Purple Neocaridina

Neocaridina davidi

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae

📍 Taiwan (captive developed)

Violet to deep purple Neocaridina — one of the newer and rarer colour morphs. Striking against light sand or bright green moss. Colour intensity varies with diet and water quality.

Size1.2"

Min Tank5g

School6+

peaceful

Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Purple Neocaridina are primarily algae and biofilm grazers that spend most of their time foraging on surfaces. Supplement their natural diet 2-3 times weekly with blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, cucumber), quality sinking pellets, or specialized shrimp food. Avoid overfeeding as uneaten food degrades water quality; a small pinch per feeding is sufficient for a group of 6.

Behavior

These shrimp are peaceful, active foragers that spend their day grazing on tank surfaces and plants. They exhibit natural color intensity variation based on diet and water quality, with stress or poor conditions causing color fading. They are social within their species and benefit from being kept in groups of at least 6, where they display natural schooling behavior.

Breeding

Purple Neocaridina breed readily in established tanks with stable conditions, making them excellent for beginners interested in shrimp reproduction. Females produce small batches of shrimplets that develop without a larval stage, with juveniles appearing in 3-4 weeks under good conditions. Breeding success increases with excellent water quality, abundant biofilm, and plenty of hiding spaces among plants and hardscape.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Same water parameters and peaceful temperament; excellent algae control partners

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Compatible Neocaridina variant with identical care requirements and peaceful coexistence

excellent

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful bottom feeders that won't predate on shrimp; excellent algae control

good

Ember Tetra

Tiny, peaceful fish that occupy mid-water column and won't threaten adult shrimp

good

Nerite Snail

Peaceful algae grazer with identical water requirements; no competition or predation risk

excellent

Java Moss

Provides essential biofilm growth, shelter for shrimplets, and natural food source

excellent

Common Diseases

Molting Complications

Symptoms

Shrimp stuck in molt, inability to shed exoskeleton, lethargy after attempted molt

Treatment

Ensure adequate calcium and minerals through quality water or supplementation; maintain stable pH and temperature; provide iodine-rich foods; avoid sudden water parameter changes

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

White spots or patches on body, cloudy appearance, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days; improve water quality and tank cleanliness; remove uneaten food promptly; consider adding Indian almond leaves for tannins; avoid antibiotics in shrimp tanks

Parasitic Infection

Symptoms

Excessive grooming, visible parasites on body, color fading, reduced activity

Treatment

Increase water changes and improve filtration; quarantine affected individuals if possible; maintain optimal water parameters; avoid introducing infected plants or décor without quarantine

Ammonia/Nitrite Poisoning

Symptoms

Sudden color loss, erratic swimming, gasping at surface, mass die-off

Treatment

Perform immediate 50% water change; test water parameters; ensure filter is established and not overloaded; reduce feeding; check for decaying matter or dead animals in tank