High Grade Blue Velvet Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

High Grade Blue Velvet Shrimp are a selectively bred variant of Neocaridina davidi prized for their intense, solid blue coloration that covers the entire body. Unlike lower grades with patchy or faded blue, high-grade specimens display a deep, vibrant blue pigmentation with minimal translucency. These peaceful, hardy shrimp are ideal for beginners 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.

Care

Diet

High Grade Blue Velvet Shrimp are detritivores that graze on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter throughout the day. Supplement with quality shrimp pellets (Shirakura, Mosura), blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, carrot), and occasional protein sources like dried spirulina. Feed small amounts 2-3 times weekly; uneaten food should be removed within 24 hours.

Behavior

These shrimp are active grazers, constantly foraging along the substrate and plants for food and biofilm. They exhibit natural molting cycles every 4-6 weeks; provide plenty of plants and hardscape for security during vulnerable post-molt periods. Colony dynamics are peaceful; they may congregate in groups but do not exhibit territorial aggression.

Breeding

High Grade Blue Velvet Shrimp breed readily in standard freshwater conditions without special requirements, unlike sensitive Caridina varieties. Females produce 20-30 shrimplets per cycle; juveniles are born fully-formed and independent. Provide dense vegetation and stable water parameters (pH 6.5-8.0, 18-28 C) to maximize survival rates in established colonies.

Tank mates

See all 6

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae-eater that shares bottom-grazing niche without competing aggressively

excellent

Ember Tetra

Tiny, non-predatory fish that ignores shrimp and adds color without bioload stress

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Micro rasbora that occupies mid-water zone; too small to threaten shrimp

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species; may occasionally compete for food but generally coexist peacefully

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Compatible Neocaridina variant; may interbreed, producing mixed-color offspring

good

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).