If you’re into freshwater shrimp, you’ve probably heard of Crystal Reds or Taiwan Bees. But let us introduce you to a personal favorite that doesn’t get nearly enough love: the Gold Calceo Bee Shrimp, also known as the Red Calceo Bee Shrimp. These little beauties are like hidden treasures in the shrimp world, and once you see them in person, you'll wonder why they aren’t a top pick for every hobbyist.
What’s So Special About Gold Calceo Bee Shrimp?
First, let’s talk looks. These shrimp have a delicate, golden hue with splashes of red markings that make them absolutely pop in a planted tank. It’s a subtle, classy kind of beauty—not as in-your-face as some of the more common species, but trust us, they’re show-stoppers in their own way.
Here’s a fun tidbit: a lot of Gold Calceo Bee Shrimp available in the hobby come from Germany, where shrimp breeding is taken to a whole new level. Breeders there have honed their craft, creating stunning shrimp with vibrant colors and robust genetics. So, when you’re adding these guys to your tank, you’re basically getting a little piece of European shrimp-breeding excellence.
Why They’re an Underrated Choice
Sure, Red Cherry Shrimp and Amanos are great, but Gold Calceo Bee Shrimp bring something different to the table. They’re perfect for aquarists who want something unique without diving into the ultra-high-maintenance side of shrimp keeping.
Their color is one reason they’re underrated—it’s not flashy, but it’s elegant. Against a dark substrate or some lush green moss, their gold and red tones look absolutely radiant. Plus, they’re not as commonly found in tanks, so they’re a great way to make your setup stand out.
Setting Up the Perfect Home for Them
To keep these German gems happy, you’ll want to recreate a cozy, shrimp-friendly environment:
- Water temperature: Keep it cool and steady, between 68°F and 74°F (20°C to 23°C).
- pH: They like it slightly acidic to neutral, so aim for 6.2 to 7.0.
- Soft water: Think GH of 4-6 and KH close to 0-2.
Gold Calceo Bees love tanks with a natural vibe. Add some mosses like Java Moss or Christmas Moss, which double as hiding spots and grazing areas. Driftwood and leaf litter are great too—they add a little biofilm buffet for your shrimp.
And don’t forget: stable water parameters are key. A sponge filter works wonders for gentle filtration without sucking up your precious shrimp.
Easy Breeding (With a Little Patience)
If you’ve bred other Caridina shrimp, like Crystal Reds, you’ll find these guys pretty similar. Females carry their eggs for about 3-4 weeks before releasing tiny, fully-formed shrimplets. To help the process along, keep your water parameters stable and provide plenty of food options—shrimp-specific pellets, biofilm, and maybe the occasional blanched zucchini slice.
Watching those tiny baby shrimp grow into golden-red beauties? Absolute magic.
Pro Tips for Keeping Gold Calceo Bee Shrimp
- Slow Acclimation: These are delicate shrimp, so use the drip acclimation method to ease them into your tank.
- Tank Mates: Stick to shrimp-safe fish like Otocinclus or tiny Rasboras. No bullies allowed!
- Stable Water: Test regularly and keep up with water changes to avoid any nasty surprises.
- Food Variety: Give them a mix of shrimp pellets, biofilm, and veggies to keep them happy and healthy.
Why We Love Them
We’ve kept a lot of shrimp over the years, but Gold Calceo Bee Shrimp have a special place in our hearts. Maybe it’s their underdog status—they’re not the “celebrity shrimp” of the hobby, but they’re just as stunning in their own way. They’re peaceful, quirky, and endlessly fascinating to watch as they graze and explore.
Plus, they’re great conversation starters. Every time someone sees them in our tank, it’s, “Wait, what shrimp are those?!” They’re the kind of shrimp that make people do a double-take.