ShrimpeasyFreshwater

Dwarf Blue Diamond Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Also known as Blue Diamond Shrimp

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

The Dwarf Blue Diamond Shrimp is a selectively bred variety of Neocaridina davidi prized for its striking solid blue coloration that ranges from powder blue to deep sapphire. Unlike wild-type Neocaridina, these shrimp display intense, uniform blue pigmentation across their entire body, making them highly sought after by aquarists. Their compact size and vibrant appearance make them excellent centerpiece invertebrates for planted and community tanks.

Where it's from

Recorded as introduced in Brazil, Germany, Norway and Poland

At a glance

Size: 1.5 in; 4 cm
Min tank: 5 gal; 19 L
Group: 10+
Temp: 64–82°F; 18–28°C
pH: 6.5-8.0
GH: 107–214 ppm; 6–12 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 1-2 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Tanks keeping this

Kept by 4 members

3 tanks shared publicly; 1 more kept privately.

Creekside

@jessicahill

The Court Of Sapphire

@isabellekaulback

The Court Of Sapphire

@dextrx

Care

Diet

Dwarf Blue Diamond 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, cucumber), and occasional protein sources like dried seaweed. Feed small amounts 2-3 times weekly; uneaten food should be removed within 24 hours.

Behavior

These shrimp are active grazers that spend most of their time foraging along the substrate and plant surfaces for food particles and biofilm. They exhibit natural molting cycles every 4-6 weeks, during which they are vulnerable and may hide. Colony dynamics are generally peaceful, though males may compete for females during breeding season; provide ample hiding spots with plants and hardscape to reduce stress.

Breeding

Neocaridina davidi varieties like Blue Diamond are prolific breeders in standard freshwater conditions and do not require soft acidic water like Caridina species. Females become berried (egg-bearing) regularly in established tanks with good nutrition; larvae are released as fully-formed miniature shrimp (no planktonic stage). A 5-gallon tank can sustain a small breeding colony with proper care and regular water changes.

Tank mates

See all 6

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that ignore shrimp and occupy mid-water column

excellent

Otocinclus

Algae-eating fish that share bottom habitat peacefully without predating shrimp

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that coexist well with shrimp colonies

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that may compete for food but rarely harm Neocaridina

good

Java Moss

Provides grazing surface, shelter, and biofilm production for shrimp

excellent

Beginner-friendly

Member photos

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by @dextrx

by @isabellekaulback

Common diseases 4Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt, Bacterial Infection / Fungal Growth, Copper Toxicity, Vorticella / Protozoan Infection

Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt

Symptoms

Shrimp unable to fully shed exoskeleton, appearing stuck or deformed; lethargy and loss of appetite

Treatment

Ensure adequate mineral content via GH (6-12 dGH); add calcium-rich supplements (Shirakura Mineral, Salty Shrimp GH+); perform 25% water changes weekly; provide soft plants and moss for assistance during molting

Bacterial Infection / Fungal Growth

Symptoms

White fuzzy growth on body or appendages; cloudy appearance; lethargy; refusal to eat

Treatment

Increase water change frequency to 50% every 3 days; maintain pristine water quality (0 ammonia, <20 ppm nitrate); add Indian almond leaves or tannins to lower pH slightly; avoid copper-based treatments (toxic to shrimp); consider salt dips (1 tsp per gallon for 10 minutes) as last resort

Copper Toxicity

Symptoms

Sudden death or paralysis; erratic swimming; loss of color; gasping at water surface

Treatment

Perform immediate 50% water change; check all medications, fertilizers, and tap water for copper content; remove any copper-containing decorations or equipment; use copper-free plant fertilizers and medications exclusively; Neocaridina are more tolerant than Caridina but still sensitive

Vorticella / Protozoan Infection

Symptoms

White cloudy coating on body; appearance of 'dust' on shrimp; lethargy; reduced feeding

Treatment

Perform 50% water change and increase aeration; add Indian almond leaves or oak leaves for tannins; maintain stable water parameters; ensure adequate biofilm and food sources to boost immune system; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; consider salt bath (1 tsp per gallon, 10 minutes) if severe

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).