Black Bee Shrimp: A Stunning Freshwater Shrimp for Aquascapes

Characteristics

The Black Bee Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis var. Black Bee) is a highly sought-after freshwater shrimp known for its beautiful black-and-white pattern and delicate appearance. This shrimp is part of the Caridina genus, making it a close relative of Crystal Black Shrimp (CBS) and Taiwan Bee Shrimp. It requires pristine water conditions, making it more suitable for intermediate to advanced shrimp keepers.

• Scientific Name: Caridina cantonensis var. Black Bee
• Common Name: Black Bee Shrimp, CBS (Crystal Black Shrimp)
• Natural Habitat: Mountain streams in China and Taiwan
• Behavior: Peaceful, non-aggressive, and active scavenger
• Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons (for small colonies)
• Ideal Water Parameters:
  • pH: 5.8 – 6.8
  • Hardness: 0 – 6 dGH
  • Temperature: 68 – 74°F (20 – 23°C)
• Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Origin and Distribution

The Black Bee Shrimp is a selectively bred variety of Caridina cantonensis, originally found in soft-water streams of Taiwan and southern China. These regions feature cool, highly oxygenated waters with dense vegetation, making them ideal for shrimp colonies. Due to selective breeding, the Black Bee Shrimp has developed its deep black coloration with contrasting white bands.

Colors and Markings

The Black Bee Shrimp is known for its bold black-and-white pattern, often arranged in bands, stripes, or full-body coverage. Shrimp with higher contrast and cleaner patterns are considered more valuable.

Grading Scale (Quality Levels):

• Low Grade (C-Grade) – Faint black with irregular or faded white markings
• Medium Grade (B-Grade) – Solid black bands with slightly faded white sections
• High Grade (A/S-Grade) – Deep jet-black color with crisp white bands
• Extreme Grade (SS/SSS-Grade) – Nearly full-body black with perfect white contrasts

High-grade Black Bee Shrimp are often selectively bred and can be quite expensive in the aquarium trade.

Tankmates

Since Black Bee Shrimp are delicate and peaceful, they should be housed with gentle tankmates that won’t outcompete them for food or prey on them. Ideal companions include:

• Other Caridina Shrimp (Crystal Red Shrimp, Blue Bolt Shrimp, Shadow Panda Shrimp)
• Nano Fish (Chili Rasbora, Neon Tetra, Green Neon Tetra)
• Otocinclus Catfish – Algae eaters that won’t harm shrimp
• Snails (Nerite Snails, Malaysian Trumpet Snails)

Avoid housing them with aggressive or fast-moving fish, such as bettas, barbs, or large cichlids, as these may eat shrimp or cause stress.

Care Requirements

Black Bee Shrimp require soft, acidic water with stable conditions. They are highly sensitive to ammonia, nitrites, and sudden water changes.

• Filtration: A sponge filter or gentle canister filter helps maintain clean water without sucking up shrimp.
• Substrate: Active soil substrates (like ADA Amazonia) help maintain acidic pH and water softness.
• Aquascaping: Provide mosses (Java Moss, Christmas Moss), driftwood, and natural caves to encourage hiding and grazing.
• Water Quality: Weekly 10-15% water changes with RO (reverse osmosis) water mixed with shrimp-safe minerals.

To prevent shrimp deaths, always cycle the tank before introducing Black Bee Shrimp and avoid copper-based medications, which are toxic to shrimp.

Diet and Feeding

The Black Bee Shrimp is an omnivorous scavenger, feeding on biofilm, algae, and organic detritus in the tank. To supplement their diet, offer:

• Shrimp Pellets – Calcium-rich food to support molting
• Blanched Vegetables – Zucchini, spinach, carrots
• Algae Wafers – Helps with natural grazing behavior
• Protein Treats – Freeze-dried daphnia or baby brine shrimp (occasionally)

Feed them small amounts once per day and remove uneaten food after 2-3 hours to prevent water contamination.

Gender Differences

Males and females have subtle differences:

• Males – Smaller, slimmer, and less vibrant in coloration
• Females – Larger, rounder body, with a visible saddle (egg pouch) when carrying eggs

Breeding

Breeding Black Bee Shrimp can be challenging but is possible with stable conditions. They require soft, clean water with consistent mineral levels.

Breeding Steps:

1. Provide a well-established shrimp colony with plenty of moss and hiding spots.
2. Females develop a saddle (light-colored patch behind the head) before carrying eggs.
3. After mating, eggs are carried under the female’s abdomen for about 28-35 days.
4. Once hatched, baby shrimp feed on biofilm and microalgae—no special food is needed at first.
5. Keep water parameters stable to ensure high survival rates for the fry.

Crossbreeding Black Bee Shrimp with Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS) may result in mixed offspring with different color grades.

Additional Resources

For more in-depth shrimp care guides, check out:

• Beginner’s Guide to Caridina Shrimp Keeping
• How to Maintain a Soft Water Shrimp Tank
• Selective Breeding for High-Quality Black Bee Shrimp

The Black Bee Shrimp is a stunning, rare, and delicate shrimp variety, perfect for dedicated shrimp keepers who want a visually striking and rewarding species in their aquascape. With proper care, they can thrive and breed, creating a beautiful colony of black-and-white gems in your aquarium!