About Crystal Black Shrimp
Crystal Black Shrimp (CBS) represent the original wild-type coloration of the Bee Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis), predating the famous Crystal Red mutation that would later captivate the hobby. While CRS get much of the attention, CBS have their own dedicated following, prized for their elegant black and white contrast that many consider equally stunning to their red cousins. Interestingly, Crystal Black Shrimp are often considered slightly hardier than Crystal Red, likely because they're closer to the original wild genetics. This doesn't mean they can tolerate different water parameters - CBS require the same soft, acidic conditions as all Caridina cantonensis varieties. However, some breeders report better breeding success and survival rates with CBS colonies. The grading system for Crystal Black Shrimp mirrors that of CRS, with the same progression from C grade through SSS Mosura. The key difference is that instead of red and white, you're evaluating black and white coverage. High-grade CBS with nearly all-white bodies and just touches of jet black on their faces are spectacular specimens that command premium prices. CBS also play an important role in Taiwan Bee breeding programs, contributing to varieties like Panda and Shadow Panda shrimp.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Crystal Black Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Crystal Black Shrimp. As a Caridina species, they require more specific water conditions and are less tolerant of parameter swings.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 100-150 ppm | 120-150 ppm |
| GH | 4-6 dGH | 4-5 dGH |
| KH | 0-2 dKH | 0-1 dKH |
| pH | 5.8-6.8 | 6-6.4 |
| Temperature | 68-75°F (20-24°C) | 70-73°F |
Tank Setup for Crystal Black Shrimp
- Active buffering substrate (ADA Amazonia, SL-Aqua, Controsoil) is required
- Heavy planting with mosses, Bucephalandra, and other low-light plants
- Sponge or matten filters are safest for shrimplets
- Include driftwood and botanicals for biofilm and tannin release
- CBS show beautifully against darker substrates - their white bands really pop
Care Tips for Crystal Black Shrimp
- Use RO water remineralized with Caridina GH+ products - identical care to Crystal Red Shrimp
- Active buffering substrate is essential to maintain the low pH these shrimp require
- Keep TDS between 100-150 ppm and GH between 4-6 dGH with minimal KH
- Maintain stable temperature between 20-24C (68-75F) - avoid fluctuations
- Perform small, frequent water changes (10% weekly) rather than large infrequent ones
- Never use copper-based medications or fertilizers in a CBS tank
- CBS may be slightly hardier than CRS but still require the same precise parameters
Feeding Crystal Black Shrimp
- Feed high-quality Caridina-specific foods - CBS have identical dietary needs to CRS
- Ensure tank is well-established with mature biofilm before adding shrimp
- Blanched vegetables, mulberry leaves, and Indian Almond Leaves are excellent supplements
- Feed sparingly - 2-3 times weekly is sufficient for a healthy colony
- Provide mineral-rich foods and calcium supplements for healthy molting
Breeding Crystal Black Shrimp
- CBS breeding follows identical patterns to CRS - females carry 15-25 eggs for 28-35 days
- Can be crossed with Crystal Red Shrimp - offspring will be either red OR black, never mixed
- Crossing CBS with CRS can improve genetic diversity and vigor in both populations
- CBS genetics are foundational for many Taiwan Bee varieties including Panda and Shadow Panda
- Culling for quality follows the same principles as CRS - select for white coverage and pattern definition
Crystal Black Shrimp Grading System
Crystal Black Shrimp are commonly graded based on color intensity, coverage, and pattern quality. Higher grades typically command higher prices and are the result of selective breeding.
C Grade
Entry-level CBS with mostly black coloring and minimal white coverage. White bands may be thin or incomplete.
Characteristics
- Predominantly black body
- Thin white bands
- May have translucent areas
- Variable pattern definition
B Grade
Improved white coverage with more defined bands. Black coloring should be more consistent than C grade.
Characteristics
- Better defined white bands
- More consistent black coloring
- Reduced translucency
- Clearer pattern separation
A Grade
Quality CBS with solid white bands and deep black coloring. Good pattern definition throughout.
