BLACK GALAXY SHRIMP

Black Galaxy Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis), also known as Black Galaxy Shrimp, are a striking and popular variant of the Taiwan Bee Shrimp. They are admired for their dark coloration with distinctive star-like patterns. Due to their unique appearance and sensitive nature, they require specific care to thrive. Here’s a detailed care guide for Black Galaxy Caridina Shrimp:

Tank Size and Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended. Larger tanks are preferable as they provide more stable water conditions and additional space for the shrimp to explore.
• Substrate: Use a fine, soft substrate such as shrimp-specific soil or sand. Shrimp-specific substrates help maintain the appropriate water parameters and offer a suitable foraging surface.
• Plants and Decor: Incorporate live plants like Java moss, Java fern, and Anubias. These provide hiding spots and grazing areas. Adding driftwood and rocks can also enhance the natural habitat and provide additional cover.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. Intense lighting is not necessary, and floating plants or shaded areas can help create a comfortable environment for the shrimp.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 68-74°F (20-23°C). Black Galaxy Caridina Shrimp prefer stable, cooler temperatures and can be sensitive to fluctuations.
• pH: They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.0 Stable pH levels are crucial for their health.
• Hardness: Soft water is preferred, with a general hardness (GH) of 4-6 dGH and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 0-4 dKH. Use a shrimp-specific water conditioner to achieve and maintain these levels.
• Water Quality: Excellent water quality is essential. Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to keep ammonia and nitrite levels at 0 ppm and nitrates below 10 ppm. A well-maintained filtration system is crucial for keeping the water clean and oxygenated.

Filtration and Water Flow

• Filtration: Use a gentle filtration system, such as a sponge filter or a low-flow canister filter. Sponge filters are ideal because they provide both filtration and gentle water movement, which is preferable for shrimp.
• Water Flow: Ensure that the water flow is gentle to moderate. Strong currents can stress the shrimp and make it difficult for them to forage and navigate the tank.

Feeding

• Diet: Black Galaxy Caridina Shrimp are omnivorous. Offer a balanced diet with high-quality shrimp pellets or tablets as a staple food.
• Supplemental Foods: Supplement their diet with algae wafers, blanched vegetables (such as zucchini or spinach), and occasional live or frozen foods like daphnia or baby brine shrimp.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts once or twice a day, providing only what the shrimp can consume in a few minutes. Avoid overfeeding, as it can lead to poor water quality and health issues.