Black Dragon Caridina Shrimp – Black & Golden Pattern

Black Dragon, also known in the hobby as Black Calceo or Black Dragon Bee, is a distinctive Caridina shrimp recognised for its contrasting black markings over a translucent cream-to-golden body. The supplied image shows strong dark banding along the rear body, irregular black pigmentation around the upper carapace and a warm golden-yellow centre. This combination gives Black Dragon a striking patterned appearance in planted and dedicated Caridina aquariums. Pattern placement, coverage and colour intensity naturally vary between individuals, making each shrimp visually unique.

Highlights

• Bold black markings over a cream-to-golden body
• Distinctive dark transverse banding along the abdomen
• Irregular black patterning around the carapace
• Warm golden-yellow coloration visible through the body
• Individual pattern density and coverage naturally vary
• Unusual Caridina phenotype for collectors and breeders

Care Notes

Black Dragon Caridina are best maintained in a mature, fully cycled aquarium with soft, slightly acidic and consistently stable water. An active buffering substrate with remineralised RO water is well suited to maintaining their preferred conditions. Provide established biofilm, mosses and other grazing surfaces alongside a balanced shrimp diet. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, TDS or water chemistry, particularly during water changes. Consistency is more important than repeatedly adjusting parameters to exact numbers, and careful acclimation is recommended when introducing shrimp to a new aquarium.