Name
Peiwen Shrimps, also known as 周小治 (husband), 邱小玟 (wife)
Country
Taiwan
Number of Shrimp Tanks
500+ Tanks
Year Established
2012
Summary of Major Milestones
- 2023 – 8 Awards won at The German International Shrimp Contest 2023 (Dortmund)
- 2024 – 11 Awards won at North American International Shrimp Competition (NAISC) 2024
- Most international competition awards won by breeders worldwide in 2024
Beginnings and Innovations
Peiwen Shrimps, a name that has become synonymous with excellence in the world of shrimp breeding, began as the shared dream of a husband-and-wife team: 周小治 (Zhou Xiaozhi) and 邱小玟 (Qiu Xiaowen). Their journey into the aquatic world was rooted in a childhood fascination with fish and other water-dwelling creatures.
The couple’s professional path began in the bustling Minquan fish market, often referred to as the famous fish street of Taipei. Here, Zhou Xiaozhi honed his skills as an aquascaper, learning the intricate art of creating balanced and beautiful underwater landscapes. This experience laid the foundation for their future endeavors.
Eager to branch out on their own, the pair ventured into breeding stingrays, establishing their first independent business. However, it was their transition into shrimp breeding that would truly define their legacy. What started as a modest operation with a single shrimp room soon flourished, expanding to more than three rooms housing over 500 tanks.
In recent years, Peiwen Shrimps has rapidly ascended to the upper echelons of the shrimp breeding world. Their dedication to quality and innovation has seen them dominate international competitions, cementing their reputation as currently the top breeder of 2024.
Achievements and Recognition
The German International Shrimp Contest 2023 (Dortmund)
- 1st Place: Category 16 – Cardidina sp.crossbreeds, focus on Pattern
- 3rd Place: Category 16 – Cardidina sp.crossbreeds, focus on Pattern
- 1st Place: Category 15 – Cardidina sp.crossbreeds, focus on Color Quality
- 2nd Place: Category 15 – Cardidina sp.crossbreeds, focus on Color Quality
- 2nd Place: Category 14 – Cardidina sp. “Fishbone” + “Galaxy” Variations
- 1st Place: Category 6 – Black Bee All Grades
- 1st Place: Category 4 – Super Crystal Black
- Audience Favorite Award
North American International Shrimp Competition (NAISC) 2024
- 1st place: Category 3 – Caridina sp. Red and Black super crystals
- 2nd place: Category 3 – Caridina sp. Red and Black super crystals
- 1st place: PRL No-entry, Category 4: Caridina sp Red and Black bee, all grades
- 2nd place: PRL, Category 4: Caridina sp Red and Black bee, all grades
- 1st place: Black Pinto, Category 6: Caridina sp. Red and Black Pinto spotted head/multistripe,
- 2nd place: Red Pinto, Category 6: Caridina sp. Red and Black Pinto spotted head/multistripe,
- 2nd place: Ocean Blue, Category 8: Caridina sp. Bolts, Steeles, and Snow White variants
- 1st place: Orange Eye Blue Devil, Category 10: Caridina sp Orange Eyed, non-tiger, all colors
- 3rd place: Blue metallic tiger, Category 12: Caridina sp Red and Black Nanashi/Nanancy all variants
- 2nd place: Ocean Blue, Category 12: Caridina sp Red and Black Nanashi/Nanancy all variants
- Audience Favorite, Peiwen – K14 PRL Smileys
View all of Peiwen’s NASIC winning shrimp here
German International Shrimp Competition 2024
- 1st place: Group 5 – Crystal Black
- 2nd place: Group 6 – Red Bee
- 2nd place: Group 7 – Black Bee
- 2nd place: Group 14 – Fishbone + Galaxy
- 3rd place: Group 14 – Fishbone + Galaxy
- 2nd place: Group 15 – Boa
- 2nd place: Group 16 – Fancy Red + Black
- 1st place: Group 16 – Fancy Red + Black
- 3rd place: Group 17 – Orange Eye/Silver Eye
- 3rd place: Group 18 – Metallic
Contributions to the Shrimp Breeding Community
Peiwen Shrimps has made significant contributions to the global shrimp breeding community, extending far beyond their own breeding successes. Their impact is felt through various channels, demonstrating a commitment to advancing the field as a whole.
