Family: Atyidae
Crystal Red Bee Shrimp — the iconic red-and-white jewel. Reaches 2–2.5 cm; keep at 20–26 °C in soft acidic water.
Caridina cantonensis 'Crystal Red' — the Crystal Bee Shrimp — is a selective-bred Atyidae morph. In the aquarium it stays a very peaceful, striking red-and-white grazer. Plan on 2–2.5 cm of adult shrimp at 20–26 °C in soft acidic water; it is sensitive to nitrate swings, and suits dedicated shrimp keepers.
For experienced keepers. Very peaceful; groups of 10 or more.
Hold 20–26 °C and keep it stable — 20–26 °C stable range. Stable 20–26 °C; consistency matters more than the exact number.
Adults reach 2–2.5 cm; it is bottom — grazing moss and leaf litter. Plan for at least 30 litres.
Biofilm grazer; specialized bee-shrimp foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Very peaceful. Recommended tankmates: Other soft-water Caridina morphs — Interbreed — keep lines separate, Otocinclus and small peaceful fish — Safe with adult shrimp. Avoid Hard alkaline water fish — Opposite water chemistry, Copper-based medications — Lethal to all invertebrates.
Its home waters are Selective-bred form of the Hong Kong hill-stream Caridina — soft, acidic, ultra-stable aquariums, with gentle current.
Breeds in freshwater, but sensitive — stable soft acidic water required. Females are deeper-bodied with a curved underbelly.