Caridina logemanni

The Bee Shrimp, a native of Asian freshwater streams, is a popular dwarf crustacean among dedicated aquarists, though its specific care requirements make it a moderately challenging species. Success with these shrimp hinges on one critical factor: stability. They do not tolerate fluctuations in water parameters and should only be introduced to a fully cycled, mature aquarium. They thrive in cooler, soft, and slightly acidic freshwater with low to minimal flow, which mimics their natural habitat. The use of a buffering substrate is often recommended to help maintain a stable pH. Filtration must be gentle to avoid harming these small inhabitants; an air-driven sponge filter is an ideal choice as it provides excellent biological filtration and a safe grazing surface without creating a strong current.

As social animals, Bee Shrimp must be kept in shoaling groups to feel secure and exhibit natural behaviors. A small group will actively forage throughout the day, primarily staying near the bottom of the tank. Their behavior is a reliable indicator of tank health; active, grazing shrimp signify a stable environment. An aquascape with live plants, mosses, and driftwood is highly beneficial, as it offers shelter and increases the surface area for the growth of biofilm, a primary food source. Their diet as omnivores should be varied. While they are excellent 'clean-up crew' members that consume detritus, algae, and biofilm, their diet must be supplemented with high-quality commercial shrimp foods, blanched vegetables, and leaf litter. Feeding should occur daily, but care must be taken to not overfeed, as decaying food can quickly foul the water and prove lethal. Due to their peaceful nature and small size, they are extremely vulnerable and should only be housed with other peaceful nano species.

Caridina logemanni is a decapod crustacean belonging to the family Atyidae, a large group of freshwater shrimp found worldwide. This species originates from cool, clean streams in Asia. Taxonomically, C. logemanni was described as a distinct species after being long considered a variation within the C. cantonensis species complex, a distinction important for scientific and husbandry accuracy. Morphologically, it exhibits a laterally compressed body shape typical of swimming crustaceans. Its body is divided into a cephalothorax and a segmented abdomen, with appendages adapted for foraging, walking (pereiopods), and, in females, carrying eggs (pleopods). Its adult size remains small, making it a true 'dwarf shrimp'.

Ecologically, C. logemanni is a detritivore and primary consumer, playing a vital role in its natural habitat by grazing on biofilm, algae, and decaying organic matter. This feeding behavior contributes significantly to nutrient cycling. Physiologically, the species is characterized by a low metabolic rate and very low oxygen consumption, adaptations to stable, well-oxygenated but low-flow environments. A key aspect of its biology is ecdysis (molting), a necessary process for growth that is highly dependent on water chemistry. The shrimp requires soft water with a low but specific concentration of dissolved minerals to successfully form a new exoskeleton. Its low waste production results in a very small bioload factor, meaning a colony has a minimal impact on the aquarium's nitrogen cycle compared to fish. Its conservation status has not been evaluated by the IUCN, and its prevalence in the aquarium trade is largely due to captive breeding.

Breeding Bee Shrimp is considered moderately difficult, as successful reproduction is heavily dependent on maintaining immaculate and stable water parameters. A dedicated, mature breeding tank is the best approach to ensure a high survival rate for the offspring. These shrimp are not live-bearers; they are egg-layers that hatch into miniature versions of the adults, bypassing a free-swimming larval stage.

Sexing adult shrimp is key to establishing a breeding colony. Females are typically larger than males and can be identified by their wider, more rounded abdomen, which forms a curved 'saddle' on their underside to protect the eggs. Males are more slender and have a straighter, less concave underbelly. While no specific ratio is required, a healthy mix in a group of ten or more will generally ensure successful pairings.

When a female is ready to reproduce, she will molt, releasing pheromones into the water that trigger frenzied swimming activity from the males as they search for her. After a successful mating, the female transfers the fertilized eggs to her swimmerets (pleopods), where she will carry them for several weeks. A female carrying eggs is referred to as 'berried'. She will meticulously tend to the eggs, constantly fanning them to provide oxygen and keep them free of debris.

The resulting shrimplets are incredibly small and vulnerable. A sponge filter is essential in the breeding tank to prevent them from being drawn into a filter intake. The young do not require specialized food, as they will immediately begin grazing on the same diet as the adults, with a particular reliance on biofilm and microorganisms found on surfaces like moss and other live plants. A mature tank provides ample food for a new brood, though powdered shrimp food can be used as a supplement as the population grows. The utmost care must be taken to avoid water parameter swings during this delicate stage.