Neocaridina Blue Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Neocaridina Blue Shrimp

Neocaridina Blue Shrimp are a beautiful, peaceful and relatively easy-to-keep freshwater shrimp that make an excellent addition to planted aquariums, nano tanks and community aquariums. Their attractive blue coloration provides a striking contrast against green plants, dark substrates and natural aquascapes.

These shrimp are a selectively bred colour variety of Neocaridina davidi and, like other Neocaridina varieties, are well suited to aquarists looking for an interesting and beneficial aquarium inhabitant that is also relatively low maintenance.

 

Appearance

Neocaridina Blue Shrimp display attractive shades of blue ranging from translucent blue to deeper blue depending on the individual, genetics, age, stress level and aquarium conditions. Higher-grade specimens generally exhibit more consistent and opaque colouration.

Females are typically larger and more robust than males, while males tend to be smaller and more slender. Mature females may also display a more pronounced saddle and, when carrying eggs, a clearly visible clutch beneath the abdomen.

 

Behaviour

These shrimp are peaceful, non-aggressive and highly active, especially once established in an aquarium. They spend much of their time grazing on algae, biofilm and microorganisms growing on rocks, wood, plants and other aquarium surfaces.

They are excellent scavengers and will help consume leftover food and organic material, although they should not be considered a replacement for regular aquarium maintenance.

Blue Shrimp are particularly enjoyable to watch in a mature planted aquarium, where they can often be seen climbing through plants and hardscape while continuously grazing.

 

Aquarium Requirements

A mature, stable aquarium is strongly recommended. Neocaridina shrimp are much more sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry than their hardiness might suggest, so stability is more important than chasing exact numbers.

A sponge filter or an aquarium filter with a pre-filter sponge is recommended to prevent shrimp and shrimplets from being drawn into the filtration system.

Providing plenty of plants, mosses, driftwood and other surfaces for biofilm growth will make the aquarium more suitable for a healthy shrimp colony.

Recommended Water Parameters

• Freshwater: Yes
• Temperature: Approximately 20–25°C (68–77°F)
• pH: Approximately 6.5–8.0
• GH: Approximately 6–10 dGH
• KH: Approximately 2–6 dKH
• TDS: Approximately 150–250 ppm
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: Ideally below 20 ppm
• Salinity: 0

These are general guidelines rather than strict requirements. Avoid rapid changes in temperature, pH, GH, TDS or other water parameters.

 

Feeding

Neocaridina Blue Shrimp are natural grazers and will obtain a significant portion of their nutrition from biofilm, algae and microorganisms growing naturally within a mature aquarium.

They can also be supplemented with quality shrimp foods, algae-based foods, blanched vegetables and other appropriate foods.

Feed sparingly. Uneaten food can quickly affect water quality, particularly in smaller aquariums. A small amount that is completely consumed within a few hours is generally preferable to overfeeding.

 

Tank Mates

Blue Shrimp are peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful freshwater inhabitants. However, virtually any fish large enough to fit a baby shrimp in its mouth may eat shrimplets.

For the best breeding results, a species-only shrimp aquarium or a peaceful planted aquarium with very small, shrimp-safe tank mates is recommended.

Avoid keeping them with aggressive fish, large predatory fish or species known to actively hunt shrimp.

 

Breeding

Neocaridina Blue Shrimp are relatively easy to breed when provided with stable water parameters, adequate food and plenty of cover.

Mature females carry eggs underneath their abdomen and regularly fan the eggs with their swimmerets. After hatching, the young emerge as fully formed miniature shrimp rather than free-swimming larvae.

Shrimplets benefit greatly from dense moss, fine-leaved plants, sponge filtration and established biofilm. Providing plenty of hiding places can significantly improve survival rates.

 

Important Care Notes

• Keep in a fully cycled and mature aquarium.
• Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden changes.
• Copper-based medications can be harmful or fatal to shrimp.
• Use a sponge pre-filter or shrimp-safe intake on aquarium filtration.
• Avoid overfeeding.
• Provide plenty of natural grazing surfaces and hiding places.
• Acclimate shrimp carefully, particularly when there is a significant difference between the aquarium and shipping water.
• Shrimp regularly molt their exoskeleton. Finding an empty shell in the aquarium is normal and does not necessarily indicate a deceased shrimp.

 

Our Recommendation

Neocaridina Blue Shrimp are an excellent choice for aquarists looking to add colour, activity and natural algae-grazing behaviour to a freshwater aquarium. They are especially attractive in planted and aquascaped tanks and can establish a thriving colony when provided with stable conditions, suitable food and plenty of cover.

With proper care, a small group can gradually develop into a fascinating and self-sustaining shrimp colony.