BLACK KING KONG SHRIMP - BKK

Black King Kong Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis), also known as Black King Kong Bee Shrimp, are a striking and popular variety of freshwater shrimp known for their bold black coloration and elegant appearance. They are a type of Taiwan Bee Shrimp and are highly prized in the aquarium hobby for their unique looks and relatively manageable care requirements. Here’s a detailed care guide for Black King Kong Shrimp:

Tank Size and Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for Black King Kong Shrimp. A larger tank is preferable as it offers more stable water conditions and more space for the shrimp to explore.
• Substrate: Use a fine, soft substrate such as sand or a specialized shrimp substrate. Shrimp substrates help maintain the right water parameters and provide a good surface for foraging.
• Plants and Decor: Include live plants like Java moss, Java fern, and Anubias. These plants offer hiding spots, grazing areas, and create a more natural environment. Driftwood and rocks can also provide additional cover and create a more visually appealing setup.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. Floating plants or shading can help create a more comfortable environment for the shrimp.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 68-74°F (20-23°C). Black King Kong Shrimp prefer stable, cooler temperatures and are sensitive to fluctuations.
• pH: They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.0 Stable pH levels are crucial for their health and well-being.
• Hardness: Soft water is ideal, with a general hardness (GH) of 4-6 dGH and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 0-4 dKH. Use shrimp-specific water conditioners to achieve and maintain the proper hardness 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. Use a well-maintained filtration system to keep the water clean and oxygenated.

3. Filtration and Water Flow

• Filtration: Use a gentle filtration system, such as a sponge filter or a low-flow canister filter. Avoid strong currents, as they can stress the shrimp. Sponge filters are ideal because they provide both filtration and gentle water movement.
• Water Flow: Ensure that the water flow is gentle to moderate. Strong currents can be stressful for the shrimp and may interfere with their ability to forage.

Feeding

• Diet: Black King Kong Shrimp are omnivorous and need a balanced diet. Offer high-quality shrimp pellets or tablets as their 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 within a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and health issues.