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Crystal Black Shrimp (Black & White Caridina)
Crystal Black Shrimp (Black & White Caridina)
Regular price
$44.95 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$44.95 USD
Unit price
per
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Crystal Black Shrimp for Sale – Black & White Caridina
Looking to buy Crystal Black Shrimp online? Crystal Black Shrimp are freshwater Caridina prized for their crisp black-and-white banding, elegant pattern variation, and high-contrast appearance.
Like other Crystal Caridina, they generally do best in softer, lower-KH water with stable parameters. They are an excellent choice for aquarists who want a dedicated Caridina setup and are comfortable maintaining more specific water chemistry.
Shipping SizeApproximately 1/2 to 1 inch and sold at breeding age.
Color PatternDistinct black-and-white banding with natural individual variation.
Care LevelIntermediate; best in a mature, stable Caridina aquarium.
Available Packs1, 5, or 10 shrimp.
Which Crystal Black Shrimp pack should you choose?
- 1 shrimp: Best for adding an individual to an established Crystal Black colony.
- 5 shrimp: A smaller group for expanding an existing Caridina aquarium.
- 10 shrimp: A practical starting group for a mature dedicated Crystal Black setup.
Choose your preferred quantity using the product options above this description.
Why Choose Crystal Black Caridina Shrimp?
- Classic Black-and-White Pattern with strong contrast in planted aquariums.
- Freshwater Breeding with no brackish larval stage required.
- Peaceful Temperament suited to dedicated shrimp tanks and carefully selected tank mates.
- Active Grazing Behavior on biofilm, microorganisms, soft algae films, and natural aquarium surfaces.
- Breeding-Age Size at approximately 1/2 to 1 inch.
- Distinct Caridina Care Profile for hobbyists who want a softer-water shrimp system.
Explore more varieties in our Caridina shrimp collection.
What Do Crystal Black Shrimp Look Like?
Crystal Black Shrimp are known for alternating areas of black and white pigmentation. The exact amount, placement, opacity, and intensity of each color naturally vary from shrimp to shrimp.
Genetics, age, sex, lighting, substrate, and aquarium background can all affect how bold the pattern appears. Natural variation is expected within a healthy colony.
Crystal Black Shrimp Water Parameters
Crystal Black Shrimp are more sensitive to mineral balance and parameter swings than typical Neocaridina. Stable water chemistry is especially important.
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.2–6.9 |
| GH | 4–6 |
| KH | 0–2 |
| TDS | 90–120 ppm |
| Temperature | 68–74°F |
| Ammonia | 0 ppm |
| Nitrite | 0 ppm |
Do not chase exact numbers with sudden chemical adjustments. A mature aquarium with consistent mineral content, stable temperature, and predictable maintenance is far more important than frequent parameter corrections.
Best Tank Setup for Crystal Black Shrimp
Crystal Black Shrimp should be added only to a fully cycled, biologically mature aquarium. Mature tanks provide stable filtration plus the biofilm and microorganisms shrimp graze on throughout the day.
Many Caridina keepers use remineralized RO or similarly controlled source water because it makes GH, KH, and TDS easier to keep consistent. Whatever source water you use, stability is the priority.
Caridina-focused aquariums commonly use buffering substrate to support lower pH and KH. Sponge filtration is especially useful because it provides gentle biological filtration and shrimplet-safe grazing surface.
Moss, wood, leaves, plants, and aquarium-safe rock add cover and biofilm-rich surfaces. Browse our live aquarium plants for shrimp-friendly setups.
What Do Crystal Black Shrimp Eat?
Crystal Black Shrimp spend much of the day grazing biofilm, microorganisms, soft algae films, decaying organic matter, and tiny food particles. Supplemental feeding is useful, but overfeeding can quickly reduce water quality in a Caridina tank.
| Food Source | Role in the Aquarium |
|---|---|
| Biofilm | Important natural grazing source in mature tanks |
| Soft algae films | Frequently grazed from hardscape, plants, and glass |
| Shrimp foods / wafers | Useful supplemental nutrition for established colonies |
| Botanicals / leaves | Add grazing surface and slowly decomposing organic material |
| Blanched vegetables | Optional occasional supplemental food |
Feed conservatively and remove excess food before it begins to affect water quality. Browse our shrimp food and botanicals for supplemental feeding options.
Breeding Crystal Black Shrimp
Crystal Black Shrimp breed completely in freshwater. Mature females carry fertilized eggs beneath the abdomen until fully formed shrimplets hatch directly into the aquarium.
For stronger breeding results, prioritize stable low-KH water, mature biofilm, gentle filtration, dense moss or cover, consistent feeding, and very low predation pressure.
Because young Crystal Black Shrimp are small and sensitive, stable water quality and abundant grazing surface are especially important during early growth.
