Caridina and neocaridina shrimp are two species commonly kept in enthusiast aquariums. While both species share many similarities, they also exhibit several marked differences.

In this article, we will explore these differences and which species of freshwater shrimp would best suit your aquarium.

1. Habitat

• Neocaridina

Neocaridina shrimp are primarily found in warm, fresh waters across southeastern Asia. They are most common in Taiwan and eastern China.

• Caridina

The classification of caridina covers a much more comprehensive range of shrimp species. They are native to Southeast Asia, India, and some islands in the western Pacific.

2. Water Parameters

Knowing and maintaining consistent water parameters for your shrimp is paramount when it comes to the long term health of your new pet.

• Neocaridina

Temperature: 65–85°F

• pH: 6.4–8.0

• KH: 0–10 dKH

• GH: 4–14 dGH
  

• Cycled aquarium: Having a cycled aquarium is also important. 

Neocaridina shrimp are adaptable to a wide range of water temperatures and parameters.

Neocaridina shrimp are happiest in water with ph levels between 6.5 and 8.

Additionally, the shrimp thrive in varying degrees of water hardness, meaning they will thrive on most tap water.

The ideal KH (Water hardness) for neocaridina shrimp is 4-6.

• Caridina

Temperature: 64-76° F

• pH: 5.5-6.5

• KH: 0-1 dKH

• GH: 4-6 dGH

• Cycled Aquarium: Cycling fresh water is tantamount to caradina shrimp health

Caridina shrimp are generally much more sensitive to water parameters than their neocaridina cousins. 

Most caridina species require soft, acidic water with a relatively low pH (6.0 or lower)

Water hardness is best kept at a KH of 0-1. This means that they generally can not be kept in direct tap water. 

Caridina shrimp require stable water within each individual species' unique set of parameters to thrive. This makes them less ideal pets for the beginner aquarist.

With the proper knowledge and equipment, these problems can be relatively easily circumvented.

3. Diet

• Neocaridina

Neocaridina are omnivores, meaning they will eat a wide range of foods.

They primarily eat algae, biofilm, and detritus but will also eat blanched vegetables and shrimp pellets. Their primary food is biofilm, a thin film of living organic matter that coats exposed surfaces in an aquarium.

 To ensure the best health of your shrimp, any new aquarists should wait several days to a week after curating their tank before introducing any shrimp so that biofilm can begin to form.

Feed Neocaridina various foods to help them get vital nutrients and thrive in your aquarium.

Baby Neocaridina eat the same foods as their parents. You can supplement their diet with baby shrimp food. Larger foods will be impossible to consume initially because the shrimp are too small.

• Caridina

Caradina are also omnivores. 

However, they tend to have more specific dietary requirements than their neocaridina cousins. 

Different varieties of cardinal shrimp exhibit different dietary requirements. Some shrimp require live food in the form of microorganisms or specialized shrimp food that can be costly to purchase and difficult to source.

4. Color Variations

• Neocaridina

While caridina and neocaridina shrimp are known for their exotic palettes of beautiful coloration, neocaridina shrimp tend to be more striking in color.

This stems mainly from selective breeding, which has proven much easier and more widespread among neocaridina shrimp, as they are far easier to breed and raise.

Some prevalent neocaridina colorations include:

Fire-red Cherry shrimp, Black Rose shrimp, Blue Dream shrimp, and Green Jade shrimp

These, along with many other breeds of caridina, have been culled over time for their now vibrant neon colors.

• Caridina

While Caridina shrimp tend to be less striking in color, they are still beautiful in a more natural way. 

Most species of caridina display a variation of red or white stripes.

Their colorations tend to match those of their habitat. Therefore, there is a significantly less diverse pool of colors to choose from when it comes to caridina shrimp.

5. Breeding

Caridina and neocaridina shrimp share somewhat similar tendencies when it comes to breeding. 

The primary difference here comes with the endopod (The male reproductive organ)

Caradina tend to have a longer and more slender endopod. The neocaridina endopod, by contrast, is much rounder and flatter.

Additionally, some species of caridina shrimp require brackish (slightly salty) water to breed.

Conclusion

Caradina and neocaridina shrimp are both beautiful species of shrimp that can bring life and vibrance to your aquarium. Given the correct water parameters and overall care, either shrimp species will survive and thrive.

However, with that being said, beginners to the hobby should start with neocaridina shrimp, as they are much more hearty than their caridina counterparts. Even a slight difference in water parameter tolerance can hugely impact your shrimp's lifespan and quality of life.

This by no means makes caridina bad pets however, and experienced aquarists may find them interesting and beautiful creatures to care for.

If you are looking to start your own shrimp colony, please feel free to check out our selection of stunningly colorful freshwater aquarium shrimp here