Black & White Japan Crystal Shrimp

Appearance:

• Size: Adult Black & White Japan Crystal Shrimp grow to about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm).
• Coloration: They display a beautiful pattern of alternating black and white bands, with the intensity of the black color varying between individuals. High-grade specimens have solid, deep black areas and crisp, opaque white markings. Lower-grade specimens may have less contrast between the black and white areas.
• Grading: As with other Caridina cantonensis shrimp, they are graded based on the clarity and intensity of their color patterns. Higher grades exhibit perfect, opaque bands, while lower grades may have more transparent areas or uneven coloration.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Females are typically larger and rounder, especially when carrying eggs. Males are smaller and more slender.

Natural Habitat:

• Origin: The Black & White Japan Crystal Shrimp is a selectively bred variant of the Crystal Black Shrimp, which originates from freshwater streams in China. These shrimp thrive in soft, slightly acidic waters with plenty of biofilm and hiding spots.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: They prefer cooler water compared to Neocaridina species, with an optimal temperature range of 68-74°F (20-23°C).
• pH: Black & White Japan Crystal Shrimp require slightly acidic water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8. Maintaining stable pH is crucial for their health.
• Water Hardness: Soft water with a general hardness (GH) of 4-6 and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 0-2 is ideal. The low KH helps maintain the slightly acidic conditions they prefer.
• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): They thrive in water with a TDS of around 120-180 ppm.
• Water Quality: Crystal shrimp are more sensitive to water conditions than Neocaridina species. It’s essential to maintain pristine water quality with zero ammonia and nitrite, and very low nitrates (ideally under 10 ppm). Regular water changes and a fully cycled, stable aquarium are critical.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended due to their need for stable water parameters. Larger tanks provide better stability and allow for a healthy colony to grow.
• Substrate: Active substrates designed for shrimp tanks, like ADA Aqua Soil or other shrimp-specific substrates, are recommended. These substrates help buffer the pH and provide the soft, acidic water conditions needed by Black & White Japan Crystal Shrimp.
• Plants & Decorations: A well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots is ideal. Plants like mosses (e.g., Java moss), Anubias, and ferns provide surfaces for biofilm to grow and offer protection for shrimp, especially after molting. Driftwood and stones also help foster biofilm growth.
• Filtration: Gentle filtration is key to avoid stressing the shrimp. Sponge filters are ideal, as they provide both biological filtration and a safe environment for baby shrimp. If using a hang-on-back filter, make sure the intake is covered with a sponge to prevent shrimp from being sucked in.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient, especially if you have live plants.

Feeding:

• Diet: Black & White Japan Crystal Shrimp are omnivores and primarily feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter. They will graze throughout the tank, keeping it clean of algae and detritus.
• Supplemental Feeding: To ensure they get a balanced diet, supplement their natural foraging with high-quality shrimp-specific pellets or wafers, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can also offer powdered shrimp food, which mimics fine organic particles found in biofilm.
• Algae Control: These shrimp are excellent grazers of soft algae but may not be as voracious as Neocaridina species like Cherry Shrimp.

Behavior:

• Peaceful: Black & White Japan Crystal Shrimp are peaceful and non-aggressive, spending most of their time grazing on surfaces in the tank.
• Social Behavior: They are best kept in groups of at least 10-15 individuals. A larger group allows them to feel more secure and encourages natural behaviors.
• Molting: Like all shrimp, they molt as they grow. After molting, shrimp are vulnerable and will hide in plants or behind decorations until their new exoskeleton hardens.

Breeding:

• Difficulty: Breeding Black & White Japan Crystal Shrimp is more challenging compared to Neocaridina species. They require stable, high-quality water conditions and cooler temperatures for successful breeding.
• Breeding Conditions: Females carry eggs under their abdomen (referred to as being "berried") for about 20-30 days. Once the eggs hatch, fully developed miniature shrimp emerge.
• Selective Breeding: Many breeders work to improve the color patterns of Black & White Japan Crystal Shrimp. Higher-grade offspring are selectively bred to enhance the intensity of their black and white markings.
• No Larval Stage: The young are born as fully developed, miniature versions of the adults. Special care for the young includes providing ample biofilm and powdered food for them to graze on.

Lifespan:

• Lifespan: Under optimal conditions, Black & White Japan Crystal Shrimp can live for 1.5-2 years.

Tank Mates:

• Compatibility: Due to their delicate nature, Black & White Japan Crystal Shrimp should be kept with peaceful, non-aggressive tank mates. Many hobbyists prefer to keep them in species-only tanks or with other peaceful shrimp species.
• Ideal Tank Mates: Suitable tank mates include small, peaceful fish like micro-rasboras, Otocinclus catfish, and other dwarf shrimp like Amano Shrimp. Snails, such as Nerite snails, are also good companions.
• Avoid Predatory Fish: Avoid housing them with larger or more aggressive fish, as these shrimp can easily become prey.

Care Level:

• Intermediate to Advanced: Black & White Japan Crystal Shrimp are more sensitive to water conditions compared to Neocaridina species, making them better suited for intermediate to advanced shrimp keepers. They require stable water parameters and pristine water quality to thrive.
• Water Quality: Regular water changes of 10-20% weekly are important to keep water parameters stable. Ensure the water is soft and slightly acidic, and avoid any spikes in ammonia or nitrite, as they are highly sensitive to poor water quality.
• Copper Sensitivity: Like all shrimp, they are highly sensitive to copper. Avoid using medications or fertilizers that contain copper in their tank.

Special Considerations:

• Acclimation: When introducing Black & White Japan Crystal Shrimp to a new tank, it's crucial to use a slow drip acclimation process to avoid shock from sudden changes in water parameters.
• Breeding Selection: If you are interested in breeding, selective breeding can improve the intensity of their black and white patterns. You can selectively breed high-grade specimens to create more stunning colorations.