Black Galaxy Caridina Shrimp: A Celestial Gem for Your Aquarium

If you're looking to add a show-stopping invertebrate to your freshwater shrimp collection, the Black Galaxy Caridina Shrimp is a stellar choice. Known for its dark body contrasted with shimmering white spots—resembling a starry night sky—this rare and stunning shrimp is a favorite among advanced shrimp keepers and aquascapers alike.

Origin & Background

The Black Galaxy Caridina (Caridina cantonensis var. "Black Galaxy") is a selectively bred variant of the Taiwan Bee shrimp line. Originating from crosses involving Panda and King Kong shrimp, the galaxy pattern was developed through careful breeding in Asia and Europe.

These shrimp are part of the Caridina cantonensis species and are closely related to other bee shrimp like Crystal Reds, Crystal Blacks, and Blue Bolts.

Appearance

The Black Galaxy is easily identified by:

• Deep black coloration (sometimes with a hint of blue)

• White or bluish spots on the head and upper body, often resembling stars or "galaxies"

• Some individuals also display "pinto" or "fishbone" patterns, especially in high-grade variants

They are relatively small, growing up to 1 inch (2.5 cm), making them ideal for nano tanks.

Aquarium Care

Due to their sensitivity, Black Galaxy Caridinas require stable water parameters and a clean environment. They thrive in:

• Tank Size: Minimum 5-10 gallons

• Temperature: 68°F – 72°F (20°C – 22°C)

• pH: 5.5 – 6.5

• GH (General Hardness): 3 – 5 dGH

• KH (Carbonate Hardness): 0 – 1 dKH

• TDS: 100 – 150 ppm

Soft, slightly acidic water using active substrate (like ADA Amazonia) and RO water with remineralizers is essential. A sponge filter is ideal, as it keeps the tank safe for baby shrimp.

Feeding

These shrimp are omnivorous and graze on biofilm, algae, and specialty shrimp foods. Offer:

• High-quality shrimp pellets

• Blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini

• Occasional protein-based treats

• Indian almond leaves or botanicals for natural grazing

Avoid overfeeding—clean water is more important than frequent feedings.

Breeding

Black Galaxy Caridina shrimp can breed in captivity but need ideal conditions and stable parameters. Females carry 20–30 eggs under their abdomen for about 4 weeks. Once hatched, the babies are miniature versions of the adults and require pristine water and abundant biofilm to survive.

Crossbreeding with other Taiwan Bees or Pinto types can yield interesting offspring, but careful tracking is needed to maintain quality lines.

Tank Mates

Due to their delicate nature, it's best to keep them in species-only tanks or with peaceful nano species such as:

• Otocinclus

• Thai Micro Crabs

• Snails (e.g., Nerite or Ramshorn)

Avoid any fish that may see them as food.

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Final Thoughts

The Black Galaxy Caridina Shrimp is more than just an aquarium inhabitant—it's a living work of art. With proper care and dedication, they’ll reward you with beauty and activity in your aquascape. These shrimp are best suited for intermediate to advanced aquarists ready to take shrimp keeping to the next level.

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