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Chocolate Neocaridina Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
📍 Taiwan (selectively bred color variant of Neocaridina davidi)
Chocolate Neocaridina Shrimp are a stunning color morph of the popular dwarf shrimp, featuring rich brown coloration that deepens with age and proper care. These peaceful, hardy shrimp are excellent for planted tanks and community setups, thriving in established freshwater aquariums with moderate biofilm and algae growth. They are prolific breeders in freshwater and make an engaging addition to any aquascape.
Care Guide
Diet
Chocolate Neocaridina are primarily detritivores that feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter naturally present in the tank. Supplement with quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, carrot) 2-3 times weekly. A mature, established tank with plenty of moss and plants is ideal for maintaining natural food sources.
Behavior
These shrimp are active foragers that spend most of their time on the substrate and plants searching for food and biofilm. They are social and do best in groups of 10 or more, displaying natural grazing and scavenging behaviors. Molting occurs regularly; provide plenty of hiding spots and calcium-rich foods to support healthy exoskeleton development.
Breeding
Chocolate Neocaridina breed readily in freshwater without any special intervention, making them prolific reproducers. Females carry eggs under their tail for 2-3 weeks before releasing fully-formed shrimplets into the water column. In established tanks with adequate food and hiding spaces, populations will naturally increase, though predation by fish and cannibalism by adults will control numbers.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful algae eater that shares bottom-dwelling space without competing or predating on shrimp
Tiny, non-aggressive fish that occupy mid-water column and do not prey on adult shrimp
Peaceful, small gourami that coexists well with shrimp colonies in planted tanks
Larger shrimp species that are peaceful and occupy similar ecological niches without aggression
Provides essential biofilm, grazing surfaces, and shelter for shrimp and shrimplets
Hardy plant that creates hiding spaces and supports biofilm growth for natural food sources
Common Diseases
Molting Issues / Failed Molt
Shrimp unable to shed exoskeleton, appearing stuck or lethargic; may die if unable to complete molt
Ensure adequate calcium and minerals through quality shrimp food, cuttlebone, or mineral supplements; maintain stable water parameters; provide soft plants and hiding spots to reduce stress during molting
Copper Toxicity
Lethargy, loss of color, erratic swimming, death; shrimp are extremely sensitive to copper
Use only copper-free medications and fertilizers; avoid tap water treatments containing copper; perform partial water changes if copper contamination is suspected; use activated carbon in filter if needed
Bacterial Infection / Shell Erosion
White spots on body, cloudy appearance, pitting or erosion of exoskeleton, lethargy
Maintain pristine water quality with frequent partial water changes; increase aeration; remove affected individuals to quarantine if possible; ensure adequate calcium and minerals to support shell integrity
Parasitic Infection (Flukes / Vorticella)
Excessive grooming, white film on body, lethargy, loss of appetite, clustering near surface
Perform large water changes to reduce parasite load; increase water flow and aeration; quarantine affected shrimp if possible; avoid copper-based treatments; maintain optimal water parameters to boost immune response
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore/detritivore - primarily biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter
- lifespan
- 1-3 years
- max size
- 3 cm (1.25 in)
- tank size
- 5 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5-8.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 64–82°F (18–28°C)