Black King Kong Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis)

Black King Kong Shrimp — Caridina cf. cantonensis

Bold, dramatic, and unmistakably premium — the Black King Kong Shrimp is one of the most coveted Caridina variants in the freshwater shrimp hobby. Characterized by its intense, opaque black coloration and striking white banding, the Black King Kong is a selectively bred form of the Crystal Black lineage pushed to its visual extreme. A statement piece for the serious aquascaper.

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Caridina cf. cantonensis
• Origin: Selectively bred — Taiwan
• Adult Size: 2 – 3 cm (0.8 – 1.2 inches)
• Lifespan: 1.5 – 2 years
• Temperament: Peaceful, social
• Difficulty: Advanced — recommended for experienced Caridina keepers

Appearance & Grading

• Coloration: Deep, opaque black with bright white markings
• Pattern: Solid black head (carapace) with white body banding — the hallmark of the King Kong grade
• Grading: Judged by the intensity and opacity of black, sharpness of white contrast, and coverage. Higher grades command premium pricing.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20 – 25°C (68 – 77°F)
• pH: 5.8 – 6.8 (soft, acidic water essential)
• gH: 3 – 6
• kH: 0 – 1
• TDS: 80 – 150 ppm

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 L (5 gallons)
• Water Source: Re-mineralized RO water is essential
• Substrate: Active buffering substrate (e.g. ADA Amazonia, Fluval Stratum) to maintain low pH and KH
• Filtration: Sponge filter or pre-filtered inlet to protect shrimplets
• Decor: Dense moss, driftwood, and leaf litter to encourage biofilm and provide refuge

Diet

• Primary: Biofilm and algae naturally occurring in a mature tank
• Supplemental: High-quality shrimp-specific pellets, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein (daphnia, spirulina) 1–2× per week
• Avoid: Overfeeding — uneaten food degrades water quality rapidly in soft-water setups

Breeding & Behaviour

• Breeding: Breeds in freshwater under stable, optimal conditions. Females carry 15–25 eggs for 4–6 weeks. Offspring generally maintain King Kong characteristics when bred true.
• Tankmates: Best kept species-only or with other soft-water Caridina (Crystal Black, Blue Bolt). Do not mix with Neocaridina species.
• Avoid: Fish tankmates, copper-based treatments, and sudden parameter swings