Neocaridina Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Also known as Neocaridina, Neo, Neos, Neocaridina heteropoda, Neo Shrimp
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae
Neocaridina davidi is the freshwater dwarf shrimp behind Red Cherry, Blue Dream, Yellow, Orange and the other colour lines in the hobby. The wild form, from streams in China, Korea and Taiwan, is a drab green to brown; the colours are kept by selective breeding, and mixed colours breed back toward that wild look over a few generations. It is hardy, breeds readily in a mature planted tank and grazes biofilm and algae all day.
Where it's from
Recorded as introduced in Brazil, Germany, Norway and Poland
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in
- 3 cm
- Min tank
- 2.5 gal
- 9 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 64–79°F
- 18–26°C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- GH
- 107–357 ppm
- 6–20 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- All levels
- Lifespan
- 1–2 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Tanks keeping this
Kept by 88 membersBy morph. 62 tanks shared publicly; 51 more kept privately.
Red Cherry Shrimp70 tanks · 32 private
Yellow Neocaridina17 tanks · 9 private
Blue Velvet Shrimp12 tanks · 5 private
Orange Neocaridina10 tanks · 7 private
Care
Diet
Neocaridina shrimp are omnivorous grazers that primarily consume biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter in established tanks. Supplement their natural grazing with high-quality shrimp pellets (2-3 times weekly) and blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cucumber. Avoid overfeeding pellets, as uneaten food degrades water quality quickly.
Behavior
Neocaridina shrimp are peaceful, active foragers that spend most of their time grazing on surfaces and plants throughout the tank. They are social animals that thrive in groups of 6 or more, displaying natural hierarchies and breeding behaviors in stable conditions. They are sensitive to sudden water changes and predation, so they benefit from dense plant cover for security.
Breeding
Neocaridina shrimp breed readily in mature, established tanks with stable water parameters and abundant plant cover—no special conditioning required. Females produce 20-30 shrimplets every 4-5 weeks under good conditions, making them prolific breeders. Survival rates are high in planted tanks with minimal predation, making them excellent for beginners interested in shrimp reproduction.
Tank mates
See all 6Similar water requirements and peaceful temperament; excellent algae control partners
Compatible water parameters; may occasionally prey on shrimplets if not provided adequate cover
Peaceful algae eater with identical water requirements; excellent planted tank companion
Small, peaceful fish that won't prey on adult shrimp; requires similar warm water temperatures
Generally peaceful but may occasionally nip at shrimp; provide dense plants for shrimp refuge
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Common diseases 4Bacterial Infection, Molting Problems, Parasitic Infection, Sudden Death Syndrome
Bacterial Infection
Discoloration, lesions on body, lethargy, loss of appetite, cloudy appearance
Perform 25% water changes daily, maintain pristine water quality, isolate affected individuals if possible; antibiotics rarely necessary if water conditions improve
Molting Problems
Inability to shed exoskeleton, stuck between old and new shell, death shortly after molting attempt
Ensure adequate calcium and minerals through quality diet and water parameters (6-20 dGH); avoid sudden pH or temperature fluctuations that stress molting
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching on surfaces, white spots or film on body, lethargy, reduced feeding
Increase water change frequency to 30-50%, maintain optimal water parameters, quarantine new additions; salt baths are not recommended for freshwater shrimp
Sudden Death Syndrome
Rapid death with no visible symptoms, often after water changes or introduction to new tank
Acclimate shrimp slowly (2-3 hours drip method), maintain stable parameters, avoid copper-based treatments and medications; ensure water is free of chlorine/chloramine
Morphs
Legality
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).
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in3 cm
- Min tank
- 2.5 gal9 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 64–79°F18–26°C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- GH
- 107–357 ppm6–20 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- All levels
- Lifespan
- 1–2 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
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