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Blue Velvet Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var. Blue Velvet
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae
Variety of Red Cherry Shrimp · blue velvet
📍 Taiwan
Blue velvet shrimp are a selectively bred colour morph of the common neocaridina davidi, displaying an attractive solid blue coloration. They share the same hardy nature and care requirements as red cherry shrimp, making them equally beginner-friendly. They breed readily and can produce mixed-colour offspring if kept with other neocaridina colour morphs.
Care Guide
Diet
Blue velvet shrimp are omnivores that primarily graze on biofilm and algae naturally present in the tank. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets 2-3 times weekly and blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and cucumber once weekly. They will also consume small amounts of decaying plant matter and leftover fish food.
Behavior
These shrimp are peaceful, slow-moving grazers that spend most of their time foraging along substrate and plants. They are most active during dawn and dusk but remain visible throughout the day. They are social and do best in groups of 6 or more, where they exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduced stress.
Breeding
Blue velvet shrimp breed readily in captivity without special conditioning, making them excellent for beginners interested in breeding. Females produce 20-30 shrimplets every 4-5 weeks under stable conditions. However, keep them separate from other Neocaridina color morphs to prevent hybridization and color degradation in offspring.
Tank Mates
Similar water requirements and peaceful temperament; excellent algae control partners
Small, peaceful bottom-dweller that won't prey on shrimp; shares similar water parameters
Tiny, non-aggressive fish that coexist peacefully; prefer similar warm water conditions
Generally peaceful but may occasionally nip at shrimp; monitor behavior closely
Peaceful algae eater with identical water requirements; no competition for food
Same species, different color morph; can interbreed, so separate if maintaining pure blue line
Common Diseases
Bacterial Infection
White spots or patches on body, lethargy, loss of appetite, molting problems
Perform 25% water changes daily, maintain pristine water quality, isolate affected individuals if possible, avoid overstocking
Fungal Infection
Cotton-like growth on body or appendages, particularly after molting
Increase water changes, maintain temperature at 24-26°C, remove decaying plant matter, consider salt baths (1 tablespoon per 5 gallons) for 10-15 minutes
Molting Problems
Inability to shed exoskeleton, lethargy, death shortly after molting attempt
Ensure adequate calcium and minerals in water (GH 6-20 dGH), provide varied diet with protein, maintain stable water parameters and temperature
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, visible parasites on body, color fading, reduced activity
Quarantine affected shrimp, perform frequent water changes, maintain optimal water quality, avoid introducing infected plants or decorations
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Varieties
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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)