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Freshwater fishBlack Panda Shrimp
Black Panda Shrimp
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The black panda shrimp, or crystal black panda shrimp, is one of the jewels of the fancy shrimp collectors. These aquarium shrimp are very difficult to breed and will grow into a striking, broad black and white banded species. Breeders do not hold onto these shrimp very long, and so they arrive at our airport on the small side, just one half inch, so make sure you have the right habitat for this little beast.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Caridina cf. cantonensis (black panda, crystal black) |
| Origin | Taiwan (aquarium-bred) |
| Care Level | Moderate to difficult (needs soft, stable water) |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Adult Size | Up to 1" |
| Lifespan | 1½–2 years |
| Diet | Omnivore (grazes on algae) |
| Water Temperature | 68–76°F |
| pH | 5.8–6.8 |
| Water Hardness | GH 4–6, KH 0–1 (soft) |
| Group Size | Does best in a group |
| Shipping Size | Approx. ½" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Caridina bee and Taiwan bee shrimp need soft, slightly acidic water. Use a mature, cycled tank with an active (buffering) shrimp substrate, RO water remineralized for shrimp, moss and plants, and a sponge filter.
Feeding: Feed a small amount of quality shrimp food once a day, and remove any uneaten food after a few hours.
Tankmates: Caridina are best kept in a shrimp-only tank or with tiny, peaceful fish like otocinclus, plus snails. Avoid cichlids and other fish that will eat shrimp. Different bee and Taiwan bee varieties can crossbreed, but they will not breed with Neocaridina.
Good to know: Acclimate slowly (drip for an hour or more). Stable water matters more than perfect numbers, and sudden changes in temperature or hardness are the most common cause of losses.
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