Species IUCN · Least Concern (LC)

Golden Bee Shrimp

Caridina cantonensis, Yü, 1938

freshwater

About Golden Bee Shrimp

Caridina cantonensis, the bee shrimp, is a species of small freshwater shrimp in the family Atyidae. It is native to China, Hong Kong and possibly Vietnam. These shrimp are scavengers, and eat small pieces of decayed vegetation and algae. Bee shrimp have a life span of about 18 months. They enjoy a temperature in the 70 to 78 °F (21 to 26 °C) range. Many modern versions of bee shrimp are selectively bred for their characteristics.

Bee shrimp are in demand as aquarium pets. In Taiwan and other areas with suitable climates shrimp farms have sprung up to supply Bee shrimp, although they are more difficult to farm than other shrimp because their health depends on being raised in soft water that matches the pH of their native streams.

Reproduction

Female Caridina cantonensis can be distinguished from males by size; the female is larger than the male, and has a deeper abdomen. The female shrimp signal readiness to mate by releasing pheromones into the water which lead the males to the female. During this time swimming activity can be quite vigorous as males search for the females.

The eggs are carried underneath the female's abdomen and uses the pleopods to maintain a continuous circulation of water. The eggs hatch to reveal tiny versions of the adult shrimp.

The duration the female carries the eggs before they hatch is linked to water temperature. At 22 °C (72 °F) the expected hatching time is 28 days. At 24 to 25 °C (75 to 77 °F) the shrimp develop the strongest colours.

Where to see it

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