bee Shrimp have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Bee Shrimp benefits from soil / nutrient rich, leaf litter/blackwater, and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Bee Shrimp
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Bee Shrimp based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Dwarf Rasbora
Boraras maculatus
Ideal Tank MatesDwarf Pencilfish
Nannostomus marginatus
Ideal Tank MatesGolden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesKeyhole Cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
Ideal Tank MatesBristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Bee Shrimp
These plants pair well with Bee Shrimp based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Bee Shrimp
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Caridina cantonensis
A sensitive, highly prized dwarf shrimp species known for its vivid red/white or black/white banding. Unlike the hardy Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina), Bee Shrimp require cool, soft, acidic water and typically require active buffering soil to thrive. They are peaceful grazers perfect for specific biotope setups.
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
One of the most popular and hardy freshwater invertebrates in the hobby. They come in a rainbow of selectively bred colors. They are excellent scavengers and algae eaters, perfect for nano planted tanks. They are completely peaceful and have a negligible bioload, though they are highly vulnerable to predation by almost any fish with a mouth large enough to eat them.
Blue Pearl Shrimp
Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis
A hardy, peaceful dwarf shrimp species closely related to the popular Cherry Shrimp. They are excellent scavengers that constantly graze on biofilm and algae. Due to their tiny size, they are extremely vulnerable to predation and are best kept in dedicated invertebrate setups or with very small, peaceful nano fish (like rasboras).
Brown Camo Shrimp
Caridina babaulti var. Brown
The Brown Camo Shrimp (Caridina babaulti) is a fascinating dwarf shrimp known for its ability to rapidly change color to match its surroundings, much like a chameleon. They are excellent scavengers and algae grazers. Unlike some highly sensitive Caridina species (like Crystal Reds), Babaulti are relatively hardy and can adapt to a wider range of water parameters, making them a great choice for planted nano tanks.
Ghost Shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
A completely transparent freshwater shrimp native to the southeastern United States. While frequently sold as inexpensive feeder animals, they make fascinating, active scavengers for nano and peaceful community tanks. They tirelessly consume uneaten food and detritus but have a relatively short lifespan of 1 to 2 years.
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
A highly popular, industrious freshwater shrimp renowned for its unmatched algae-eating abilities. Popularized by aquascaper Takashi Amano, they are significantly larger and hardier than most dwarf shrimp (like Cherry Shrimp). They are notorious food-thieves during feeding time and excellent escape artists, requiring a tight-fitting lid. Their larvae require saltwater to develop, so they will not overpopulate in a freshwater aquarium.