Characteristics
- Solid white bands
- Deep black coloring
- Opaque appearance
- Well-defined patterns
S Grade
High-quality shrimp with extensive white coverage. May display Hinomaru or other named patterns.
Characteristics
- Significant white coverage
- Jet black contrasting areas
- Named patterns possible
- Excellent color density
SS Grade
Premium grade with exceptional white coverage, often showing No Entry or Mosura patterns.
Characteristics
- Extensive white coverage
- Minimal black showing
- No Entry or Mosura pattern
- Perfect contrast
SSS Grade (Mosura)
The highest grade with nearly all-white body. Black limited to small areas, creating stunning contrast.
Characteristics
- Almost entirely white
- Black only on face/head
- Crown or Flower Head pattern
- Exceptional rarity
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Crystal Black Shrimp
- Same vulnerabilities as CRS - sensitive to parameter swings, copper, and pH instability
- Failed molts indicate mineral imbalance - ensure proper GH+ remineralization
- Deaths often occur when substrate buffering depletes - monitor pH regularly
- White ring of death indicates calcium/molting problems
- Bacterial infections require pristine water quality and quarantine
Troubleshooting Crystal Black Shrimp
Caridina are particularly sensitive to water quality issues and parameter swings. Here are common problems to watch for:
Failed Molt: Shrimp Stuck in Shell
Understanding failed molts where shrimp cannot escape their old exoskeleton. Learn why it happens, why affected shrimp cannot be saved, and how to prevent future molt failures.
Why Are My Shrimp Dying?
Comprehensive triage guide for unexplained shrimp deaths. Learn to identify the cause and take immediate action to save your remaining colony.
White Ring of Death in Shrimp
Understanding the dreaded white ring or white line that appears around a shrimp's body, signaling a fatal molting problem that cannot be reversed once visible.
Baby Shrimp (Shrimplets) Dying
Why newborn shrimp disappear or die when adult shrimp seem healthy. Covers filter intake, predation, starvation, and sensitivity issues specific to shrimplets.
Bacterial Infection in Shrimp
Identifying and treating bacterial infections in aquarium shrimp. Learn to recognize symptoms and understand why prevention through water quality is more effective than treatment.
Planaria in Shrimp Tank
Identifying and eliminating planaria flatworms that prey on shrimp, especially shrimplets. Learn safe treatment methods that won't harm your colony.
Crystal Black Shrimp FAQ
CBS and CRS are the same species (Caridina cantonensis) with different color expressions. CBS have black and white coloring (the original wild type), while CRS have red and white (a mutation discovered in Japan). Care requirements are identical, and they can interbreed.
Many breeders consider CBS slightly hardier due to their closer genetic relationship to wild bee shrimp. However, they still require the same soft, acidic water parameters (TDS 100-150, pH 5.8-6.8, GH 4-6). The difference is subtle rather than dramatic.
Yes, CBS and CRS will readily interbreed. Offspring will be either black OR red (the colors don't mix), with ratios depending on the parents' genetics. Many breeders intentionally cross them to improve genetic diversity and vigor in their colonies.
CBS are foundational to many Taiwan Bee varieties. When crossed with Golden Bee or other mutations, they contribute to varieties like Panda, Shadow Panda, and other black-based Taiwan Bee patterns. CBS genetics are highly valued in serious breeding programs.
CBS grading mirrors CRS: C through SSS based on white coverage and pattern. Higher grades have more white and less black, with named patterns like Hinomaru, No Entry, and Mosura indicating premium specimens. Jet black coloring and crisp contrast are valued.
Color loss can indicate stress, poor water quality, or inadequate diet. Check all parameters, ensure proper remineralization, and feed color-enhancing foods. Genetics also play a role - lower-grade CBS may naturally have less intense coloring. Stress from shipping often causes temporary color loss.
Active buffering substrates like ADA Amazonia, SL-Aqua Nature Soil, or Controsoil are required. These maintain the low pH (5.8-6.8) that CBS need. Dark substrates particularly complement CBS, making their white bands stand out dramatically.
Track Your Crystal Black Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Crystal Black Shrimp colony.