Crystal Black Shrimp vs. Crystal Red Shrimp
| Trait | Crystal Black Shrimp | Crystal Red Shrimp |
|---|---|---|
| Primary pattern | Black and white banding | Red and white banding |
| Shrimp type | Caridina | Caridina |
| Water preference | Soft, low-KH water | Soft, low-KH water |
| Freshwater breeding | Yes | Yes |
| Best choice for | Black-and-white contrast | Red-and-white contrast |
If you prefer red-and-white patterning, view our Crystal Red Shrimp.
Can Crystal Black Shrimp Live With Other Caridina?
Many Caridina varieties can share similar water parameters, but compatibility depends on the specific line. Closely related Caridina may interbreed, which can make offspring less predictable if you are trying to maintain a specific color or pattern.
If preserving a Crystal Black breeding line is important, keep the colony separate from compatible Caridina that may cross with it.
Crystal Black Shrimp Tank Mates
Crystal Black Shrimp are peaceful. Snails and other non-aggressive invertebrates are generally the safest companions. Some small peaceful fish can coexist with adults, but nearly any fish may eat newly hatched shrimplets.
For maximum breeding success and shrimplet survival, a dedicated shrimp tank is the safest option.
Crystal Black Shrimp Price & Pack Options
Use the live product options above for current pricing. Available Crystal Black pack sizes include:
- 1 Shrimp
- 5 Shrimp
- 10 Shrimp
Acclimating Crystal Black Shrimp After Delivery
Because Crystal Black Shrimp are sensitive to differences in temperature and mineral content, gradual acclimation is particularly important. Shipping water can differ significantly from your aquarium in pH, GH, KH, and TDS.
Follow our Freshwater Shrimp Acclimation Guide before releasing new livestock.
Live Arrival & DOA Policy: Livestock orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee / DOA Policy. Review the policy before ordering for arrival, documentation, and claim requirements.
Ready to add Crystal Black Shrimp to your aquarium?
Select your preferred 1, 5, or 10-shrimp pack above and add this classic black-and-white Caridina to your tank.
Crystal Black Shrimp FAQ
Are Crystal Black Shrimp Caridina?
Yes. Crystal Black Shrimp are Caridina and have different water preferences from typical Neocaridina such as Red Cherry Shrimp.
Are Crystal Black Shrimp good for beginners?
They are better suited to keepers who can maintain stable soft, low-KH water. They are generally less forgiving of parameter swings than Neocaridina.
How big are Crystal Black Shrimp when shipped?
Our Crystal Black Shrimp are approximately 1/2 to 1 inch and are sold at breeding age.
What water parameters do Crystal Black Shrimp need?
Our recommended range is pH 6.2–6.9, GH 4–6, KH 0–2, TDS 90–120 ppm, and 68–74°F. Stability is essential.
Do Crystal Black Shrimp need soft water?
Yes. They generally do best in soft water with low carbonate hardness compared with typical Neocaridina setups.
Can Crystal Black Shrimp breed in freshwater?
Yes. Their entire reproductive cycle occurs in freshwater, and females carry eggs until fully formed shrimplets hatch.
Do Crystal Black Shrimp need an active substrate?
An active buffering substrate is commonly used in Caridina aquariums because it can help maintain lower pH and KH. Consistent water chemistry is the main goal.
What is the difference between Crystal Black and Crystal Red Shrimp?
The biggest visual difference is color: Crystal Black Shrimp have black-and-white patterning, while Crystal Red Shrimp have red-and-white patterning. Their general Caridina care is similar.
Can Crystal Black Shrimp live with Neocaridina?
They may coexist physically, but their preferred water parameters differ. A tank optimized for one group may not be ideal for the other, so separate systems are usually easier to manage.
Can Crystal Black Shrimp live with fish?
They can coexist with some small peaceful fish, but fish may prey on shrimplets. A dedicated shrimp tank gives the best breeding and survival rates.
Do Crystal Black Shrimp eat algae?
They graze on soft algae films and biofilm, but they are not a complete algae-control solution. Proper aquarium maintenance is still necessary.
Do Crystal Black Shrimp need a heater?
Not always. If room temperature keeps the aquarium stable within the target range, a heater may be unnecessary. Avoid large temperature swings.
Do Crystal Black Shrimp need a filter?
Yes, mature biological filtration is strongly recommended. Sponge filters are especially shrimp-friendly because they provide gentle filtration and extra grazing surface.
Buy Crystal Black Shrimp Online
Crystal Black Shrimp combine iconic black-and-white Caridina patterning with peaceful behavior and rewarding freshwater breeding. They are best suited to stable, mature aquariums built around softer, low-KH water.
Want to compare more Caridina varieties? Browse our full Caridina shrimp collection.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 74 reviews.
Beautiful. Love them
Really happy with the experience, ordered on a Thursday, their shopping details were transparent, order arrived earlier than expected. I ordered 10 shrimp. I received 11 healthy shrimp
I got Crystal Black shrimp & Blue Dream. They were perfect! A couple casualties but still received what I ordered and a few extra! There was even babies in the bag when it arrived. The quality is fantastic and the colors are so clear and vibrant. I will always buy again, love this shop!
