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ShrimpbeginnerFreshwater

Chocolate Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi var. 'Chocolate'

AnimaliaArthropodaMalacostracaAtyidae

Variety of Red Cherry Shrimp · chocolate

📍 Asia (captive-bred)

Ask Finn

Chocolate shrimp are a deep brown-maroon Neocaridina morph with a rich, earthy colouration that contrasts beautifully with green plants and light substrate. Hardy and prolific, they are managed identically to other Neocaridina colour morphs.

Size1.2"
Min Tank5g
School6+
peaceful
Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Chocolate shrimp are omnivorous scavengers that primarily feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter in the aquarium. Supplement their diet 2-3 times weekly with blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber), quality shrimp-specific pellets, and occasional frozen foods like bloodworms. They will naturally graze on surfaces and rarely require additional feeding if the tank is well-established with adequate algae growth.

Behavior

These peaceful, active shrimp spend most of their time foraging along the substrate and plant surfaces, making them excellent for planted tanks. They are social creatures that thrive in groups of 6 or more, displaying natural schooling behavior and reduced stress. Chocolate shrimp are primarily nocturnal but become more active during low-light periods; they rarely interact aggressively with tankmates and prefer densely planted environments for security.

Breeding

Chocolate shrimp breed readily in captivity under stable conditions, with females producing 20-30 shrimplets every 4-6 weeks without male intervention (like other Neocaridina). Breeding requires only consistent water parameters, adequate food, and hiding spaces; no special conditioning is needed. Shrimplets are miniature versions of adults and will grow to full size in 3-4 months if well-fed and protected from predation.

Common Diseases

Bacterial Infection (Red Leg Syndrome)

Symptoms

Red discoloration on legs and body, lethargy, loss of appetite, molting difficulties

Treatment

Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days, improve water quality, remove affected individuals to quarantine, increase aeration

Fungal Infection

Symptoms

White or gray fuzzy growth on body or appendages, difficulty molting, reduced activity

Treatment

Increase water changes, improve tank hygiene, remove decaying plant matter, quarantine affected shrimp, maintain optimal water parameters

Molting Problems

Symptoms

Inability to shed exoskeleton, lethargy, death shortly after molting attempt

Treatment

Ensure adequate calcium and minerals (GH 6-20 dGH), provide proper nutrition with varied diet, maintain stable water parameters, reduce stress

Parasitic Infection

Symptoms

Visible parasites on body, excessive grooming behavior, lethargy, appetite loss

Treatment

Quarantine affected individuals, perform frequent water changes, maintain excellent water quality, avoid introducing infected plants or decorations

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Quick Facts

diet
Biofilm, algae, blanched vegetables, shrimp-specific foods
lifespan
1–2 years
max size
4 cm (1.6 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
64–82°F (18–28°C)

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists