The Crystal Black Shrimp is a staple for serious hobbyists, prized for its deep, opaque black and crisp white banding. Like their Crystal Red cousins, these freshwater shrimp are graded based on color intensity and pattern. Our S-SS Grade stock includes specimens with high-quality pigment coverage. Because they require near-perfect water quality, they are an excellent choice for an experienced keeper looking to maintain a high-end shrimp tank.
Crystal Black Shrimp are non-aggressive and active, but they are not recommended for beginners due to their specific environmental needs. They require soft, acidic water and are very sensitive to nitrogenous waste; ammonia and nitrites must stay at 0ppm. To succeed with these aquarium shrimp, we recommend a dedicated shrimp aquarium. Water should be changed at least 30% each week, and make sure to dechlorinate the water before adding it to the aquarium.
**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.
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to maintain stable parameters to ensure a healthy, thriving colony!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Caridina cantonensis |
| Common Name(s) | Crystal Black Shrimp, CBS, Bee Shrimp |
| Care Difficulty | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Adult Size | 1.25" (3.0 cm) |
| Diet | Omnivore / Biofilm & Algae Scavenger |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallons (10+ Gallons Recommended) |
| Temperature Range | 68°F–74°F (20°C–23°C) |
| pH Range | 6.6–6.9 |
| General Hardness (GH) | 5–7 dGH |
| Carbonate Hardness (KH) | 0–2 dKH |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | 130–160 ppm |
| Lifespan | 1–2 Years |
1. How do I properly acclimate my new freshwater shrimp to prevent shock?
Dwarf shrimp are sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters and total dissolved solids (TDS). Always drip acclimate new arrivals over 1 to 2 hours before releasing them into your tank. Follow our step-by-step tutorial in 7 Easy Steps to Drip Acclimate Shrimp and Fish for the perfect drip rate setup.
2. What substrate is best for keeping dwarf shrimp healthy?
It depends on the species! Neocaridina species thrive in inert substrates like gravel or sand, while Caridina species like Crystal Black Shrimp require active aquasoils that buffer pH down and pull KH near zero. Learn how to select the right foundation for your aquarium shrimp in our Best Substrate for Shrimp Guide.
3. How do I get my colony to start breeding?
As long as water parameters remain stable, temperatures stay in the low 70s, and adequate food is present, dwarf shrimp will breed naturally. To maximize baby shrimplet survival rates and learn how to support berried females, read our complete guide on How to Breed Freshwater Shrimp.
4. Are dwarf shrimp easy to care for if I am a beginner?
While Neocaridina species are great for beginners, Caridina species like Crystal Black Shrimp require precise soft-water conditions (low KH, low TDS, and active buffering soil). If you are just starting out, get a complete overview of parameters, diet, and setup requirements in our Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Care Guide.
Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 10 reviews.
Review topics: [packaged, shrimp, order, creatures, guys].
"I ordered 20 more. Pretty tiny little guys but very active. My aquarium is heavily planted and these guys look like bees buzzing around. So adorable. They did ship an extra one but one was deceased on arrival so it equaled out."
"Healthy!"
"I am always amazed at the fast shipping, and communications through the shipping process. This was my second order."
"Beautiful little creatures. They came very alive and healthy if a bit small but they have grown it is beautiful adults. Not all sources you find will get them to you in excellent condition like Bruce Plant does."
"Arrived on time and all alive."
"Ordered Thursday and they were delivered the following Tuesday. Great packing and all 10 shrimp arrived healthy and happy! They have been doing great in their new home. Buce plant has grade A+ plants and now A+ shrimp! Thank you!"
"Shrimp arrived in good shape. Packing was intact and well done. Quality of the shrimp are as advertised with a few above average giving excellent value. Will be buying from BP again!"
"Shipped and packed with care"
"Amazing Shrimp, received them fast. All are healthy and adapted to the tank well, waiting for more to come in stock!"
"Got the shrimp fast and they were all nicely packed and looking healthy, the grading is actually pretty good, I was expecting them to be a little dirty but the colors are actually very nice, will buy again no questions asked!!!"
