Black King Kong Shrimp – 4 pack

Common Name: Black King Kong Panda Shrimp, BKK Panda Shrimp, Panda Shrimp

Caridina cantonensis

Care: Intermediate – Difficult

Temperature Range:64-76 F

pH: 6.0-7.5

TDS: 100-200 ppm

GH: 4 – 6 dGH

KH: 0 – 2 dKH

Life Span: 1 – 2 years

Size: 0.75 – 1.25”

Diet: Omnivore

Habitat: Freshwater, Fully Aquatic

Breeding: Easy

Gestation Period: 30 Days

 

Our Water Parameters:

Temperature Range: 68-76 F

pH: 6.0-6.5

TDS:100-150

GH: 3 – 5

KH: 0 – 2

Size: .75 – .95″

Tank Raised

To ensure live arrival, free shipping does not apply to shrimp orders which will be sent via FedEx Overnight. We guarantee live arrival and will provide coverage in the unfortunate event of DOA.  In order to receive a refund on DOA, please send us a photo of the dead shrimp in their original bag clearly showing the dead shrimp within two hours of package delivery.

*To increase survival rates, please allow us 2-3 business days to prepare your shrimp shipment.

The Black King Kong Panda Shrimp is a stunning addition to a freshwater aquarium. These shrimp are very rare and valuable. As with most shrimp that have been inbred for desirable characteristics, Black King Kong Panda Shrimp are difficult to keep.

There is some dispute as to the origin of the Black King Kong Panda Shrimp. It could have been a mutation or a complex crossbreed. Black King Kong Panda Shrimp have a very striking appearance with a black body and a range of white markings. The name used for the shrimp can differ depending on what marks they exhibit. Shrimp with a black body and white bands are commonly referred to as “Pandas”. Some of these shrimp have thick blue bands against a black body, and these are referred to as “Shadow” or “Shadow Pandas”. “King Kongs” is almost completely black with some small white markings near the upper body. They can also be completely black. Sexing Black King Kong Panda Shrimp can be somewhat difficult until the shrimp begin to mature. Female shrimp have slightly larger tails and display a “saddle” formation on the upper body, behind the head, where eggs are stored before fertilization. The saddle can be nearly impossible to identify on this shrimp due to its dark coloration. When female shrimp are “berried”, or have eggs ready for fertilization, the saddle shape will appear more prominent. Once the shrimp are fully grown the males will be smaller than the females.

Black King Kong Panda Shrimp are very sensitive to water conditions, as with many shrimp that are the result of inbreeding for desirable characteristics. It is recommended to use a larger tank for these shrimp, at least 25 gallons. This is in part because it is easier to maintain consistent parameters in a larger tank. Having completely clean, almost drinkable, water is necessary to keep Black King Kong Panda Shrimp. There is conflicting information on the best water parameters for these shrimp. They may prefer warmer conditions and neutral pH, but these conditions are not ideal because they can breed nasty pathogens that threaten the shrimp. Water temperature should be between 68°-75° F with a pH of 5-6. There is evidence that low temperature and pH help protect the shrimp from disease, rather than being their preferential environment.

Black King Kong Panda Shrimp are herbivores and need a controlled diet of blanched spinach or vegetarian shrimp feed. Be sure to remove any excess food that is left after feeding, as this can increase ammonia and nitrite levels. Excess food means that the shrimp are being overfed, which can damage their health and even kill them. When your shrimp molt out of their shell, make sure to leave the shells in the tank. They provide the necessary calcium in the shrimp’s diet.

Breeding Black King Kong Panda Shrimp will depend on the line it came from, and what type of shrimp you will breed them to. You’ll want to get some information from the source of your Black King Kong Panda Shrimp on their particular genetic history. Survival rates of Black King Kong Panda x Black King Kong Panda can be as low as 10%, so most breeders choose to cross these shrimp with any of a variety of other Caridinas.

Black King Kong Panda Shrimp make an impressive addition to an experienced shrimp hobbyist’s aquarium. If you are looking for the challenge of keeping a very rare and coveted shrimp, Black King Kong Panda Shrimp may be for you. Although these shrimp require more care and attention, keeping these stunning and active shrimp can be extremely rewarding.