Description
Pure Black Line Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis var. “Pure Black Line”)
Pure Black Line shrimp are a premium variety of Caridina cantonensis, typically growing to 2-3 cm in length. Their most distinctive feature is their intense, uniform black coloration that creates a striking silhouette in the aquarium. What sets them apart from other black varieties is the depth and consistency of their coloration, which has been carefully bred to maintain a true, pure black without any brown or blue undertones.
The black coloration in high-grade specimens extends throughout the entire body, creating a solid, uniform appearance. True Pure Black Line shrimp display consistent coloring from head to tail, including their legs and antennae. The intensity of their black can appear almost light-absorbing, with the best specimens showing no transparent areas or color variations. Their exoskeleton has a subtle sheen that can create interesting light effects while maintaining the pure black appearance.
Like other Caridina species, Pure Black Line shrimp possess a slightly curved rostrum, well-developed eyes on short stalks, and long, sensitive antennae. Their walking legs (pereopods) and swimming legs (pleopods) maintain the same intense black coloration as their body, contributing to their uniform appearance. Even their eyes often appear darkened, though they remain fully functional.
Sexual dimorphism is present, with males typically being smaller and sometimes showing slightly less intense coloration compared to females. Mature females develop a more rounded abdomen for carrying eggs, which are visible as dark clusters through their exoskeleton.
As a premium Caridina variety, Pure Black Line shrimp require precise water parameters. They thrive in very soft, acidic water (pH 5.8-6.4, GH 4-5, KH 0-1), temperatures between 20-24°C (68-75°F), and TDS between 80-150ppm. They need a specialized diet including high-quality shrimp foods, blanched vegetables, and biofilm, with particular attention paid to foods that help maintain their intense coloration.
Taxonomy: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Malacostraca Order: Decapoda Family: Atyidae Genus: Caridina Species: C. cantonensis
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