CBS Shrimp

CBS Shrimp | Caridina cantonensis sp. — Distinctive Black-and-White Patterning

CBS Shrimp, also known as Crystal Black Shrimp, is a selectively bred Bee shrimp with striking black-and-white patterns. Growing to around 2.5–3 cm, it is peaceful and best kept in a dedicated, specially equipped aquarium.

This shrimp is sensitive to water quality, so provide clean, soft, slightly acidic water and perform a 20–30% water change each week. Rich plant cover and floating plants help create a suitable environment and soften the lighting. With good water quality, breeding is relatively easy: females carry around 20–25 eggs, young shrimp develop their pattern at about one month and reach maturity at around four months.

Specifications

• Common name: CBS Shrimp, Crystal Black Shrimp
• Scientific name: Caridina cantonensis sp.
• Origin: Selectively bred from Bee shrimp native to South Asia
• Colour pattern: Black and white
• Adult size: Approximately 2.5–3 cm
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Recommended aquarium size: At least 20 litres
• Suggested stocking: 5–6 shrimp per 20 litres
• Temperature: 18–25°C
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Water hardness: 4–6 °NK
• Water changes: 20–30% weekly
• Diet: Omnivorous; boiled vegetables, spirulina tablets and shrimp food
• Breeding: Females carry around 20–25 eggs; young shrimp develop their pattern at about one month and reach maturity at around four months
• Life expectancy: 1–2 years

How to Keep CBS Shrimp

1. Set up a dedicated aquarium: Use an aquarium of at least 20 litres and keep around 5–6 shrimp per 20 litres.
2. Add plants and floating cover: Provide rich plant cover and floating plants to soften the lighting.
3. Maintain suitable water conditions: Keep the water clean, soft and slightly acidic, with a temperature of 18–25°C, pH of 6.5–7.5 and hardness of 4–6 °NK.
4. Change water weekly: Replace 20–30% of the water each week to help maintain water quality.
5. Offer a varied diet: Feed shrimp food, boiled vegetables and spirulina tablets.

Care & Maintenance Tips

• Monitor water quality carefully because CBS Shrimp is sensitive to changes.
• Keep up with regular weekly water changes.
• Provide soft, slightly acidic water within the recommended ranges.
• Observe females carrying eggs and young shrimp as they develop their pattern and mature.