Purple King Kong Shrimp
Species Profile
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.
**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.
Key Features & Notes
- 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 to 3 business days after placing an order to properly prepare live animal shipments.
Care Specifications
- Maintain clean, well-filtered water with stable GH and KH levels to ensure problem-free molting cycles.
- Keep water parameters strictly free of copper-based medications or heavy metals.
- Supplement their diet with plant-based shrimp pellets, spirulina, and blanched vegetables to ensure proper minerals for molting when natural algae is low.
Quick Facts
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 cf. cantonensis "Purple King Kong" |
| Common Name(s) | Purple King Kong Shrimp, Purple King Kong, Purple BKK |
| Care Difficulty | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Adult Size | 0.75"–1.0" (2.0–2.5 cm) |
| Diet | Omnivore / Biofilm & Algae Scavenger |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallons |
| Temperature Range | 68°F–74°F (20°C–23°C) |
| pH Range | 5.8–6.8 |
| General Hardness (GH) | 4–6 dGH |
| Carbonate Hardness (KH) | 0–2 dKH |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | 100–180 ppm |
| Lifespan | 1–2 Years |
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Purple King Kong 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 Purple King Kong 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.