Aquarium Shrimp Care: Detailed Care Guide for Neocaridina Shrimp

 Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi 

Common Name: Cherry Shrimp (various color morphs available: Red Cherry Shrimp, Blue Dream Shrimp, etc.)

Family: Atyidae

Origin: Taiwan

Maintaining the correct water parameters is crucial for the health and breeding success of Neocaridina shrimp.

• Temperature: 65°F - 80°F (18°C - 27°C)
  • Ideal temperature: 72°F - 74°F (22°C - 24°C)
• pH: 6.5 - 8.0
  • Ideal pH: 6.8 - 7.4
• GH (General Hardness): 4 - 8 dGH
• KH (Carbonate Hardness): 3 - 15 dKH
• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 100 - 300 ppm
• Ammonia, Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: < 20 ppm (preferably < 10 ppm)

Water Changes:Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are essential to maintain water quality and remove excess nitrates and other waste products.

Neocaridina shrimp are omnivores and scavengers, meaning they can consume a wide range of foods.

• Staple Diet:
  • High-quality shrimp pellets
  • Algae wafers
  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas)
• Supplementary Foods:
  • Biofilm (naturally occurring in well-established aquariums)
  • Bacter AE (a powder food that promotes biofilm growth)
  • Spirulina tablets
  • Indian almond leaves (provide tannins, and minerals, and encourage biofilm growth)
  • Protein supplements (dried brine shrimp, bloodworms) – given occasionally

Feeding Frequency:Feed once a day, providing only as much food as they can consume within 2-3 hours. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality.

Neocaridina shrimp are peaceful and can coexist with a variety of fish and other invertebrates, provided their tank mates are not aggressive or predatory.

Compatible Tank Mates:

• Small, Peaceful Fish:
  • Guppies
  • Endler's livebearers
  • Tetras (neon, ember, rummy-nose)
  • Rasboras (harlequin, chili)
  • Corydoras catfish
  • Otocinclus catfish
  • Dwarf gouramis (sparkling, honey)
  • Danios (zebra, celestial pearl)
• Other Invertebrates:
  • Other dwarf shrimp species (Caridina)
  • Snails (Nerite, Mystery, Assassin)

Tank Mates to Avoid:

• Aggressive fish that may prey on shrimp:
  • Larger cichlids
  • Goldfish
  • Betta fish (depends on individual temperament)
  • Large catfish (Plecos, unless they are small species like Otocinclus)

• Aquarium Size: A minimum of 5 gallons is recommended, but larger tanks are easier to maintain stable water parameters.
• Aquascaping: Provide plenty of hiding spots with live plants (Java moss, Anubias, Cryptocoryne), driftwood, and rocks. Shrimp love to explore and hide, especially during molting.
• Filtration: Use sponge filters or intake guards on power filters to prevent shrimp from being sucked in.
• Breeding: Neocaridina shrimp breed readily in well-maintained aquariums. Ensure stable water parameters and plenty of food. Females carry eggs under their abdomen (berried) until they hatch into tiny shrimp.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. Intense lighting can promote excessive algae growth, which can be beneficial to shrimp but may need to be managed.

By maintaining optimal water conditions, providing a balanced diet, and choosing compatible tank mates, you can enjoy a thriving colony of Neocaridina shrimp in your aquarium.