Blue Dream Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi 'Blue Dream'
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae
Variety of Red Cherry Shrimp · blue dream
📍 Taiwan (captive developed)
Blue Dream Shrimp are a high-grade selectively bred Neocaridina davidi morph displaying deep, solid cobalt-blue coloration throughout the body. The 'Dream' grade represents the most intense and uniform blue coloration, without the lighter patches seen in standard Blue Velvet morphs. They share the same hardy, beginner-friendly care requirements as Red Cherry Shrimp and breed prolifically in stable, planted tanks.
Care Guide
Diet
Blue Dream Shrimp are omnivores that primarily graze on biofilm and algae naturally present in planted tanks. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets 2-3 times weekly and blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, cucumber) once weekly. Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food degrades water quality quickly.
Behavior
These shrimp are peaceful, slow-moving grazers that spend most of their time foraging on surfaces and plants. They are most active during low-light periods and will hide among vegetation when stressed. Blue Dreams are social and thrive in groups of 6 or more, displaying natural schooling behavior.
Breeding
Blue Dream Shrimp breed prolifically in stable, planted tanks without special conditioning. Females produce 20-30 shrimplets every 4-5 weeks; all offspring develop in the water column and are independent immediately. Keep separate from other Neocaridina morphs to maintain pure blue coloration, as they readily interbreed and produce hybrid offspring.
Tank Mates
Same water parameters and peaceful temperament; excellent algae control partners
Compatible but will interbreed; keep separate if maintaining pure Blue Dream line
Small, peaceful algae eaters with identical water requirements
Tiny, non-predatory fish that won't consume shrimp; similar temperature needs
Ideal plant for shrimp habitat; provides grazing surfaces and shelter
Peaceful algae eaters that share the same water parameters and won't compete for food
Common Diseases
Bacterial Infection
White or cloudy patches on body, lethargy, loss of appetite, molting difficulties
Perform 25% water changes daily, increase aeration, maintain pristine water quality (0 ammonia, <20 ppm nitrate). Remove affected individuals to quarantine if possible. Avoid antibiotics in main tank.
Parasitic Infection (Vorticella)
Fuzzy white coating on body, excessive grooming behavior, lethargy, difficulty molting
Increase water changes and aeration to improve oxygen levels. Raise temperature slightly (within safe range) to speed metabolism. Ensure excellent water quality; parasites thrive in poor conditions.
Molting Problems
Inability to shed exoskeleton, incomplete molts, death shortly after molting attempt
Ensure adequate calcium and minerals by adding specialized shrimp mineral supplements. Maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.5-7.5, GH 6-20). Provide soft plants and surfaces for easier molting.
Sudden Death Syndrome
Rapid death without visible symptoms, often after water changes or tank setup
Acclimate shrimp slowly (30+ minutes) to new water using drip method. Avoid sudden pH or temperature swings. Use dechlorinated water and ensure no copper exposure from pipes or medications.
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Tanks keeping this 🐟
Kept by 1 hobbyistCommunity tanks featuring Blue Dream Shrimp.
Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – biofilm, algae, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables
- breeding
- Prolific; keep separate from other Neocaridina morphs to maintain colour
- lifespan
- 1–2 years
- max size
- 4 cm (1.5 in)
- tank size
- 5 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 6–20 dGH
- temperature
- 64–79°F (18–26°C)