Caridina grading: comparing Crystal Red and Taiwan Bee

There is no single grading scale for all Caridina. Crystal Red is often assessed by red-and-white pattern and coverage; Taiwan Bee also uses names for different pattern forms. Evaluate animals within the seller’s stated scheme and keep appearance separate from health.

Two different naming systems

The Shrimp Farm describes Crystal Red grades from C to SSS, emphasising white distribution and opacity. Its Hinomaru term refers to a red dorsal patch; Mosura describes a largely white body with colour around the head. This is a seller’s classification, not evidence that more white is biologically better.

For classical Taiwan Bee names, Garnelenhaus distinguishes King Kong, Panda and Wine Red by colour and pattern. A Panda is therefore not simply a Crystal Red at a particular letter grade. Blue Bolt, Pinto and Boa need their own account of the offered animal and background.

Ask for features, not just a label

• Which classification does the seller use, and which photograph shows the actual group on offer?
• How were coverage, transparency and pattern assessed across animals?
• Which parent group and previous crosses are known? What information is missing?
• What has been observed about growth, behaviour and offspring, separately from the best photograph?

A high grade establishes neither fixed colour inheritance, fertility nor good health. A different letter also does not justify another water recipe without group information. Use Crystal Red breeding or Taiwan Bee lineage management for care and record-keeping questions.

Sources and scope

• Marijke Puts, The Shrimp Farm: Crystal Red grading
• Garnelenhaus: classical Taiwan Bee grades
• Garnelenhaus: Taiwan Bee / Shadow Bee
• LICG: Zoetwatergarnaal

The sources describe their own commercial classifications. This comparison explains those terms, not a universal show standard or genetic test.