Black Galaxy Fishbone BOA Culls

Common Name: Black Galaxy Fishbone BOA
Scientific Name: Caridina cantonensis
Genus: Caridina
Wild Origin: Selective Breed (Taiwan/Germany lineage)
Adult Size: 1 inch

**Note:  All livestock orders will come carefully packaged with solid wall Styrofoam insulation and shipped via 1-day shipping only. No additional insulation is needed for your livestock.

The Black Galaxy Fishbone BOA lines represent the pinnacle of modern shrimp aquarium genetics. These "Culls" are juveniles from breeding projects that may have slight variations in patterns, such as a less defined "fishbone" spine or fewer "galaxy" spots on the cheeks, but they still possess the deep obsidian black and metallic sheen of their world-class parents. For the hobbyist, these aquatic pets offer a unique opportunity to own high-end genetics and striking aesthetics at a more accessible price point.

As with all high-grade freshwater shrimp, these specimens require precise water chemistry and stability. They are best kept in a dedicated shrimp tank with an active substrate to maintain the soft, acidic conditions they need to thrive. While they are a challenge to keep, their complex patterns and active personalities make them the "designer" centerpiece of any aquarium.

Check out our guide on the different substrates that can help achieve ideal water parameters for these shrimp: Best Substrate for Shrimp

Key Features & Important Notes

• Tank raised specimen
• Unsexed juveniles
• Bright, bold colors
• To increase survival rates, please allow 2-3 business days after an order is placed to properly prepare live animal shipments. 
  

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature Range: 68–76°F
• pH: 6.0-6.5
• TDS: 100-150
• GH: 3-5
• KH: 0-2

Recommended Tank Size
5+ gallons, minimum. Tank size is relative, and various factors should be considered when determining the optimal tank size. While they can be kept in smaller tanks, we highly recommend at least 10 gallons to ensure the chemical stability necessary for these sensitive genetics.

Diet
Omnivorous. These shrimp are excellent scavengers and will happily feed on biofilm, decaying plant matter, and algae. For optimal color and shell health, supplement their diet with high-quality protein pellets, mineral supplements, and blanched vegetables.

Breeding
Breeding Galaxy and Fishbone culls is a fascinating process, as their offspring can sometimes "throw" higher-grade patterns than the parents themselves. Sexing is difficult as juveniles, but mature females will be larger with a noticeably wider underbelly. To ensure a successful colony, we recommend starting with 8–10 shrimp to guarantee a mix of males and females.

The breeding cycle begins when a fertile female molts and releases pheromones, triggering a frenzy among the males. Once "berried," the female carries the eggs for 20–30 days. The fry are miniature versions of the adults and require a mature tank with plenty of biofilm to survive their first few weeks. Always leave molted shells in the tank so the shrimp can recycle the calcium for their next molt.

Check out our blog article to learn  how to breed freshwater shrimp.