Black King Kong Shrimp (Caridina cf. Cantonensis) are a beautiful and popular type of freshwater shrimp. They are known for their deep black coloration and their unique appearance. Black King Kong Shrimp are relatively easy to care for and can make a great addition to any community tank.
Image of Black King Kong Shrimp
Appearance
Black King Kong Shrimp are typically about an inch long when fully grown. Their bodies are a deep black color, with some individuals having a slight blue sheen. Their legs and antennae are also black, and their eyes are red. Black King Kong Shrimp have a distinctive white stripe on their backs, which is why they are sometimes called “panda shrimp.”
Image of Black King Kong Shrimp with white stripe on back
Behavior
Black King Kong Shrimp are relatively shy and reclusive creatures. They spend most of their time grazing on algae and other detritus. However, they can be quite active during feeding time, and they will often swim around the aquarium in search of food. Black King Kong Shrimp are also social creatures, and they will often congregate in groups.
Image of Black King Kong Shrimp grazing on algae
Care and Maintenance
Black King Kong Shrimp are relatively easy to care for. They can be kept in a variety of aquarium setups, but they prefer a well-planted tank with moderate water flow. The pH of the water should be between 6.0 and 7.0, and the water hardness should be between 1 and 4 dGH. Black King Kong Shrimp also need a temperature of between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Image of Well-planted aquarium for Black King Kong Shrimp
Black King Kong Shrimp can be fed a variety of foods, including algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and commercial shrimp foods. It is important to avoid feeding them copper-based medications, as these can be toxic to shrimp.
Image of Black King Kong Shrimp eating algae wafers
Tankmates
Black King Kong Shrimp are peaceful creatures and can be kept with a variety of other fish and shrimp. However, it is important to avoid keeping them with fish that are known to be aggressive towards shrimp. Some good tankmates for Black King Kong Shrimp include:
- Neon tetras
- Guppies
- Platies
- Rasboras
- Celestial pearl danios
- Other types of shrimp
Image of Black King Kong Shrimp with Neon Tetras
Breeding
Black King Kong Shrimp are relatively easy to breed in captivity. If you have a male and female Black King Kong Shrimp in your aquarium, they will likely breed on their own. However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:
- Provide a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places for the shrimp.
- Feed the shrimp a high-quality diet.
- Maintain the water parameters within the ideal range.
- Raise the water temperature to between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the female shrimp has been fertilized, she will carry the eggs in her abdomen for several weeks. Once the eggs hatch, the baby shrimp will be very small and vulnerable. It is important to provide them with a safe environment by adding plenty of fine-leaved plants to the aquarium.
Tips for Keeping Black King Kong Shrimp Happy and Healthy
Here are some tips for keeping your Black King Kong Shrimp happy and healthy:
- Avoid using copper-based medications in your aquarium, as these can be toxic to shrimp.
- Be careful not to overfeed your shrimp, as this can lead to water quality problems.
- Quarantine any new shrimp before adding them to your main aquarium to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Monitor your shrimp regularly for signs of illness. If you see any signs of illness, quarantine the shrimp immediately and treat them with the appropriate medication.
Image of Quarantine Tank for New Shrimp
With proper care, Black King Kong Shrimp can live for several years. They are a beautiful and unique addition to any freshwater aquarium.















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