About King Kong Taiwan Bee
Black King Kong (BKK) Taiwan Bees are among the most striking and challenging Taiwan Bee varieties, displaying completely solid black coloration that makes them look like living shadows gliding through the aquarium. When you see a group of high-quality King Kongs in a planted tank, their jet-black bodies create a dramatic visual impact that few other shrimp can match. The King Kong variety emerged from Taiwan Bee breeding programs as breeders selected for maximum black expression. Unlike Crystal Black Shrimp that retain white banding, King Kongs have eliminated all white to achieve their signature all-black appearance. The best specimens show intense, uniform black with no lighter patches or translucent areas. However, King Kongs carry a significant breeding challenge that every keeper should understand: pure King Kong x King Kong breeding often results in very low survival rates, with some breeders reporting only 10-20% of shrimplets surviving. This is believed to be related to the genetics behind the all-black coloration. As a result, many successful breeders maintain Panda or other Taiwan Bee varieties to cross with their King Kongs, producing both King Kong and patterned offspring with better overall survival.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for King Kong Taiwan Bee
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of King Kong Taiwan Bee. 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 King Kong Taiwan Bee
- Active buffering substrate is mandatory
- Heavy planting with mosses provides cover and biofilm surfaces
- Sponge filtration protects valuable shrimplets
- Dark substrates complement the black coloration
- Include botanicals for biofilm and tannin release
Care Tips for King Kong Taiwan Bee
- RO water remineralized with Caridina GH+ is absolutely essential
- Active buffering substrate maintains the acidic conditions King Kongs require
- Keep TDS stable between 100-150 ppm - King Kongs are sensitive to fluctuations
- Temperature stability is crucial - even minor swings can cause problems
- Small, frequent water changes (5-10%) are safer than larger infrequent ones
- Mature, stable tanks only - never add King Kongs to new setups
- Quarantine new additions extensively before adding to established colonies
Feeding King Kong Taiwan Bee
- Premium Caridina-specific foods support health and color maintenance
- Mature biofilm is essential - King Kongs need established tanks
- Feed sparingly to maintain pristine water quality
- Protein-rich foods support breeding and growth
- Mineral supplements ensure healthy molting
Breeding King Kong Taiwan Bee
- Pure King Kong x King Kong breeding has notoriously low survival rates (10-20%)
- Many breeders cross King Kongs with Pandas to maintain genetic health
- King Kong x Panda produces both King Kong and Panda offspring
- Select the darkest specimens for breeding stock
- Small clutch sizes (8-18 eggs) are typical for this variety
King Kong Taiwan Bee Grading System
King Kong Taiwan Bee 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 King Kong
Solid black coloring with good coverage. May show slight variations in intensity across the body.
Characteristics
- All-black appearance
- Good color coverage
- Minor intensity variation
- Opaque coloring
High Grade King Kong
Intense, uniform jet-black coloring throughout. No variations or lighter patches visible.
Characteristics
- Uniform jet-black
- No color variation
- Complete opacity
- Consistent coverage
Extreme King Kong
The darkest, most intense black available. Show-quality specimens with perfect coloration.
Characteristics
- Maximum black intensity
- Perfect uniformity
- Show-quality appearance
- Premium breeding stock
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with King Kong Taiwan Bee
- Low breeding survival is inherent to the variety - not necessarily a husbandry problem
- Parameter sensitivity means strict attention to water quality
- Deaths often occur during acclimation - use extended drip method
- Some 'King Kongs' sold are lower-grade black Taiwan Bees
- Color may fade under stress or in poor conditions
Troubleshooting King Kong Taiwan Bee
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.
King Kong Taiwan Bee FAQ
Pure King Kong x King Kong breeding typically results in only 10-20% shrimplet survival. This is believed to be related to the genetics behind their all-black coloration - similar to how some all-white animals have genetic issues. Many breeders outcross with Pandas to maintain genetic health.
King Kongs are solid black with no white markings - they're all black throughout. Crystal Black Shrimp have the traditional bee shrimp pattern with black and white bands. King Kongs are a Taiwan Bee variety, while CBS are standard bee shrimp genetics.
Yes, King Kongs are considered advanced-level shrimp. They require soft, acidic water (TDS 100-150, pH 5.8-6.8), pristine stable conditions, and come with breeding challenges. They're recommended for experienced Caridina keepers.
Yes, and many breeders recommend it! King Kong x Panda produces both King Kong and Panda offspring with better genetic health than pure King Kong breeding. This is a common strategy to maintain King Kong lines while avoiding inbreeding issues.
Prices vary by quality: Standard grade $15-30, High Grade $30-60, and Extreme grade $50-150+. Premium breeding specimens can cost more. Prices depend on color intensity, uniformity, and source.
True King Kongs should be completely solid black with no visible white or other colors. Watch for sellers offering lower-grade black Taiwan Bees as King Kongs. The black should be intense, uniform, and opaque throughout the entire body including legs.
Feed premium Caridina-specific foods sparingly. Biofilm should form the dietary foundation. Color-enhancing foods aren't as relevant for black shrimp, but overall nutrition supports health. Focus on water quality over heavy feeding.
Track Your King Kong Taiwan Bee Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your King Kong Taiwan Bee colony.