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Blue Pearl Shrimp
Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis var. Blue Pearl
Also known as Blue Pearl, Blue Pearl Neocaridina, Blue Pearl Neo, Blue Pearl Cherry Shrimp
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae
📍 Germany (captive-developed line)
Blue Pearl Shrimp are a hardy, selectively bred Neocaridina morph showing a soft, translucent powder-blue body — paler and more see-through than the solid cobalt of Blue Dream or Blue Velvet. Developed in Germany from the same species complex as the Snowball shrimp, females carry pale blue-white egg clusters that stand out beautifully against dark substrate. They share the same beginner-friendly care as Red Cherry Shrimp and breed readily in stable, planted tanks.
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Care Guide
Diet
Blue Pearl Shrimp are omnivores that graze constantly on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter in established tanks. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets 2-3 times weekly and occasional blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or cucumber. Avoid overfeeding — uneaten food quickly degrades the pristine water quality shrimp depend on.
Behavior
Blue Pearl Shrimp are peaceful, slow-moving grazers that spend their days foraging across substrate, plants, and hardscape. They are most active at dawn and dusk but stay visible throughout the day in a calm, well-planted tank. They show their best color and confidence when kept in groups of six or more with plenty of cover.
Breeding
Blue Pearl Shrimp breed prolifically in stable, established tanks with no special conditioning. Females carry pale blue-tinted eggs for roughly three to four weeks, then release fully-formed shrimplets that are independent immediately. As a Neocaridina, they can interbreed with other Neocaridina color strains and revert toward wild-type coloration over generations, so keep them separate from other strains to hold the blue line.
Tank Mates
Similar water requirements and peaceful temperament; both are algae grazers that coexist without competition
Closely related Neocaridina with identical care needs; may interbreed, so keep separate to preserve color
Small, peaceful algae-eater in a different niche; requires similar water parameters
Tiny, non-aggressive fish that won't predate adult shrimp; prefers similar warm, planted setups
Low-growing plant that provides grazing surface and shelter; shrimp will not damage it
Dense moss creates ideal biofilm habitat and cover for breeding females and juveniles
Common Diseases
Bacterial Infection (Septicemia)
Discoloration, lethargy, cloudy appearance on body or appendages, refusal to eat
Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days; increase aeration; remove affected individuals to quarantine; maintain pristine water quality with ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm
Molting Complications
Inability to shed exoskeleton, stuck molt, death shortly after molting attempt
Ensure adequate calcium and mineral content through quality water or supplementation; maintain stable pH and GH; provide iodine-rich foods; avoid sudden parameter changes
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching against substrate, visible spots or lesions, rapid gill movement, lethargy
Increase water changes and quarantine affected shrimp; maintain excellent water quality; freshwater shrimp are sensitive, so avoid salt or medication in the main tank
Sudden Death Syndrome
Sudden death with no prior visible symptoms, often affecting recently introduced shrimp
Acclimate new shrimp slowly over 2-3 hours using the drip method; avoid drastic parameter changes; ensure the tank is fully cycled before adding shrimp; keep temperature and pH consistent
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – biofilm, algae, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables
- breeding
- Prolific; keep separate from other Neocaridina strains to hold colour
- lifespan
- 1–2 years
- max size
- 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
- tank size
- 5 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 6–15 dGH
- temperature
- 64–79°F (18–26°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.