ShrimpeasyFreshwater

Chocolate Neocaridina Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

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.

Where it's from

Recorded as introduced in Brazil, Germany, Norway and Poland

At a glance

Size: 1.25 in; 3 cm
Min tank: 5 gal; 19 L
Group: 10+
Temp: 64–82°F; 18–28°C
pH: 6.5-8.0
GH: 71–143 ppm; 4–8 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 1-3 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Tanks keeping this

Kept by 6 members

3 tanks shared publicly; 3 more kept privately.

Easy Low Maintenance

@chatchris1

AMAZONIA

@mateocoello

Freshwater Tank

@octaviorodriguez

Care

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

See all 6

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae eater that shares bottom-dwelling space without competing or predating on shrimp

excellent

Ember Tetra

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that occupy mid-water column and do not prey on adult shrimp

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful, small gourami that coexists well with shrimp colonies in planted tanks

good

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that are peaceful and occupy similar ecological niches without aggression

excellent

Java Moss

Provides essential biofilm, grazing surfaces, and shelter for shrimp and shrimplets

excellent

Beginner-friendly

Member photos

Vote for the cover

Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.

by @octaviorodriguez

Common diseases 4Molting Issues / Failed Molt, Copper Toxicity, Bacterial Infection / Shell Erosion, Parasitic Infection (Flukes / Vorticella)

Molting Issues / Failed Molt

Symptoms

Shrimp unable to shed exoskeleton, appearing stuck or lethargic; may die if unable to complete molt

Treatment

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

Symptoms

Lethargy, loss of color, erratic swimming, death; shrimp are extremely sensitive to copper

Treatment

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

Symptoms

White spots on body, cloudy appearance, pitting or erosion of exoskeleton, lethargy

Treatment

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)

Symptoms

Excessive grooming, white film on body, lethargy, loss of appetite, clustering near surface

Treatment

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

Legality

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CC BY 4.0); Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (CC BY 4.0); Global Register of Invasive and Introduced Species (CC BY 4.0).