Emerald Green Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

📍 Taiwan / Germany selective breeding

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.

Size1.5"

Min Tank5g

School10+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

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

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

Nerite Snail

Algae-eating snail that shares biofilm grazing without predating on shrimp

excellent

Common Diseases

Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt

Symptoms

Shrimp unable to shed exoskeleton completely, appearing stuck or with fragments adhering to body; lethargy and reduced feeding

Treatment

Increase mineral content via GH booster or specialized shrimp mineral supplements; ensure hardness is 6-12 dGH; provide calcium-rich foods; maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden pH swings

Vorticella (Ciliate Infection)

Symptoms

White, fuzzy coating on body and appendages; shrimp appear lethargic and stop feeding; may isolate in plants

Treatment

Perform 30-50% water changes daily for 5-7 days; add Indian almond leaves or alder cones to release tannins; ensure excellent water quality and avoid stressors; quarantine severely affected individuals if possible

Bacterial Infection / Septicemia

Symptoms

Red streaks or patches on body, cloudy eyes, lethargy, loss of appetite, rapid death in severe cases

Treatment

Perform immediate 50% water change; increase aeration; maintain pristine water quality with frequent partial changes; remove uneaten food promptly; avoid copper-based treatments (toxic to shrimp); consider adding salt (1-2 tsp per 5 gallons) as a last resort

Copper Toxicity

Symptoms

Sudden death or severe lethargy after medication or fertilizer application; tremors; loss of color

Treatment

Perform immediate large water change (50-75%); use copper-free medications and fertilizers exclusively; check all tank additives for copper content; activated carbon may help remove residual copper; prevention is critical as shrimp are extremely copper-sensitive