Black King Kong Shrimp

Care Requirements:
1. Water Parameters:
– Temperature:64–76°F (18–24°C) – Avoid high temperatures.
– pH:6.0–6.8 (slightly acidic).
– GH (General Hardness): 4–6 dGH.
– KH (Carbonate Hardness): 0–2 dKH (soft water preferred).
– TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 100–150 ppm.
– Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm (must be cycled tank).
– Nitrates: <10 ppm (keep very low).

2. Tank Setup:
– Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons (10+ gallons recommended for stability).
– Substrate: Use an active buffering substrate (like ADA Amazonia, Fluval Stratum, or Controsoil) to maintain low pH and stable parameters.
– Filtration: Sponge filter or gentle HOB filter (avoid strong currents).
– Plants & Decor:
– Live plants (Java moss, Anubias, Bucephalandra, Marimo moss balls).
– Driftwood, Indian almond leaves, or cholla wood for tannins.
– Hiding spots (shrimp caves, small rocks).

3. Diet:
– Main Food: High-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and biofilm.
– Supplemental Foods:** Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), Bacter AE (for biofilm growth), and occasional protein sources like bloodworms.
– Feeding Frequency:** Small amounts 2–3 times a week (avoid overfeeding).

4. Water Changes & Maintenance:
– **Weekly Water Changes:** 10–20% with **RO (Reverse Osmosis) water** remineralized with a shrimp-specific mineralizer (like Salty Shrimp GH+).
– Avoid Sudden Changes: Drip acclimation for new shrimp and slow water top-offs.

5. Tank Mates:
– Best kept in a species-only tank (they are delicate and sensitive to competition).
– If keeping with others, choose small, peaceful tank mates like:
– Other Caridina shrimp (e.g., Crystal Red, Blue Bolt).
– Small snails  (Nerite, Malaysian Trumpet snails).
– Avoid: Fish (even small ones may prey on shrimp), aggressive invertebrates.

6. Breeding:
– Difficulty: Moderate to high (requires stable water conditions).
– Breeding Age: 4–6 months.
– Gestation: ~30 days before female releases tiny shrimplets.
– Survival Tips: Provide moss and biofilm for baby shrimp to graze on.

Common Issues & Tips:
– Molting Problems: Caused by incorrect GH/KH. Use a remineralizer for RO water.
– Sensitivity to Contaminants: Avoid copper-based medications and tap water with chlorine/chloramine.
– Low Survival in Hard Water: BKK shrimp thrive in soft, acidic conditions.

Conclusion:
The Black King Kong shrimp is a premium and delicate species that requires pristine water conditions. With proper care, they can thrive and even breed in a well-maintained tank. Their striking black coloration makes them a prized addition to any shrimp enthusiast’s collection!