About Red Ruby Taiwan Bee
Red Ruby Taiwan Bees are prized for their brilliant, jewel-like red coloration that distinguishes them from other red Taiwan Bee varieties. While Wine Reds exhibit a deeper burgundy tone, Red Rubies shine with a brighter, more vibrant red reminiscent of precious ruby gemstones. This variety emerged from Taiwan Bee breeding programs and has become a favorite among collectors who appreciate its striking appearance. The defining characteristic of Red Rubies is the quality of their red coloration - it should be bright, saturated, and jewel-like rather than dark or muddy. When combined with clean white markings, the contrast creates specimens that truly stand out in any collection. The best Red Rubies appear to glow under proper aquarium lighting. Like all Taiwan Bee varieties, Red Rubies demand pristine water conditions and are recommended for experienced Caridina keepers. They share the same parameter requirements as other Taiwan Bees but can be particularly sensitive to fluctuations. Their beauty makes the extra care worthwhile for dedicated hobbyists willing to provide optimal conditions.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Red Ruby Taiwan Bee
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Red Ruby 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 Red Ruby Taiwan Bee
- Active buffering substrate is non-negotiable for Taiwan Bee keeping
- Heavy planting with mosses provides biofilm surfaces and hiding spots
- Sponge filtration is safest for delicate Taiwan Bee shrimplets
- Include Indian Almond Leaves and botanicals for biofilm and water conditioning
- Established, stable tanks perform far better than new setups for Taiwan Bees
Care Tips for Red Ruby Taiwan Bee
- RO water remineralized with Caridina GH+ is mandatory - no shortcuts with Taiwan Bees
- Active buffering substrate maintains the acidic pH these shrimp require
- TDS should remain stable between 100-150 ppm with minimal fluctuation
- Temperature stability is more important than hitting exact numbers
- Small, frequent water changes (5-10% weekly) prevent parameter swings
- Use only shrimp-safe products - Taiwan Bees are highly sensitive to contaminants
- A mature, well-established tank is essential before adding Red Rubies
Feeding Red Ruby Taiwan Bee
- Premium Caridina foods ensure optimal nutrition and color development
- Color-enhancing foods with natural pigments help maintain vibrant red coloration
- Biofilm should form the dietary foundation - ensure mature tank conditions
- Feed sparingly to maintain water quality - Taiwan Bees need pristine conditions
- Mineral supplements support healthy molting and shell development
Breeding Red Ruby Taiwan Bee
- Select breeding pairs with the brightest ruby-red coloration and cleanest patterns
- Smaller clutches (10-20 eggs) are typical for Taiwan Bee varieties
- Shrimplet survival requires excellent water quality and abundant biofilm
- Line breeding maintains color quality; outcrossing introduces variation
- Culling is necessary to maintain colony quality - only keep the best specimens for breeding
Red Ruby Taiwan Bee Grading System
Red Ruby 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 Red Ruby
Bright ruby-red base color with clean white markings. Good saturation and pattern definition.
Characteristics
- Vivid ruby-red coloring
- Clear white accents
- Good pattern separation
- Opaque appearance
High Grade Red Ruby
Exceptional color intensity with perfectly defined white patterns. Premium specimens.
Characteristics
- Maximum red saturation
- Crisp white markings
- Perfect pattern edges
- Jewel-like brilliance
Red Ruby Extreme
The finest specimens with extraordinary color and pattern. Collector-grade shrimp.
Characteristics
- Extraordinary color depth
- Unique pattern variations
- Show-quality appearance
- Breeding potential
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Red Ruby Taiwan Bee
- Color intensity depends heavily on genetics, diet, and water quality
- Breeding success rates are lower than with standard CRS/CBS
- Parameter sensitivity makes acclimation critical - use extended drip method
- Molting issues often indicate mineral deficiency or parameter instability
- Stress from poor conditions causes color fading and reduced breeding
Troubleshooting Red Ruby 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.
Red Ruby Taiwan Bee FAQ
Red Rubies have a brighter, more vivid red coloration with jewel-like brilliance, while Wine Reds display a deeper, darker burgundy tone. Both are Taiwan Bee varieties with similar care requirements, but they represent different color expressions valued by collectors.
Color maintenance requires stable, optimal parameters (TDS 100-150, pH 5.8-6.8), color-enhancing foods rich in astaxanthin, minimal stress, and good genetics. Poor conditions or stress can cause color fading.
No, Red Rubies are considered advanced-level shrimp. They require pristine, stable parameters and are more sensitive than Neocaridina or even standard CRS. Beginners should start with Cherry Shrimp, then progress to CRS before attempting Taiwan Bees.
Yes, all Taiwan Bee varieties can interbreed with CRS as they're the same species (Caridina cantonensis). However, crossing produces variable offspring and may dilute the specific Red Ruby coloration. Most breeders keep them separate.
Sudden deaths usually indicate parameter problems: TDS or pH swings, contamination from copper or other toxins, ammonia spikes, or temperature fluctuations. Test all parameters and review any recent changes to the tank or routine.
Young Red Rubies typically begin showing their characteristic color within 2-4 weeks of hatching, with full color development by 2-3 months. Color intensity depends on genetics and conditions - shrimplets from high-quality parents usually color faster.
A minimum 10-gallon tank with active buffering substrate, sponge filtration, heavy planting (especially mosses), stable parameters, and mature biofilm. The tank should be well-cycled for at least 2-3 months before adding Taiwan Bees.
Track Your Red Ruby Taiwan Bee Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Red Ruby Taiwan Bee colony.