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.
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) At a Glance
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) Tank Requirements
Will Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) Water Parameters
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Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) Temperament & Compatibility
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Crystal Red (CRS)
The classic red and white morph. Grading ranges from C (mostly red) to SSS (mostly white). Requires active soil to maintain pH < 6.8.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Mosura, Hinomaru, Tiger Tooth, V-Band, SSS Grade
Crystal Black (CBS)
The wild-type coloration (or selectively bred black/white). Husbandry is identical to Crystal Reds. They can interbreed with Reds.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Black Bee, Black Diamond
Taiwan Bee / Shadow
Deeply colored mutations of the Bee Shrimp. Includes Blue Bolt, King Kong, and Panda variants. Often considered slightly more sensitive than standard CRS/CBS and commands a higher price.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Blue Bolt, King Kong, Panda, Red Ruby, Shadow Bee
Tiger Shrimp
Often classified closely with Cantonensis (and hybridizes as 'Tibee'). Tiger shrimp generally tolerate slightly higher pH (up to 7.2) and temperature than pure Crystals, but interbreeding is common.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Caridina mariae, Blue Tiger, OEBT, Orange Eye Blue Tiger
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) Care Guide Summary
The Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black), scientifically known as Caridina cantonensis, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 3 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) 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 18°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 (Crystal Red / Black) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 4 varieties: Crystal Red (CRS), Crystal Black (CBS), Taiwan Bee / Shadow, and Tiger 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 (Crystal Red / Black) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black), a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a nutrient-rich soil substrate to support planted setups, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black).
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 (Crystal Red / Black)
How big does Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) get?
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) (Caridina cantonensis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 3 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm are recommended for Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) need?
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 18–24°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 (Crystal Red / Black) peaceful or aggressive?
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) should be kept together?
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 10. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) benefits from soil / nutrient rich, plants - densely covered, driftwood (digestion/hiding), leaf litter/blackwater, and established algae (otocinclus) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Plants That Suit Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
These plants pair well with Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) 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 (Crystal Red / Black)
Bee Shrimp
Caridina logemanni
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.
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).
Ninja Shrimp
Caridina serratirostris
The Ninja Shrimp is a fascinating, completely peaceful dwarf shrimp named for its rapid, darting movements and unique ability to quickly change color (from black and brown to red, blue, or translucent) to camouflage with its surroundings. Unlike Neocaridina, their larvae require brackish water to survive, meaning they will not reproduce and overpopulate a freshwater aquarium.
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.
Orange Delight Shrimp
Caridina loehae
An advanced-level, delicate dwarf shrimp native to the ancient Malili lake system in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Scientifically described as Caridina loehae, they are characterized by their bright orange bodies and white dashes. They require highly stable, warm (26-29°C), and alkaline water mirroring their native ancient lakes. They are peaceful biofilm grazers that will not survive in standard freshwater conditions.
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.