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High Grade Blue Velvet Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
📍 Taiwan / Germany selective breeding
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.
Care Guide
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
Small, peaceful algae-eater that shares bottom-grazing niche without competing aggressively
Tiny, non-predatory fish that ignores shrimp and adds color without bioload stress
Micro rasbora that occupies mid-water zone; too small to threaten shrimp
Larger shrimp species; may occasionally compete for food but generally coexist peacefully
Compatible Neocaridina variant; may interbreed, producing mixed-color offspring
Provides grazing surface, shelter during molting, and biofilm production
Common Diseases
Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt
Shrimp unable to shed exoskeleton completely; stuck in old shell; lethargy; death if not resolved
Increase water hardness (GH 6-12) and mineral content; add calcium supplements (Shirakura Mineral); ensure stable pH and temperature; provide soft plants for leverage; perform 25% water change
Vorticella (Ciliate Infection)
White, fuzzy coating on body and antennae; lethargy; reduced feeding; visible 'dust' appearance
Increase water flow and aeration; perform 50% water change; add Indian almond leaves (tannins); maintain optimal water parameters; isolate severely affected individuals; avoid copper-based treatments (toxic to shrimp)
Bacterial Infection / Muscular Necrosis
Black spots or patches on body; soft body segments; inability to move; discoloration spreading
Perform daily 25-30% water changes; increase aeration; remove decaying food and dead shrimp immediately; add Indian almond leaves; maintain temperature at 22-24 C; avoid antibiotics (harmful to shrimp); improve tank hygiene
Copper Toxicity
Sudden death; erratic swimming; color loss; gasping at water surface; tremors
Perform immediate 50% water change with copper-free water; check all decorations, medications, and fertilizers for copper content; use only shrimp-safe plant fertilizers; never use copper-based ich treatments in shrimp tanks
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Quick Facts
- diet
- detritivore/omnivore - biofilm, algae, blanched vegetables, commercial shrimp pellets
- lifespan
- 1-2 years
- max size
- 3.8 cm (1.5 in)
- tank size
- 5 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5-8.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 6-12 dGH
- temperature
- 64–82°F (18–28°C)