Great quality, all arrived alive 🙌
👍
They are great and healthy, I love watching them. Have 2 that are pregnant and can’t wait to see that process.
Arrived very healthy and quickly once shipped! Beautiful shrimp. I am extremely happy with my purchase.
Five star review I ordered six got eight one didn’t make it through shipping, but I had them for a week before I noticed an insane amount of babies. I’m thinking at minimum two must’ve came pregnant. Not complaining definitely got what I paid for, but I do have a lot of shrimp now.
Just beautiful!!!
My shrimp came in all alive and we’re in great quality packaging, would definitely purchase again!
Super cute tiny black & white shrimp, plus an extra! THANKS AGAIN!!
All arrived alive and healthy. They are perfect
Still alive and thriving
Absolutely love them
I recently had a wonderful experience with ShrimpUps Aquatic, and I cannot recommend them highly enough! If you're looking for fancy shrimps, this is definitely the place to go. They deserve a solid 5 stars for their exceptional shipping service and outstanding communication. I initially ordered 10 shrimp, but due to a USPS delay, my package didn’t arrive for 10 days, and only 6 shrimp survived the journey. I reached out to the seller, and without any hesitation, they went above and beyond by sending me a replacement shipment with 6 more shrimp. The level of customer service I received is truly commendable. I am extremely satisfied with my purchase and the support given by this business. If you're considering buying shrimp, I highly encourage you to support ShrimpUp Aquatic; they are dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction!
They arrived 100% alive, and there’s a few more extra, I totally love buying from this website, I will buy again, and I’m gonna recommend it to my friends
They are just as gorgeous as the photos online! They shipped quickly and safely packed, and all arrived alive! I was so appreciative of the fact that they gave us a few extra shrimp just in case. The customer service was also 10/10 and they helped me fix my mistake when I accidentally put in my old address out of habit.
I placed the order for the Cristal black shrimp and within a few days they were at my door. When I unboxed it, all the shrimp were alive and active. Many people tell me they don’t like buying shrimp from other distributors, because they alway Have a bad experiences. I’ve never had one bad experience with this company thank you.
Absolutely Love this little guys! Shipping had delays, but they alive healthy! Looking forward to my next batch.
Love these little guys so much! Will buy more in the future!
These little guys are so fun! Have been very healthy from the start. The liven up the tank! Definitely getting more
They arrived a day later than expected but everyone was alive and well and they are thriving in their new tank. I Will definitely be using Shrimp Up Aquatics again!
Great we have 3 of them and love them
Lovely healthy shrimp arrived promptly and safely, now happily adjusted to its new home.
They arrived very fast and are very happy in their new home
First off hands down some of the best customer service I've ever received! I truly appreciated the help given with placing our order and all the prompt communication there after. The shrimps were all delivered within a few days and were healthy and well packed! They currently have their own colony tank and seem to be thriving!
All ten showed up alive and looking great. So happy with my order and will definitely be ordering more.
Gorgeous healthy shrimp. They arrived safely and quickly and are happy in their new home.
Okay, I am giving a full 5 star review for a ton of reasons, and they probably aren't what you are going to expect. Let me start this off by saying two things, one, it has been extremely hot in Los Angeles, and two, if I could give more stars I would. Because of the heat, and the fact that the ups or fedex or whatever workers in my specific area have a tendency to throw all my packages with full force, my shrimps were hurt by the time they got to my house. Of course, you might be wondering, "well why did you give 5 stars then??", and the answer is simple. The customer support at Shrimp Up Aquatics is unmatched. Not only are they extremely kind, and understanding, they are genuinely compassionate about their customers and are very quick to respond. I was offered a full refund, or store credit to re-send the shrimp, and took the re-sending option. When these arrived hurt as well (most likely because it was 92 degrees out and the delivery worker left them in the sun), they offered me a full refund again. I cannot stress enough how much of a good company this is, and i cant wait to buy more shrimp once the weather here gets cooler. I also want to say that, as a side note, the unhurt shrimps are of true, beautiful quality, and are exactly as they are pictured and described.
All of our shrimp arrived alive. We will be back. Shipping was fast.
Love
They looked awsome
The shrimps are all alive and healthy! Love them.
Order came on time, my little guy got here about a week ago and he's thriving. All of my shrimp i received seem to all be very healthy ! Would highly recommend ordering from here, I'm getting ready to place a second order !
Shrimp were beautiful, along with customer service. Had a lil few doa but they answered very quickly and handled the issue as needed. Would definitely recommend buying from them, planning to order more myself in the future.
Ordered 3; 1 of them arrived dead (probably just from stress of being shipped) and one of them is actually a crystal red. I love them with all my heart though, they’re very precious and healthy :)
Healthy!
Amazing
2 of 10 shrimp didn't make it ,but they were quick to answer back and 2 new shrimp are on the way.
