
Black King Kong Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis var.
Family: Atyidae • Origin: Various
Black King Kong Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis var.) is a peaceful shrimp reaching 1.2 inches. Keep in groups of 6+. Minimum tank: 5 gallons.
Is Black King Kong Shrimp Right for Your Tank?
Black King Kong Shrimp is rated "expert" (4/5) — best for experienced aquarists. They have specific requirements that make them challenging for beginners. At just 5 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.
With a peaceful temperament, Black King Kong Shrimp makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. This is a schooling species — keep at least 6 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 2 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Black King Kong Shrimp
Keeping fewer than 6 together
Black King Kong Shrimp is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 6 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.
Putting them in a tank under 5 gallons
While 5 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (8 gal) is much more forgiving.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 1.2"
- • Temp: 68-74°F
- • pH: 5.5-6.5
- • Schooling: keep 6+
- • peaceful temperament
Feeding: Standard omnivore diet appropriate for Atyidae.
Compatibility Notes: Typical peaceful Atyidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 5 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 8 gallons
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Minimum School Size
- 6+ fish
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 68–74°F
- pH Range
- 5.5–6.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 1/5
- Schooling
- Yes
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical peaceful Atyidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- difficult
- Lifespan
- 2 years
Ideal For
Compatible Tank Mates
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