About Golden Bee Shrimp
Golden Bee Shrimp hold a special place in the history of ornamental shrimp keeping. These blonde to golden-colored bee shrimp are directly linked to the development of Crystal Red Shrimp - the original CRS mutation was discovered in a cross involving Golden Bee genetics. Today, Golden Bees remain valuable both as attractive shrimp in their own right and as breeding stock for various Caridina programs. The golden coloration of these shrimp ranges from pale cream to rich gold, creating a warm-toned appearance that contrasts nicely with the cooler colors of other bee shrimp varieties. While they lack the dramatic patterns of Crystal or Taiwan Bee varieties, Golden Bees have a subtle beauty that appeals to many keepers. Their relatively hardy nature among Caridina makes them a good introduction to bee shrimp keeping. Genetically, Golden Bees are fascinating. When crossed with Crystal Black Shrimp, they can produce offspring carrying the genetic potential for red coloration - this is how the first Crystal Red Shrimp emerged. Modern breeders continue to use Golden Bees in various breeding projects, particularly in Taiwan Bee programs where their genetics can influence color and pattern outcomes.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Golden Bee Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Golden Bee 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 Golden Bee Shrimp
- Active buffering substrate is required
- Plant heavily with mosses and slow-growing plants
- Sponge filtration protects shrimplets
- Golden Bees show well against both light and dark substrates
- Include Indian Almond Leaves for biofilm development
Care Tips for Golden Bee Shrimp
- Requires RO water remineralized with Caridina GH+ products
- Active buffering substrate maintains acidic pH conditions
- Keep TDS between 100-150 ppm with stable parameters
- Golden Bees are considered relatively hardy among Caridina
- Weekly water changes of 10% with properly matched water
- Avoid copper and other contaminants
- Can thrive alongside other bee shrimp varieties
Feeding Golden Bee Shrimp
- Feed quality Caridina-specific foods
- Biofilm should form the dietary foundation
- Blanched vegetables and botanicals are good supplements
- Feed sparingly to maintain water quality
- Mineral supplements support healthy molting
Breeding Golden Bee Shrimp
- Historically important breeding stock for CRS development
- Can be crossed with CBS to produce genetically valuable offspring
- Golden x Black crosses carry potential for both color expressions
- Used in modern Taiwan Bee breeding programs
- Breeding is similar to other bee shrimp varieties
Golden Bee Shrimp Grading System
Golden Bee 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.
Standard Golden Bee
Good golden coloration with typical bee shrimp body form. May show subtle banding patterns.
Characteristics
- Golden/blonde coloring
- Visible bee shrimp form
- May show subtle bands
- Good color consistency
High Grade Golden Bee
Rich, saturated golden coloring with excellent coverage and intensity.
Characteristics
- Rich golden color
- Excellent coverage
- Consistent intensity
- Premium appearance
Breeding Stock Golden
Premium specimens valued for breeding programs with Taiwan Bees and Crystal shrimp.
Characteristics
- Breeding potential
- Genetic value
- Compatible with TB program
- Documented lineage
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Golden Bee Shrimp
- Less dramatic appearance may disappoint those expecting vibrant colors
- Often overlooked in favor of more colorful varieties
- Requires same careful parameters as other Caridina
- May be misidentified or mislabeled by sellers
- Color intensity varies between individuals
Troubleshooting Golden Bee 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.
Golden Bee Shrimp FAQ
Golden Bees are historically linked to CRS development. The original Crystal Red mutation was discovered in crosses involving Golden Bee genetics. When Golden Bees are crossed with Crystal Black Shrimp, offspring can carry the genetic potential for red coloration.
Among Caridina, Golden Bees are considered relatively hardy, but they still require the soft, acidic water (TDS 100-150, pH 5.8-6.8) mandatory for all bee shrimp. They're a reasonable choice for keepers with some experience, not absolute beginners.
Golden Bees have a warm golden to blonde coloration, ranging from pale cream to rich gold. They show the typical bee shrimp body form and may display subtle banding. They're more understated than Crystal or Taiwan Bee varieties.
Some keepers appreciate their subtle beauty and historical significance. They're also valuable for breeding programs - their genetics can influence color development in crosses with other bee shrimp. They're slightly hardier than some varieties.
Yes, they share the same water requirements and can coexist with other Caridina cantonensis varieties. However, they will interbreed, so keep them separate if maintaining pure lines. They're often kept with Crystal and Taiwan Bee varieties.
Golden Bees are generally affordable: Standard grade $5-12, High Grade $10-20, and Breeding Stock $15-30. They're typically less expensive than colorful Taiwan Bee varieties, making them accessible for breeding projects.
Yes, breeding is similar to other bee shrimp. With proper parameters (soft, acidic water) and mature tank conditions, Golden Bees will breed readily. Clutches typically contain 15-25 eggs with 28-35 day gestation.
Track Your Golden Bee Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Golden Bee Shrimp colony.