Neocaridina shrimp are among the most popular freshwater shrimp in the aquarium hobby due to their vibrant colors, hardy nature, and ease of care.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced aquarist, these small yet fascinating creatures make a great addition to any planted tank.

In this guide, we'll explore the different kinds of Neocaridina shrimp, their care requirements, and essential details about their size, breeding, pH preferences, and life cycle.

Understanding Neocaridina Shrimp

Neocaridina shrimp originate from Taiwan and are widely kept in freshwater aquariums. They are known for their adaptability, making them an excellent choice for hobbyists looking for low-maintenance invertebrates.

Neocaridina Shrimp Size

Neocaridina shrimp are small but noticeable in an aquarium. On average:

• Adult Neocaridina shrimp grow to 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) in length.

• Males tend to be slightly smaller and less colorful than females.

• They can reach full size in about 3 to 4 months under optimal conditions.

Popular Types of Neocaridina Shrimp

Neocaridina shrimp come in a wide variety of colors, often selectively bred to enhance their appearance.

Below are some of the most common types:

1. Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. red)

Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are popular freshwater shrimp known for their vibrant red coloration, which varies in intensity depending on their grade and environment.

Their color ranges from pale pinkish-red in lower grades to deep, solid crimson in high-grade varieties like Sakura and Fire Red.

The intensity of their red hue is influenced by genetics, diet, lighting, and background—darker substrates and proper nutrition can enhance their pigmentation.

Selective breeding over generations has produced shrimp with increasingly vivid and uniform coloration, making them a striking and desirable addition to aquascaped tanks.

2. Blue Dream Shrimp

Blue Dream Neocaridina shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are a striking freshwater shrimp variety known for their deep blue coloration, making them a favorite among aquarists.

They are a selectively bred strain of the Neocaridina species and thrive in well-established, planted aquariums with stable water conditions.

These shrimp are hardy, adaptable, and excellent algae grazers, helping to maintain a clean tank environment.

Their peaceful nature allows them to coexist with other small, non-aggressive tank mates.

With proper care and stable water parameters, Blue Dream shrimp breed easily, adding a vibrant and active presence to any freshwater aquarium.

3. Yellow Golden Back Shrimp

Yellow Golden Back Neocaridina shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are a striking freshwater shrimp variety known for their bright yellow bodies with an intense golden stripe running along their back.

This unique coloration makes them stand out beautifully in planted aquariums.

Like other Neocaridina shrimp, they are hardy, adaptable, and thrive in stable water conditions with plenty of hiding spots and biofilm to graze on.

They are peaceful scavengers, helping to keep tanks clean by consuming algae and organic debris.

With proper care, they breed readily, making them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced shrimp keepers looking to add a splash of vibrant color to their aquarium.

4. Orange Pumpkin Shrimp

Orange Pumpkin Shrimp, a color morph of Neocaridina davidi, are admired for their bright, translucent to solid orange coloration that resembles the shade of a ripe pumpkin.

Like other Neocaridina varieties, their color intensity depends on genetics, diet, and tank conditions.

Higher-grade specimens exhibit a more uniform and opaque orange tone, while lower grades may appear more translucent or patchy.

Their striking color stands out beautifully against dark substrates and green plants, making them a favorite for hobbyists seeking vibrant contrast in a planted aquarium.

Selective breeding continues to improve their consistency and depth of color.

5. Green Jade Shrimp

Green Jade Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are a striking and relatively rare color morph prized for their deep emerald green to olive-green coloration.

This unique hue is the result of careful selective breeding, and high-grade specimens display a rich, opaque green that can appear almost metallic under the right lighting.

Lower grades may have more translucent bodies or uneven color distribution.

Like other Neocaridina, their color can be enhanced with a high-quality diet, low stress, and a dark substrate, which helps bring out their vibrant tones.

Green Jade Shrimp add an exotic and eye-catching element to freshwater aquariums, especially in contrast with red or orange shrimp varieties.

6. Black Rose Shrimp

Black Rose Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are a stunning and dramatic color variant known for their deep, velvety black to dark chocolate brown appearance.

Selectively bred from darker morphs of Neocaridina, high-grade Black Rose Shrimp display an almost opaque, glossy black shell that gives them a sleek, elegant look in planted aquariums.

