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Chocolate Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var. 'Chocolate'
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae
Variety of Red Cherry Shrimp · chocolate
📍 Asia (captive-bred)
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.
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.
Tank Mates
Similar water requirements and peaceful temperament; excellent algae control partners
Same genus (Neocaridina), identical care needs, can interbreed but color morphs remain distinct
Peaceful algae eaters with overlapping water parameters; no predatory behavior toward shrimp
Small, peaceful fish that won't predate on adult shrimp; prefers similar warm temperatures
Generally peaceful but may occasionally nip at shrimp; requires careful observation
Excellent algae control companion with identical water requirements; no competition for food
Common Diseases
Bacterial Infection (Red Leg Syndrome)
Red discoloration on legs and body, lethargy, loss of appetite, molting difficulties
Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days, improve water quality, remove affected individuals to quarantine, increase aeration
Fungal Infection
White or gray fuzzy growth on body or appendages, difficulty molting, reduced activity
Increase water changes, improve tank hygiene, remove decaying plant matter, quarantine affected shrimp, maintain optimal water parameters
Molting Problems
Inability to shed exoskeleton, lethargy, death shortly after molting attempt
Ensure adequate calcium and minerals (GH 6-20 dGH), provide proper nutrition with varied diet, maintain stable water parameters, reduce stress
Parasitic Infection
Visible parasites on body, excessive grooming behavior, lethargy, appetite loss
Quarantine affected individuals, perform frequent water changes, maintain excellent water quality, avoid introducing infected plants or decorations
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Varieties
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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)