Kanoko Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Also known as Dalmatian Shrimp, Spotted Neocaridina

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

Kanoko Shrimp are a colorful variant of Neocaridina davidi, displaying striking red and white banding patterns. These hardy freshwater shrimp are excellent for beginners and community tanks, thriving in established aquariums with plenty of biofilm and plant matter. They are prolific breeders in freshwater and will quickly establish populations in suitable conditions.

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: 6+
Temp: 64–82°F; 18–28°C
pH: 6.5-8.0
GH: 71–143 ppm; 4–8 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 1-3 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Kanoko Shrimp are detritivores that primarily feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter in the tank. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and algae wafers 2-3 times per week. A mature, established tank with plenty of plants and wood provides essential biofilm for optimal health.

Behavior

Kanoko Shrimp are bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time foraging for food and grazing on surfaces. They are social and do best in groups of 6 or more, displaying natural schooling behavior. They molt regularly as they grow; provide plenty of hiding spots with plants and driftwood to protect vulnerable molting individuals.

Breeding

Kanoko Shrimp breed readily in freshwater without any special conditions, making them ideal for population establishment. Females produce 20-30 shrimplets every 4-6 weeks; juveniles are miniature versions of adults and require no special care beyond the main tank environment. In established tanks with adequate food and hiding spaces, populations will naturally increase.

Tank mates

See all 6

Amano Shrimp

Same peaceful temperament; compatible water parameters and feeding habits

excellent

Ghost Shrimp

Similar size and peaceful nature; can be housed together without aggression

excellent

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae eater; shares bottom zone without competing aggressively

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, non-predatory fish; unlikely to consume adult shrimp but may eat shrimplets

good

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful temperament; generally ignores shrimp but monitor for individual aggression

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).