Crystal Red vs Crystal Black Shrimp: Caridina Bloodline Comparison
Neutral side-by-side from Fast Aquatics editorial. We list both originators in our marketplace - this comparison exists to help you choose by intent, not by vendor.
Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS)
Originator
Hisayasu Suzuki (Japan, 1996)
First documented
mutation of Bee Shrimp
Pattern
Red + white banding, grade S/SS/SSS/Mosura
Adult size
~1 inch adult
Typical price
$8-50 per shrimp depending on grade
Keeper notes
Original Caridina mutation. Soft acidic water mandatory.
Crystal Black Shrimp (CBS)
Originator
Same Bee Shrimp ancestor
First documented
parallel selective breeding
Pattern
Black + white banding, same grading system
Adult size
~1 inch adult
Typical price
$8-60 per shrimp
Keeper notes
Black variant of CRS. Often considered slightly hardier due to less inbreeding.
Husbandry overlap
Both want TDS 100-180, pH 5.8-6.6, GH 4-6, KH 0-2, temp 68-74F. Active-substrate dirt (ADA Amazonia) is the standard.
Pick by intent
Choose Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS) if
You want the iconic Caridina look + most lineage data available.
Choose Crystal Black Shrimp (CBS) if
You want slightly better hardiness + the high-contrast black-white aesthetic.
Both available from Fast Aquatics vendors
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