Black Boa Shrimp are a striking Caridina variety prized for their bold, dark patterning and intricate “boa‑like” markings. With the right setup, these shrimp become a real centrepiece in a dedicated shrimp aquarium, especially when contrasted against bright plants, mosses and lighter substrates.
Because Black Boa Shrimp are a higher‑grade Caridina, they do best in stable, soft, slightly acidic water with excellent filtration and regular maintenance. In the right conditions, they will graze constantly, display natural behaviour and may breed, rewarding you with a growing colony of unique, patterned shrimp.
Please note: We do not send shrimps to WA, TAS or NT.
Key Features of Black Boa Shrimp
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High‑grade Caridina shrimp
Black Boa Shrimp are selectively bred Caridina with distinctive, high‑contrast markings that make them stand out in a shrimp‑only or planted display.
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Striking dark patterning
Their deep, dark colours and detailed patterning look incredible on light substrates, on moss and against bright green plants.
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Perfect for dedicated shrimp tanks
Black Boa Shrimp are best kept in species‑only or shrimp‑focused aquariums where water parameters can be tailored to their needs.
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Great for experienced shrimp keepers
Due to their sensitivity, Black Boa Shrimp are recommended for hobbyists who are comfortable maintaining stable parameters and a mature, cycled tank.
Recommended Water Parameters (Guide Only)
Exact parameters can vary between keepers and lines, but as a general guide for Black Boa Shrimp:
- Temperature: around 20–24°C
- pH: typically 5.8–6.8 (soft, slightly acidic water)
- GH/KH: low to moderate, depending on your chosen remineraliser
- Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: kept low with regular water changes
Using a dedicated shrimp soil and remineralised RO water is a common approach for keeping Black Boa Shrimp healthy and stable long‑term.
Tank Setup for Black Boa Shrimp
To give Black Boa Shrimp the best environment:
- Use a mature, fully cycled aquarium before adding shrimp.
- Provide lots of hiding places with plants, mosses, driftwood and shrimp‑safe hardscape.
- Use a gentle filter (sponge filter or pre‑filter on the intake) so baby shrimp are not sucked in.
- Keep lighting moderate and encourage biofilm growth on surfaces – this is an important natural food source for Black Boa Shrimp.
A nano to small aquarium can work well as long as it is stable and not overstocked. Many keepers run dedicated Black Boa Shrimp tanks so they can control parameters and avoid hybridisation with other Caridina lines.
Feeding Black Boa Shrimp
Black Boa Shrimp are omnivores and will graze constantly on biofilm, algae and detritus. Supplement their diet with:
- High‑quality shrimp pellets or granules
- Shrimp‑safe vegetable foods and leaves (e.g. blanched spinach, shrimp leaf products)
- Occasional protein‑rich shrimp foods or treats
Feed lightly and remove uneaten food after a few hours to maintain excellent water quality. Stable, clean water is critical for Black Boa Shrimp.
Tank Mates and Compatibility
For the best results, Black Boa Shrimp are usually kept in shrimp‑only tanks or with very peaceful, shrimp‑safe tank mates such as:
- Other compatible Caridina (avoiding mixes that may hybridise, if you’re keeping specific lines)
- Small snails
- No predatory or boisterous fish that may stress or eat shrimp
Many keepers choose to keep Black Boa Shrimp in a dedicated tank to protect the line and maximise breeding success.
Important Shipping Note
- We do not send shrimps to WA, TAS or NT.
Please keep this in mind when ordering Black Boa Shrimp online.