While the couple behind Peiwen Shrimps tends to shy away from the limelight, they have not hesitated to share their expertise. They have contributed valuable content to the community in the form of guest posts, grading guides, and identification guides – including many of the guides you find on Rare Shrimp. These resources have become indispensable tools for both novice and experienced shrimp enthusiasts, helping to standardize practices and improve overall knowledge in the field.
Perhaps one of their most admirable traits is their willingness to share information and behind-the-scenes knowledge of shrimp breeding. Unlike some who might guard their secrets closely, Peiwen Shrimps has adopted an open approach, freely offering insights into their breeding techniques, care practices, and problem-solving methods. Their commitment to the community extends to tangible support as well. Peiwen Shrimps has been known to sponsor and donate shrimp to international competitions, thereby supporting these events and providing opportunities for others to work with high-quality specimens.
The culmination of their efforts and expertise came in 2024 when Peiwen Shrimps achieved the distinction of being the worldwide winningest breeder of 2024. This accolade serves as a testament to their consistent quality, innovation, and dedication to their craft of shrimp breeding.
Variant Specialties
Fishbone Fancy Tigers
Peiwen Shrimps’ latest innovation, the Fishbone Fancy Tiger shrimp, has caused quite a stir in the shrimp breeding community, particularly at the 2024 North American International Shrimp Competition (NAISC). This variant was so unique and exceptional that it was actually removed from Category 5: Tiger variants, full color and striped/spotted and placed in the innovation and crossbreeds category.
The Fishbone Fancy Tiger is characterized by a distinctive pattern that sets it apart from other tiger shrimp varieties. It features a clear, continuous white line running along the shrimp’s back, with smaller, symmetrical lines branching out at regular intervals, resembling a fish’s skeletal structure – hence the name “fishbone.” This pattern is not only aesthetically pleasing but also demonstrates a level of genetic stability that is rare in new variants.
What makes this variant truly special is its potential to redefine the standard for Red Fancy Tigers (RFTs). Many breeders and enthusiasts believe that the Fishbone Fancy Tiger represents the future of the fancy tiger variant. This sentiment draws parallels to the evolution of Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS), where Pure Red Line (PRL) shrimp, once considered rare and exclusive, have now become the standard.
The exclusivity of the Fishbone Fancy Tiger is further emphasized by its rarity in breeding. According to Peiwen, the breeder and inventor of this variant, only about 9% of offspring retain the fishbone pattern, with an even smaller percentage achieving high-grade status. This scarcity contributes to its high value and the excitement surrounding its potential.
Pinpointing a specific variant specialty for Peiwen Shrimps is challenging due to their exceptional performance across a wide range of categories in international competitions. Their consistent success demonstrates their overall mastery of shrimp breeding rather than expertise in just one area. Peiwen Shrimps has excelled in multiple categories, often securing multiple wins in a single category. This broad-spectrum success showcases their comprehensive understanding of shrimp genetics, breeding techniques, and quality standards across various shrimp types.
Current Projects and Future Goals
The removal of the Fishbone Fancy Tiger from its original category at the NAISC underscores its uniqueness. It suggests that this variant has transcended the typical classifications, potentially necessitating a category of its own in future competitions.
As with the evolution of PRLs in the CRS world, Peiwen’s aim is to further stabilize the fishbone gene and increase the inheritance rate above the current 9%. Fishbone Fancy Tigers could eventually replace the current standard RFTs. This potential for redefining the fancy tiger category makes Peiwen’s creation not just a beautiful shrimp, but a possible turning point in the world of RFTs.
Peiwen’s Advice to Shrimp Breeders
Peiwen Shrimps, drawing from their wealth of experience, offers a three-pronged philosophy to shrimp keeping:
First and foremost, they emphasize the critical importance of selecting excellent genetic bloodlines. This foundation is crucial for success in shrimp breeding and ensures that hobbyists start with the best possible stock.
Secondly, Peiwen stresses the value of a stable aquarium environment. They caution that a truly good and stable tank is a rare achievement. Once established, they advise against making drastic changes to the tank’s conditions, as this can disrupt the delicate balance that shrimp require to thrive.
Number 3, they highlight the significance of careful selection when it comes to the shrimp themselves. Peiwen recommends that hobbyists should be meticulous in screening the shrimp they breed, ensuring only the best specimens are kept and bred. This careful selection process is key to maintaining and improving the quality of one’s shrimp colony over time.
This advice encapsulates Peiwen’s philosophy of excellence, stability, and careful selection – principles that have undoubtedly contributed to their remarkable success in the world of shrimp breeding.
