Red King Kong Shrimp

Common Name: Red King Kong Shrimp, RKK Shrimp
Scientific Name: Caridina cantonensis
Genus: Caridina
Wild Origin: Selective Breed (Taiwan Bee)
Adult Size: 1–1.25in

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

The Red King Kong Shrimp is a highly sought-after member of the Taiwan Bee lineage, prized for its rich red coloration and distinctive patterning. They typically display contrasting white bands or markings reminiscent of the classic “Panda” pattern. This balance of deep red and bright white makes them a standout fauna option for planted aquariums, especially against dark substrates and lush green mosses.

As a Taiwan Bee shrimp, Red King Kongs are best suited for intermediate to experienced hobbyists due to their sensitivity to unstable water conditions. They thrive in mature, well-maintained aquariums with soft, slightly acidic water and consistent parameters. Stability is key to helping them display their best coloration and remain healthy long term.

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
• Deep red coloration accented by signature white bands or markings
• A striking Taiwan Bee shrimp, ideal for planted shrimp aquariums
• 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 ppm
• GH: 3–5 dGH
• KH: 0–2 dKH

Recommended Tank Size:
10+ gallons. While nano tanks are possible for experienced keepers, the added stability of a 10-to-20-gallon shrimp tank is ideal for maintaining healthy Red King Kong Shrimp colonies.

Diet
Omnivorous. Red King Kong Shrimp spend much of their time grazing on naturally occurring biofilm and diatoms. Supplement their diet with high-quality shrimp pellets, plant-based foods, bee pollen, and blanched vegetables.

Breeding
Breeding Red King Kong Shrimp can be rewarding for hobbyists looking to establish a thriving Taiwan Bee colony. Like other Caridina, they require stable, pristine water conditions to encourage breeding. Females are typically larger than males and develop a more curved underbelly when mature and ready to carry eggs. For the best chance at creating a self-sustaining colony, we recommend starting with 8–10 specimens.

The breeding cycle begins when a mature female molts and releases pheromones into the water. Once “berried,” females carry eggs for approximately 30 days before fully formed shrimplets hatch. To improve survival rates, provide a mature aquarium with plenty of moss, biofilm, and hiding places. Leave molted shells in the aquarium to allow the colony to naturally recycle minerals.

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