Crystal Black Shrimp (CBS) - Premium Grade Caridina Cantonensis

Description

Crystal Black Shrimp (CBS) (Caridina cf. cantonensis)

Elegant, striking and highly sought after, Crystal Black Shrimp are one of the world's most iconic ornamental shrimp. Their bold black-and-white patterning, peaceful nature and suitability for beautifully aquascaped aquariums make them a favourite among dedicated shrimp keepers.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Caridina cf. cantonensis
  • Common name: Crystal Black Shrimp (CBS)
  • Current size: Please refer to the selected size option
  • Adult size: Approximately 2.5–3 cm
  • Tank size: 20L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟠 Advanced
  • Temperament: Extremely peaceful
  • Social needs: Best kept in colonies of 10 or more

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want to establish a dedicated shrimp colony.
  • You enjoy planted aquariums with premium ornamental shrimp.
  • You can maintain stable water parameters.
  • You are interested in selective breeding and genetics.

❌ Avoid if:

  • Your aquarium has fluctuating water parameters.
  • You keep large or predatory fish.
  • You are looking for a shrimp to solve algae problems.
  • Your aquarium is newly established or biologically immature.

Why choose Crystal Black Shrimp?

Crystal Black Shrimp are admired for their crisp contrast between deep black and brilliant white bands. Each individual has a unique pattern, and selective breeding has produced a wide range of grades prized by shrimp enthusiasts around the world.

Unlike larger ornamental shrimp, Crystal Black Shrimp thrive in peaceful colonies where they spend the day grazing biofilm, microorganisms and tiny food particles from plants, mosses and driftwood. Watching an established colony forage together is one of the great pleasures of shrimp keeping.

Because they are more sensitive than many beginner shrimp species, they reward careful husbandry with vibrant colour, regular breeding and a thriving self-sustaining colony.

Benefits

  • Beautiful black and white colouration
  • Ideal for dedicated shrimp aquariums
  • Excellent colony-forming species
  • Safe with aquarium plants
  • Peaceful and fascinating to observe
  • Highly rewarding for selective breeding

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 20–24°C
  • pH: 5.8–6.8
  • Diet: Quality shrimp foods, biofilm, algae, blanched vegetables and occasional protein-rich foods
  • Water: Soft, clean, stable and well-filtered
  • Substrate: Active shrimp substrate is recommended to help maintain suitable water chemistry.
  • Setup: Mosses, driftwood, leaf litter and dense plants with plenty of grazing surfaces
  • Avoid sudden parameter changes, as Crystal Black Shrimp are sensitive to unstable water conditions.
  • Never use medications containing copper unless specifically confirmed to be shrimp safe.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Crystal Red Shrimp
  • Taiwan Bee Shrimp
  • Bucephalandra
  • Java Moss
  • Nerite Snails
NTA Insight:
Crystal Black Shrimp are best viewed as ornamental pets rather than algae eaters. While they constantly graze biofilm and tiny organic matter, their real appeal lies in building a healthy breeding colony and appreciating the incredible diversity of patterns that develop over successive generations. Stability—not chasing perfect numbers—is the key to long-term success.

FAQ

How large do Crystal Black Shrimp grow?

Adults typically reach around 2.5–3 cm in length.

Are Crystal Black Shrimp difficult to keep?

They are more demanding than Cherry Shrimp because they require soft, stable water with excellent quality. Once established, they can thrive and breed successfully.

Can Crystal Black Shrimp breed in freshwater?

Yes. Unlike Amano Shrimp, Crystal Black Shrimp complete their entire life cycle in freshwater and readily breed in suitable conditions.

Do Crystal Black Shrimp eat algae?

They graze soft algae, biofilm and microorganisms, but they should not be relied upon as the primary method of algae control.

Can they live with fish?

They are safest in dedicated shrimp aquariums or with very small, peaceful fish that are unlikely to prey on adults or shrimplets.

What do Crystal Black Shrimp eat?

Offer a varied diet of quality shrimp foods, biofilm, algae, blanched vegetables and occasional protein-rich supplements.

Do they need an active shrimp substrate?

While not absolutely essential, active substrates help maintain the soft, slightly acidic water conditions that Crystal Black Shrimp prefer and can improve long-term breeding success.

How long do Crystal Black Shrimp live?

With stable water conditions and excellent care, Crystal Black Shrimp commonly live for 1.5–2 years while producing multiple generations of offspring.

