{"product_id":"crystal-black-shrimp-1","title":"Crystal Black Shrimp","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Crystal Black Shrimp\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Crystal Black Shrimp is one of the most iconic and highly prized freshwater shrimp in the aquarium hobby. Renowned for its striking black-and-white banding, this premium \u003cem\u003eCaridina\u003c\/em\u003e variety has become a favourite among aquascapers and dedicated shrimp keepers worldwide. High-grade Crystal Black Shrimp display crisp, solid white bands contrasted against deep jet-black markings, creating an elegant appearance that stands out beautifully in planted aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally developed through selective breeding from Bee Shrimp (\u003cem\u003eCaridina cantonensis\u003c\/em\u003e), Crystal Black Shrimp are admired not only for their beauty but also for their peaceful nature and fascinating behaviour. They spend their day grazing on biofilm, algae, and microorganisms found on plants, mosses, driftwood, and rocks, making them an attractive and beneficial addition to any shrimp aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrystal Black Shrimp thrive in mature planted aquariums with soft, slightly acidic water, abundant mosses, botanicals, and biofilm-rich surfaces. Due to their more specialised water requirements, they are best suited to dedicated shrimp aquariums or peaceful nano communities with Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras, and small Blue-eye Rainbowfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet of premium Caridina shrimp foods, algae wafers, spirulina, Indian Almond Leaves, mulberry leaves, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein-rich foods will promote healthy moulting, successful breeding, and exceptional colour quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElegant, peaceful, and highly rewarding, the Crystal Black Shrimp is an outstanding choice for aquarists looking to create a premium shrimp colony or aquascape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCaridina cantonensis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrystal Black Shrimp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaptive-bred ornamental variety\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.5–3 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20 Litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20–24°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5.8–6.8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGH 4–6 | KH 0–1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntermediate to Advanced\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.5–2 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDedicated shrimp aquariums, planted aquascapes, and peaceful nano community tanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Crystal Black Shrimp suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrystal Black Shrimp are best suited to aquarists with some experience. They require soft, slightly acidic water and stable water parameters to thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Crystal Black Shrimp eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey feed on biofilm, premium Caridina shrimp foods, algae, spirulina, Indian Almond Leaves, mulberry leaves, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein-rich foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Crystal Black Shrimp live with fish?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, but only with peaceful nano species such as Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras, and Blue-eyes. A shrimp-only aquarium offers the best breeding success and shrimplet survival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Crystal Black Shrimp breed in freshwater?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Unlike Amano Shrimp, Crystal Black Shrimp complete their entire life cycle in freshwater. Under stable conditions, females carry eggs for approximately 3–4 weeks before miniature shrimp hatch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Crystal Black Shrimp be kept with Neocaridina shrimp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough they generally won't hybridise with \u003cem\u003eNeocaridina davidi\u003c\/em\u003e, the two groups require different water parameters. For the best health and breeding success, Crystal Black Shrimp are best kept in a dedicated Caridina aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them in hard or alkaline water\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrystal Black Shrimp require soft, slightly acidic water. Hard water can cause moulting problems, poor breeding success, and reduced lifespan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdding them to immature aquariums\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA mature aquarium with abundant biofilm is essential before introducing Crystal Black Shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSudden water parameter changes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRapid fluctuations in pH, GH, KH, temperature, or TDS can stress shrimp and lead to failed moults. Always acclimate slowly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them with predatory fish\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven small fish may prey on shrimplets. Dedicated shrimp aquariums provide the highest survival rates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOverfeeding\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcess food quickly affects water quality. Feed sparingly and allow shrimp to naturally graze on algae and biofilm throughout the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"1","offer_id":48861258875019,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10","offer_id":48861258907787,"sku":null,"price":120.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/P4lY6feRAJo1Z6bt0UDQLQf1RN6WYnxPmr0IjRHnuEZ-uWzdhJ5yQQQV5y0eLmedBFNFl6j2k5FfyHzm4Z5M_FkSTdxBhmEWJfTzgo1gCAQzGPuJiWerM0wKk3rp56VBz9P8fYjcLVGYgXFAvwqbwnU2rR1CcSS7xPvgfsH3fTxCkzBAe_DH81U.jpg?v=1786072027","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/crystal-black-shrimp-1","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}