Emerald Green Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Also known as Emerald Shrimp

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

The Emerald Green Shrimp is a vibrant selectively bred variety of Neocaridina davidi, prized for its striking solid emerald-green coloration that ranges from bright lime to deep forest green. This hardy shrimp displays the characteristic compact body and peaceful demeanor of the Neocaridina line, making it an excellent choice for planted community tanks and shrimp-focused setups.

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 1 member

1 tank shared publicly.

Biocube

@TheReefest33

Care

Diet

Emerald Green Shrimp are detritivores that thrive on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter naturally present in established tanks. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets (Shirakura, Mosura, or similar brands) 2-3 times weekly, and offer blanched vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or kale occasionally. Calcium-rich foods and mineral supplements support healthy molting and shell development.

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 become more reclusive and vulnerable. Colony dynamics are generally peaceful, though males may display minor competitive posturing; females are typically more dominant and occupy prime feeding areas.

Breeding

Emerald Green Shrimp breed readily in standard freshwater conditions without requiring special acidic water, making them ideal for beginners. Females produce berries (clutches of 20-30 eggs) every 4-6 weeks when well-fed and water parameters are stable. Shrimplets are born fully formed and independent, with survival rates high in established tanks with adequate biofilm and hiding spaces.

Tank mates

See all 6

Otocinclus

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

excellent

Ember Tetra

Tiny, non-predatory fish that ignores shrimp and adds visual interest to the upper water column

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Micro rasbora that poses no threat to adult or juvenile shrimp

excellent

Amano Shrimp

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

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Same genus, compatible water parameters, can interbreed but generally coexist without issue

excellent

Beginner-friendly

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).