Rare Taiwan shrimp sells for $830

Rare tiny black and white shrimp raised in Taiwan are selling for as much as $830 a piece to collectors in Japan, despite short life spans and problems breeding, officials at an exhibition said on Friday. The black King Kong shrimp, about 2,000 of which are being raised by just four Taiwan breeders armed with technology and reservoirs of patience, sustain interest among buyers because of their novelty in aquariums and the off-chance they will breed. Black King Kong shrimp, centimetre-long critters known for black shells with white spots, live for about 16 months. The rare breed, which is also nicknamed as Panda Shrimp, attracted hundreds to visit the aquarium exhibition. The exhibition runs in Taipei until Monday (November 9).