🦐 Lapis Black OE Shrimp
Lapis Black OE is a selectively bred ornamental freshwater shrimp from the Caridina cf. cantonensis group.
It belongs to the high-grade Tiger / Taiwan Bee lines and carries the OE (Orange Eyes) recessive trait. This line is prized for its deep, almost opaque black body with vivid orange eyes, creating a striking contrast in aquariums.
🔎 Appearance
Body color: deep black, often with a slightly bluish (“lapis”) tint under light
Pattern: tiger striping, patterns vary
Eyes: bright orange (OE) — key identifying feature
Size:~1.5cm (unsexed juveniles)
Females: larger, darker, more intense black
Males: smaller, lighter
High-grade Lapis Black OE shrimp show uniform deep black/blue-black body with clean orange eyes for maximum contrast.
🧬 Genetics
Derived from Tiger / Taiwan Bee crosses
OE (Orange Eyes) is a recessive trait, requiring controlled selective breeding
Breeding goals:
Maximum dark/“lapis” black coloration
Clear, stable orange eyes
Minimal striping
🌡️ Care Requirements
Lapis Black OE, like other Caridina OE lines, is sensitive to water parameters:
Temperature: 20–24°C
pH: 5.5–6.5
GH: 4–6
KH: 0–1
TDS: 100–150 ppm
Substrate: active shrimp soil recommended
They require stable, soft, slightly acidic water; sudden changes can cause stress or affect molting and coloration.
🍃 Behavior & Breeding
Peaceful and colony-oriented
Best kept in species-only tanks for line stability
Breeds in freshwater
OE trait requires selective pairing
Moderate breeding difficulty; more sensitive than Neocaridina