Red Calceo Bee Shrimp (Golden Dragon)

Red Calceo Bee Shrimp (Golden Dragon) is a premium Caridina shrimp best suited to mature, stable shrimp systems, collectors, and selective breeding projects.

Popularly recognized as the Golden Dragon Bee, the Red Calceo Bee Shrimp is a captivating hybrid, resulting from the cross-breeding of species including the bee shrimp (Caridina logemanni) and Caridina cantonensis. Its scientific classification is Caridina sp. While this exquisite shrimp doesn't naturally exist in the wild, it's been selectively bred to achieve its distinctive appearance. The ancestors of this hybrid predominantly inhabit cool, oxygen-rich, and soft water streams in southern China. It's noteworthy that the Red Calceo Bee Shrimp owes its lineage and name to the renowned German shrimp breeder, Uwe Zeitler.

Why this livestock stands out

• Hybrid, selectively bred origins
• Vibrant coloration and distinct appearance
• Direct importation from Taiwan
• Premium Caridina line suited to mature, stable shrimp systems
• Best appreciated on dark substrate with clean, consistent water

Buying Guide

Recommended group option
For most shrimp listings, the group option is the better starting point for colony strength, activity, and overall value.

Single shrimp work for adding to an established colony, while group purchases are usually better for colony building, selective projects, and long-term stability.

Current Stock Note

Our current Caridina stock is maintained in remineralized RO water around TDS 100. If a juvenile option is offered, juveniles are supplied unsexed with a natural mix of male and female.

Basic Care Guide

Caridina respond best to stability, mature biofilm, and clean, consistent maintenance. These are not ideal 'set-and-forget' shrimp for new tanks. Match them to an established system and keep swings in TDS, temperature, and maintenance routine to a minimum.

Water Parameters

• Scientific Name: Caridina cf. cantonensis
• Current Water: Remineralized RO water, around TDS 100
• Recommended Temperature: 20-24°C
• Recommended pH: 5.8-6.8
• Recommended TDS: 90-130 ppm
• Breeding Level: Intermediate to Advanced
• Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Frequently Asked Questions

Which option should I choose?
If you are setting up a new Caridina tank, a group usually gives you a stronger start than buying a single shrimp. Juvenile options, when offered, are unsexed.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Not usually. Caridina are best kept in mature, stable systems by hobbyists who already understand dedicated shrimp parameters.

What water is it currently kept in?
This line is currently kept in remineralized RO water around TDS 100.

Can I add this to a new tank?
We strongly recommend a mature, stable setup rather than a newly started aquarium.

Helpful Resources

New to shrimp keeping?
Beginner Shrimp Keeping in Canada: 10 Things You Need to Know

Learn why system stability matters more than chasing numbers:
Do You Really Need Water Testing? Why “Perfect Water Parameters” Still Lead to Dead Fish

Learn more about our livestock standards and shipping:
Topick's Gold-Standard Quarantine and Inspection for Livestocks
Live Fish and Shrimp Shipping in Canada