Crystal Black Shrimp (CBS) - Premium Grade Caridina Cantonensis

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Out of stock,  

$20.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Crystal Black Shrimp (CBS) (Caridina cf. cantonensis)

    Elegant, striking and highly sought after, Crystal Black Shrimp are one of the world's most iconic ornamental shrimp. Their bold black-and-white patterning, peaceful nature and suitability for beautifully aquascaped aquariums make them a favourite among dedicated shrimp keepers.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Caridina cf. cantonensis
    • Common name: Crystal Black Shrimp (CBS)
    • Current size: Please refer to the selected size option
    • Adult size: Approximately 2.5–3 cm
    • Tank size: 20L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟠 Advanced
    • Temperament: Extremely peaceful
    • Social needs: Best kept in colonies of 10 or more

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want to establish a dedicated shrimp colony.
    • You enjoy planted aquariums with premium ornamental shrimp.
    • You can maintain stable water parameters.
    • You are interested in selective breeding and genetics.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • Your aquarium has fluctuating water parameters.
    • You keep large or predatory fish.
    • You are looking for a shrimp to solve algae problems.
    • Your aquarium is newly established or biologically immature.

    Why choose Crystal Black Shrimp?

    Crystal Black Shrimp are admired for their crisp contrast between deep black and brilliant white bands. Each individual has a unique pattern, and selective breeding has produced a wide range of grades prized by shrimp enthusiasts around the world.

    Unlike larger ornamental shrimp, Crystal Black Shrimp thrive in peaceful colonies where they spend the day grazing biofilm, microorganisms and tiny food particles from plants, mosses and driftwood. Watching an established colony forage together is one of the great pleasures of shrimp keeping.

    Because they are more sensitive than many beginner shrimp species, they reward careful husbandry with vibrant colour, regular breeding and a thriving self-sustaining colony.

    Benefits

    • Beautiful black and white colouration
    • Ideal for dedicated shrimp aquariums
    • Excellent colony-forming species
    • Safe with aquarium plants
    • Peaceful and fascinating to observe
    • Highly rewarding for selective breeding

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 20–24°C
    • pH: 5.8–6.8
    • Diet: Quality shrimp foods, biofilm, algae, blanched vegetables and occasional protein-rich foods
    • Water: Soft, clean, stable and well-filtered
    • Substrate: Active shrimp substrate is recommended to help maintain suitable water chemistry.
    • Setup: Mosses, driftwood, leaf litter and dense plants with plenty of grazing surfaces
    • Avoid sudden parameter changes, as Crystal Black Shrimp are sensitive to unstable water conditions.
    • Never use medications containing copper unless specifically confirmed to be shrimp safe.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Crystal Red Shrimp
    • Taiwan Bee Shrimp
    • Bucephalandra
    • Java Moss
    • Nerite Snails
    NTA Insight:
    Crystal Black Shrimp are best viewed as ornamental pets rather than algae eaters. While they constantly graze biofilm and tiny organic matter, their real appeal lies in building a healthy breeding colony and appreciating the incredible diversity of patterns that develop over successive generations. Stability—not chasing perfect numbers—is the key to long-term success.

    FAQ

    How large do Crystal Black Shrimp grow?

    Adults typically reach around 2.5–3 cm in length.

    Are Crystal Black Shrimp difficult to keep?

    They are more demanding than Cherry Shrimp because they require soft, stable water with excellent quality. Once established, they can thrive and breed successfully.

    Can Crystal Black Shrimp breed in freshwater?

    Yes. Unlike Amano Shrimp, Crystal Black Shrimp complete their entire life cycle in freshwater and readily breed in suitable conditions.

    Do Crystal Black Shrimp eat algae?

    They graze soft algae, biofilm and microorganisms, but they should not be relied upon as the primary method of algae control.

    Can they live with fish?

    They are safest in dedicated shrimp aquariums or with very small, peaceful fish that are unlikely to prey on adults or shrimplets.

    What do Crystal Black Shrimp eat?

    Offer a varied diet of quality shrimp foods, biofilm, algae, blanched vegetables and occasional protein-rich supplements.

    Do they need an active shrimp substrate?

    While not absolutely essential, active substrates help maintain the soft, slightly acidic water conditions that Crystal Black Shrimp prefer and can improve long-term breeding success.

    How long do Crystal Black Shrimp live?

    With stable water conditions and excellent care, Crystal Black Shrimp commonly live for 1.5–2 years while producing multiple generations of offspring.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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