Lower grades may show patches of lighter coloration or a more translucent body. Their intense coloration is best maintained with a protein-rich diet, low-stress environment, and dark substrate, which further enhances their contrast.

Black Rose Shrimp are especially popular among aquarists for creating a bold visual statement or balancing more vibrant shrimp varieties in a community tank.

7. Rili Shrimp (Red, Blue, Orange, and Carbon Rili)

Rili Shrimp are a visually striking color variant of Neocaridina davidi, celebrated for their unique and artistic color patterns.

Unlike solid-colored shrimp, Rili Shrimp feature a bold contrast between brightly colored head and tail sections and a translucent or clear midsection.

This split-color design gives them a delicate, almost painted appearance that stands out beautifully in planted aquariums.

Common color schemes include Red Rili, with vibrant red ends and a transparent center; Blue Rili, which ranges from light sky blue to deep electric blue; Carbon Rili, with a dark, almost black or deep blue hue contrasted by a see-through mid-body; and Orange Rili, which showcases warm, pumpkin-toned edges.

The clarity and vibrancy of their coloration can vary based on genetics, diet, and tank conditions, but when well cared for, Rili Shrimp add dynamic contrast and visual interest to any freshwater shrimp setup.

8. Snowball Shrimp

Snowball Shrimp are a beautiful and peaceful variety of Neocaridina davidi, known for their soft, milky white coloration that resembles freshly fallen snow.

Unlike other Neocaridina morphs that emphasize bold or bright colors, Snowball Shrimp have a more subtle, elegant look, with a semi-opaque white body that can appear to glow under proper lighting.

They are named not only for their color but also because their eggs often look like tiny white "snowballs" carried beneath the females' abdomen.

Snowball Shrimp stand out best against darker substrates and heavily planted tanks, where their pale hue offers a clean and calming contrast.

Like other Neocaridinas, they are hardy, easy to care for, and a great choice for beginner shrimp keepers looking to add a touch of minimalist beauty to their aquarium.

Neocaridina Shrimp pH and Water Parameters

One of the reasons Neocaridina shrimp are so popular is their adaptability to a wide range of water conditions. However, to ensure their health and longevity, the following parameters should be maintained:

• pH: Neocaridina shrimp prefer a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, though they can tolerate slightly outside this range.

• Temperature: Ideal temperature ranges from 68°F to 78°F (20°C to 26°C).

• GH (General Hardness): 6-10 dGH.

• KH (Carbonate Hardness): 3-8 dKH.

• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 150-250 ppm.

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (even small amounts can be fatal).

Stable water conditions are crucial, as sudden fluctuations can stress or even kill Neocaridina shrimp.

Neocaridina Shrimp Breeding

One of the greatest appeals of Neocaridina shrimp is how easy they are to breed. Unlike Caridina shrimp, which require specific water parameters, Neocaridina shrimp breed readily in stable conditions.

How to Encourage Breeding:

• Maintain optimal water parameters.

• Provide plenty of hiding spaces with plants, moss, and shrimp caves.

• Keep a group of at least 10 shrimp to ensure a good male-to-female ratio.

• Feed a varied diet, including high-quality shrimp pellets, algae, and blanched vegetables.

Neocaridina Shrimp Life Cycle:

1. Mating: Once a female molts, she releases pheromones that attract males for fertilization.

2. Egg Carrying (Gravid Stage): The female carries eggs under her abdomen for 2 to 4 weeks.

3. Hatching: Baby shrimp hatch fully developed and are miniature versions of adults.

4. Growth: Juveniles take 3 to 4 months to mature and start breeding themselves.

Neocaridina shrimp have an average lifespan of 1.5 to 2 years, though some can live longer in optimal conditions.

Conclusion

Neocaridina shrimp are an excellent choice for aquarists of all levels. Their stunning color variations, ease of care, and fascinating breeding behavior make them a rewarding species to keep. By maintaining stable water conditions, providing proper nutrition, and ensuring a well-balanced tank environment, you can enjoy a thriving Neocaridina shrimp colony for years to come.

Whether you're interested in their vibrant aesthetics or their natural algae-cleaning abilities, Neocaridina shrimp are a fantastic addition to any freshwater aquarium. With the right care, you'll find them to be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding invertebrates in the hobby.