Purple King Kong Shrimp
Common Name: Purple King Kong Shrimp
Scientific Name: Caridina cf. cantonensis "Purple King Kong"
Genus: Caridina
Wild Origin: Selectively bred
Adult Size: 0.75–1 in
**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.
Purple King Kong Shrimp are a rare and highly sought-after Caridina shrimp prized for their deep purple bodies accented by crisp white bands. Their unique coloration can range from deep violet to nearly black, depending on genetics, lighting, and water conditions, creating a striking contrast against aquatic plants and dark substrates. As an advanced shrimp variety, they require stable water parameters and are best kept in mature, well-established aquariums.
Unlike hardy Neocaridina shrimp, Purple King Kong Shrimp thrive in soft, slightly acidic water and benefit from active buffering substrates designed for Caridina. A heavily planted aquarium with mosses, fine-leaved plants, and plenty of natural biofilm will help them feel secure while providing constant grazing opportunities.
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
- Rare, selectively-bred Caridina shrimp with vibrant purple coloration
- Best suited for established aquariums with stable water parameters
- Excellent scavengers that continuously graze on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter
- To increase survival rates, please allow 2–3 business days after an order is placed to properly prepare live animal shipments.
Recommended Water Parameters
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. We encourage you to do thorough research before committing to keeping any livestock.
- Temperature Range: 68–74 °F
- pH: 5.8–6.8
- TDS: 100–180 ppm
- GH: 4–6 dGH
- KH: 0–2 dKH
Recommended Tank Size
5+ gallons minimum. While Purple King Kong Shrimp can be kept in nano aquariums, larger tanks provide greater water stability and make it easier to establish the biofilm they rely on for daily grazing. Dense plant growth, mosses, and hardscape with plenty of hiding places will encourage natural behavior and successful molting.
Diet
Biofilm, algae, diatoms, specialized shrimp foods, spirulina-based pellets, bee pollen, blanched vegetables, powdered shrimp foods, and Indian almond leaves.
Breeding
Purple King Kong Shrimp reproduce through direct development, meaning females carry fertilized eggs beneath their swimmerets until fully formed shrimplets hatch several weeks later. Because they are a Caridina variety, successful breeding depends on maintaining consistently soft, clean water with minimal parameter swings.
Females are typically larger and broader than males and will carry clusters of eggs after breeding. Providing a mature aquarium rich in biofilm gives newly hatched shrimplets their best chance of survival, as they immediately begin grazing on microorganisms and algae just like the adults.
Selective breeding is responsible for the Purple King Kong's distinctive coloration. Breeders carefully pair shrimp exhibiting the deepest, most consistent purple coloration over multiple generations to strengthen the trait. Color intensity may vary slightly between individuals, making each shrimp unique while still showcasing the dramatic appearance that has made this variety a favorite among experienced shrimp keepers.
Ideal for dedicated Caridina shrimp aquariums or heavily planted nature-style layouts, Purple King Kong Shrimp make an eye-catching centerpiece for hobbyists looking to keep one of the more unique freshwater shrimp varieties available.