Bee Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis sp.)

From The Aquarium Wiki

Contents 1 Alternative names 1.1 Synonyms 2 Species Notes 2.1 Grading 2.2 Other Morphs 3 Sexing 4 Tank compatibility 5 Diet 6 Feeding regime 7 Environment Specifics 8 Behaviour 9 Identification 10 Pictures 11 Commercial Sellers 12 External links

Alternative names

Bee Shrimp, Crystal Black Shrimp (original species often called CBS), Crystal Red Shrimp (colour mutation of the Black shrimp often called CRS).

Synonyms

Caridina cantonensis sp. "Crystal Red", Caridina cantonensis sp. "Bee", Caridina cantonensis sp. "Black Tiger", Caridina cantonensis sp "blue", Caridina cantonensis sp. "Golden Bee", Caridina cantonensis sp. "Orange Bee"

Species Notes

There are many selectively-bred colour morphs of the Bee Shrimp, established in 1991, it will commonly be found in stores as the Crystal Red Shrimp or CRS, the red/white variant. It is exactly the same as the Bee Shrimp but is now being bred separately for the colour.

The Crystal Black genetic mutation was discovered in Japan in 1996 and was registered as a trademark in that country. It is like the Crystal Red but with black bands instead

Grading

Crystal Red Shrimp/Crystal Black Shrimp have different grades. In order from lowest to highest, the grades are: C, B, A, S, SS, and SSS. The higher the grade, the more white it has and the more expensive it is. Visit external link below for grading information.

Other Morphs

Other selectively bred morphs are appearing on the market regularly, including the Black Tiger Shrimp with a black body and red eyes. Also the Blue Tiger Shrimp with a very dark blue body and orange eyes.

The Orange Bee Shrimp has very similar markings to the Tiger Shrimp but with a very orange body.

The Golden Bee Shrimp has a solid white/cream body. It may also be called the Golden Crystal Red Shrimp or Snow White Crystal Red Shrimp.

Many of these morphs may be reclassified with their own Caridina names as more is discovered about them.

Sexing

The difference in sex is quite obvious in adult animals, especially if one can compare male and female.

• Adult females are 10-30% larger than adult males.
• Females have substantially larger scales on the abdomen (See image on the right)
• Before laying eggs, the female's ovaries are visible in the 'head' and back of the female.

One of the few recognizable characteristics of young females, is the presence of ovaries before their first spawn.

The extended scales of the female form a 'breeding chamber' for the eggs which are carried on the shrimp's swimming legs.

Tank compatibility

A small peaceful shrimp. Best not kept with other members of the Cardinia family or aggressive or nippy fish.

Diet

Herbivorous in nature, will graze constantly around the tank. Will prefer a well planted tank, and moss or Riccia will provide them with a snack. Will also take crumbled algae wafers or catfish tablets.

Feeding regime

Feed once a day. However, if feeding food bought from a pet store, make sure the food doesn't contain any copper or its derogatives (copper sulphate, etc.). Any type of copper can kill these shrimp, and you don't want to risk killing them with food.

Environment Specifics

These shrimp are highly sensitive to water conditions. They need an ammonia and nitrite free tank. Although they will graze on algae, the presence of algae represents a heightened nitrate level, which will also effect the shrimp. They prefer a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Seem to breed well when doing water changes with R/O water. These shrimp prefer lower water temperatures around a low 21.1°C (70°F) . Temperatures about 24.4°C (76°F) stress them out and they won't breed readily and may even die. Many keepers of these shrimp install fan systems to keep the tank cool during warm weather.

Behaviour

A peaceful scavenger.

Identification

An attractive shrimp with many colour morphs, see above.

Pictures

Head of CRS Shrimp	Crystal Red Shrimp	CRS on Crypt. becektii leaf	SS Grade CRS
Crystal Black Shrimp

Commercial Sellers

• BreedInUSA.com - USA Breeder & Seller
• The Shrimp Spot - Worldwide Seller of Freshwater Shrimp

External links

• BreedInUSA.com - US Seller: Crystal Red Shrimp
• Planet Inverts - Crystal Red Shrimp
• Planet Inverts - Black Tiger Shrimp
• Planet Inverts.com Crystal Red Shrimp Grading Guide
• Shrimp Fanatics
• Fish You
• The Shrimp Farm
• Caring and Breeding Crystal Red's
• Breeding CRS shrimp for profit