Commonly mistaken as the genuine (new) Bee Shrimp the Bumble Bee Shrimp has similar characteristics and appearance as the former. However at closer look, the head portion of the Bumble Bee Shrimp differs from that of the new Bee shrimp. It is slightly longer, triangular in shape and is either brown or black, whereas the new Bee shrimp is usually white in color. While both shrimps developed similar white bands over time, the Bumble Bee Shrimp retains its transparent and brownish body. The Bumble Bee Shrimp will turn bluish when stressed.Nevertheless, keeping and breeding Bumble Bee Shrimp require the same amount of effort and attention as that of the rest of the Caridina species. Hence, it is important to keep the water parameter in the range of soft neutral to acidic pH (6.2~6.8) and temperature between 22~28 °C. With an average lifespan of 15 months, it starts breeding at the 5th or 6th month. The young shrimp does not go through planktonic larval stage; rather it is like the miniature version of the adult. Probable due to its size; maximum of 2.5 cm in maturity, this shrimp feeds very little on algae, preferring fish food, vegetable matter and soft moss instead.
