Dream Blue Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

📍 Taiwan / Germany selective breeding

Dream Blue Shrimp are a selectively bred variety of Neocaridina davidi featuring a striking solid blue coloration that ranges from powder blue to deep sapphire depending on genetics and water conditions. This variety is prized for its vibrant, uniform coloring and peaceful demeanor, making it an excellent choice for planted community tanks and shrimp-focused aquascapes.

Size1.5"

Min Tank5g

School10+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Dream Blue Shrimp are detritivores that thrive on biofilm and algae naturally present in established tanks. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets (Shirakura, Mosura, or similar brands), blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, carrot), and occasional protein sources like dried spirulina or bloodworm powder. Feed small amounts 2-3 times weekly, removing uneaten food after 24 hours.

Behavior

These shrimp are active grazers, constantly foraging along substrate and plant surfaces for food particles and biofilm. They exhibit natural molting behavior every 4-6 weeks, during which they remain hidden and vulnerable. Colony dynamics are peaceful with minimal aggression; they may gather in groups near food sources and preferred grazing areas.

Breeding

Dream Blue Shrimp breed readily in standard freshwater conditions without requiring special acidic water like Caridina species. Females produce 20-30 shrimplets per cycle, which are born fully-formed and independent. Provide dense vegetation and biofilm-rich environments to maximize fry survival; no parental care is needed.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae-eater that shares the same biofilm-grazing niche without competing aggressively

excellent

Ember Tetra

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

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Nano fish with gentle temperament; too small to threaten shrimp and adds visual interest

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that coexist peacefully; may occasionally compete for food but rarely aggressive

good

Java Moss

Provides essential grazing surface, shelter during molting, and biofilm production for optimal shrimp health

excellent

Nerite Snail

Algae-eating snail that shares detritivore role; peaceful cohabitation with no predation risk

excellent

Common Diseases

Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt

Symptoms

Shrimp unable to fully shed exoskeleton; may appear stuck or lethargic; death if not resolved within 24-48 hours

Treatment

Increase water hardness (GH 6-8) and mineral content using shrimp mineral supplements; ensure adequate calcium via cuttlebone or mineral additives; maintain stable pH and temperature; provide hiding spots to reduce stress during molt

Bacterial Infection / Muscular Necrosis

Symptoms

White spots or patches on body; discoloration; lethargy; loss of appetite; rapid deterioration

Treatment

Perform 30% water change immediately; increase aeration; add Indian almond leaves or tannins to reduce bacterial load; maintain pristine water quality (0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, <20 ppm nitrate); isolate affected individuals if possible; avoid copper-based treatments (toxic to shrimp)

Copper Toxicity

Symptoms

Sudden death or extreme lethargy; loss of color; gasping at water surface; paralysis

Treatment

Perform immediate 50% water change; check all medications, fertilizers, and tap water for copper content; use copper-free plant fertilizers and medications; activated carbon in filter may help remove residual copper; prevention is critical as shrimp are extremely copper-sensitive

Vorticella / Protozoan Infection

Symptoms

White fuzzy coating on body and appendages; difficulty moving; reduced feeding; cloudy appearance

Treatment

Increase water temperature to 26-28 C (79-82 F) to accelerate parasite lifecycle; perform daily 25% water changes; add Indian almond leaves for tannins; ensure excellent filtration and water quality; salt baths (1-2 tsp per gallon) for 10-15 minutes may help but use cautiously; avoid copper-based treatments