Red Bee Shrimp: A Guide for Aquarium Enthusiasts

The Red Bee Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis var. “Red Bee”) is a highly sought-after freshwater shrimp known for its vibrant red and white patterning. This delicate species is popular among aquascapers and shrimp breeders due to its striking appearance and selective grading system. However, it requires stable water conditions and careful maintenance, making it more suitable for experienced shrimp keepers.

Characteristics

• Scientific Name: Caridina cantonensis var. “Red Bee”
• Common Name: Red Bee Shrimp
• Family: Atyidae
• Natural Habitat: Originally derived from wild Caridina cantonensis species found in Taiwan and Southern China, but the Red Bee variety is a selectively bred strain.
• Behavior: Peaceful, highly active scavenger; often found grazing on biofilm and surfaces.
• Tank Preferences: Well-planted nano tanks with stable, soft water parameters.
• Ideal Water Parameters:
  • pH: 5.8 – 6.8
  • Hardness: Soft (GH: 4-6, KH: 0-2)
  • Temperature: 20-24°C (68-75°F)
  • TDS: 100-150 ppm
• Care Level: Moderate to Advanced

Origin and Distribution

The Red Bee Shrimp was originally developed through selective breeding in Japan and Taiwan. It is a refined version of the Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS), with a focus on intense red coloration and high-quality white patterns. Today, it is bred globally by shrimp enthusiasts and commercial farms.

Colors and Markings

The Red Bee Shrimp is distinguished by its bright red and white coloration, with various grading levels based on pattern clarity:

• Low-grade (C, B, A): More transparent or faded red with irregular white patches.
• High-grade (S, SS, SSS): Intense, solid red with defined white patterns and minimal transparency.
• Extreme Grades: High-end variations like Mosura and No-Entry patterns, often found in competition-grade shrimp.

Tankmates

• Best Companions:
  • Other Caridina shrimp, such as Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS) or Golden Bee Shrimp.
  • Small, peaceful fish like Chili Rasboras, Ember Tetras, and Otocinclus Catfish.
  • Snails such as Nerite Snails and Rabbit Snails to assist with tank maintenance.
• Avoid:
  • Large or aggressive fish (cichlids, bettas, angelfish) that may eat shrimp.
  • Fast-moving fish that may outcompete shrimp for food.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons, but 10-20 gallons is recommended for stability.
• Filtration:
  • Sponge filters are ideal to prevent shrimp from being sucked in.
  • Canister filters with gentle flow are also effective.
• Water Changes: 10-20% weekly using remineralized RO (reverse osmosis) water.
• Lighting: Moderate; helps promote biofilm and algae growth for natural food sources.
• Substrate & Plants:
  • Active substrate (ADA Amazonia, Brightwell) to maintain soft, acidic water.
  • Live plants like Java Moss, Anubias, and Bucephalandra provide hiding spaces.
  • Driftwood and Indian Almond Leaves help create biofilm and stabilize water.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivore
• Food Recommendations:
  • High-quality shrimp-specific pellets and granules.
  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, carrots).
  • Biofilm and algae (naturally occurring in a mature tank).
  • Occasional protein-rich treats like bloodworms (in small amounts).
• Feeding Frequency: Once per day, remove uneaten food after a few hours.

Gender Differences

• Males: Smaller, thinner body with less vibrant coloration.
• Females: Larger, rounder body with a visible saddle (undeveloped eggs) or a curved underbelly when carrying eggs.

Breeding

• Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
• Breeding Requirements:
  • Stable, soft water conditions with a slightly lower pH (6.0 – 6.5).
  • Cooler water (20-23°C) can increase survival rates of fry.
  • Plenty of hiding spots for baby shrimp (moss, leaf litter).
• Egg Laying & Growth:
  • Females carry eggs under their abdomen for 30-45 days.
  • Baby shrimp (fry) hatch as fully formed miniatures and begin grazing immediately.
• Selective Breeding:
  • To maintain color purity, avoid crossbreeding with other shrimp strains.
  • High-grade Red Bee Shrimp require careful culling to preserve desired patterns.

Additional Resources

If you enjoy Red Bee Shrimp, you may also be interested in:

• Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS): A similar red and white Caridina species.
• Golden Bee Shrimp: A golden-yellow variant of the Bee Shrimp.
• Blue Bolt Shrimp: A vibrant blue Caridina shrimp with soft gradient patterns.

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