Black Rose Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae

Variety of Red Cherry Shrimp · black rose

📍 Taiwan (captive developed)

Deep black to dark charcoal Neocaridina. Full opaque black coloration is the most sought-after grade. Creates a dramatic contrast in light-substrate planted tanks. As hardy as red cherry shrimp.

Size1.2"

Min Tank5g

School6+

peaceful

Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Black Rose Shrimp are primarily algae and biofilm grazers that spend most of their time foraging on tank surfaces and plants. Supplement their natural grazing with blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, cucumber) 2-3 times weekly and high-quality sinking pellets or algae wafers. They require minimal feeding if the tank has established algae growth; overfeeding can degrade water quality.

Behavior

These shrimp are peaceful, sedentary grazers that spend most of their time on substrate and plants searching for food. They are most active during dawn and dusk but remain visible throughout the day. They exhibit minimal aggression toward tankmates and are best kept in groups of 6 or more, where they display natural schooling behavior and feel secure.

Breeding

Breeding Black Rose Shrimp in captivity is relatively easy compared to other freshwater shrimp species. Females produce small batches of 20-30 shrimplets every 4-6 weeks without requiring a separate breeding tank; shrimplets are born fully-formed and independent. High survival rates occur in established, planted tanks with stable parameters and abundant microorganisms for fry to graze on.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Similar water requirements and peaceful temperament; excellent algae-eating companions

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater with identical water parameters; non-competitive for food sources

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that won't predate on adult shrimp; shares preference for soft, slightly acidic water

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful dwarf variety; generally ignores shrimp but monitor individual temperament

good

Nerite Snail

Algae-eating companion with no predatory behavior; excellent for planted tank ecosystems

excellent

Common Diseases

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Discoloration, lethargy, loss of appetite, visible lesions or fuzzy growth on body

Treatment

Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days; improve water quality and reduce stocking density. Isolate severely affected individuals. Antibacterial medications are rarely necessary if water parameters are corrected.

Molting Problems

Symptoms

Difficulty shedding exoskeleton, incomplete molts, death shortly after molting attempt

Treatment

Ensure adequate calcium and mineral content through mineral supplements or GH boosters. Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden pH/temperature fluctuations. Provide plenty of hiding places to reduce stress during vulnerable molting periods.

Parasitic Infection

Symptoms

Excessive grooming behavior, visible parasites on body, lethargy, reduced feeding

Treatment

Perform frequent partial water changes and increase aeration. Quarantine affected individuals if possible. Avoid introducing infected plants or equipment. Most parasites are controlled through improved husbandry rather than medication.

Sudden Death Syndrome

Symptoms

Rapid death with no visible symptoms, often occurring after water changes or parameter shifts

Treatment

Maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.8-7.5, temperature 18-26°C). Acclimate new shrimp slowly over 2-3 hours. Avoid chlorinated tap water; use dechlorinator. Ensure adequate biofilm and algae for grazing.