🦐 Neocaridina Shrimp Care Guide (Neocaridina davidi)

🌟 Overview Neocaridina shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are one of the most popular freshwater invertebrates in the aquarium hobby. Known for their wide variety of colors (such as cherry red, blue dream, yellow, and more), these hardy dwarf shrimp are prized for their algae-eating ability and active behavior. Easy to care for and beginner-friendly, they make excellent additions to planted community aquariums and dedicated shrimp tanks.

🔑 Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi
• Common Names: Cherry Shrimp, Blue Dream Shrimp, Yellow Shrimp (color morphs)
• Origin: Taiwan
• Size: 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm)
• Lifespan: 1–2 years (sometimes longer with excellent care)
• Temperament: Peaceful, social
• Care Level: Easy

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons (larger recommended for colonies)
• Water Temperature: 68–78°F (20–25°C)
• pH: 6.5–7.8
• Hardness: 6–12 dGH
• KH: 2–6 dKH
• Aquascape: Planted tanks with moss, driftwood, rocks for grazing & hiding
• Filtration: Sponge filter or gentle flow (shrimp-safe)

🍽️ Diet

Neocaridina shrimp are omnivores and natural scavengers:

• Algae & biofilm (primary food source)
• High-quality shrimp pellets & wafers
• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber)
• Occasional protein-rich treats (bloodworms, brine shrimp)
• Tip: Feed lightly — overfeeding can foul water.

🧑🤝🧑 Tank Mates

• Peaceful nano fish: rasboras, small tetras, guppies
• Compatible with snails and otocinclus
• Avoid aggressive or predatory fish (cichlids, bettas, large gouramis)
• Best in shrimp-only tanks for breeding colonies

🧠 Behavior & Tips

• Constantly grazing on surfaces and plants
• Breed readily in aquariums with stable conditions
• Females carry eggs under their abdomen until hatching (~3–4 weeks)
• Provide hiding spots for molting shrimp and baby shrimplets

❓ FAQ

Q: How fast do Neocaridina shrimp breed?
A: Very quickly under good conditions; colonies can grow rapidly in planted tanks.

Q: Can Neocaridina shrimp live with fish?
A: Yes, but only with peaceful nano fish. Baby shrimp are often eaten by fish.

Q: Do they need a heater?
A: Not always — they tolerate room temperature but thrive in 70–76°F.

Q: What’s the easiest color morph for beginners?
A: Red Cherry Shrimp are the most common and hardy, ideal for new keepers.