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.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available 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
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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. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
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. Browse aquarium plant soil options to find the best fit.
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.
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
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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.
Similar Species
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.
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
Brachygobius xanthozonus
A miniature, bottom-dwelling goby famous for its striking black and yellow stripes. While they are often sold as freshwater fish and can survive in it temporarily, they are highly susceptible to fungal infections in fresh water and truly require a brackish setup (SG 1.002-1.005) to thrive long-term. They are notoriously picky eaters, often ignoring flakes in favor of live or frozen foods (like bloodworms or brine shrimp).
Scarlet Badis
Dario dario
One of the smallest known aquarium fish, resembling a tiny jewel. Males display brilliant vertical red and iridescent blue stripes. While beautiful, they are known for being extremely picky eaters, often refusing dry foods and requiring live or frozen micro-foods (Daphnia, Baby Brine Shrimp). Males act like tiny Cichlids and will stake out territories.
Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chuna
The smallest and most peaceful member of the Trichogaster genus. Ideally suited for planted nano aquariums. Unlike the aggressive Dwarf Gourami (*T. lalius*), Honey Gouramis are timid and gentle. True Honey Gouramis rarely exceed 5cm. Note: Many bright red fish sold as 'Red Honey' or 'Red Robin' are actually Thick-lipped Gouramis (*T. labiosa*), which grow larger.
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.
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.