Neocaridina davidi (formerly Neocaridina heteropoda) are small freshwater dwarf shrimp native to Taiwan and China. They've become extremely popular in the aquarium hobby due to their hardiness, breeding ease, and the wide variety of vibrant colors developed through selective breeding. Common varieties include Red Cherry, Blue Dream, Yellow, Green Jade, and many others. These peaceful invertebrates typically grow to 1-1.5 inches and live for 1-2 years under proper conditions.

Neocaridina shrimp are perfect for beginners because they:

• Adapt to a wide range of water parameters
• Thrive in standard tropical freshwater conditions
• Are less sensitive than other shrimp species like Caridina
• Breed readily in captivity without special conditions
• Act as tank cleaners, consuming algae and detritus
• Require minimal specialized equipment or additives

For those new to shrimp keeping, we recommend starting with our Yellow Neocaridina or Blue Dream Neocaridina varieties, which are particularly hardy.

Neocaridina shrimp thrive in tanks with:

• Tank size: Minimum 5 gallons, though they can be kept in smaller tanks with proper maintenance
• Filtration: Gentle filtration with sponge filters or intake guards to prevent baby shrimp from being sucked up
• Substrate: Inert substrates like sand or fine gravel; active substrates that lower pH should be avoided unless buffered
• Plants: Live plants providing hiding places and biofilm for grazing (view our plant collection)
• Hiding spots: Driftwood, cholla wood, and leaf litter for shelter and supplemental food sources
• Parameters: Temperature 68-78°F (20-26°C), pH 6.8-7.8, GH 6-12, KH 2-8, TDS 150-300ppm

A cycled tank is essential before adding shrimp, as they're sensitive to ammonia and nitrites.

The main differences between Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp are:

For a detailed comparison, read our comprehensive Caridina vs Neocaridina guide.

Proper acclimation is crucial for shrimp survival. We recommend the drip acclimation method:

1. Keep shrimp in their shipping bag and float in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize temperature
2. Transfer shrimp and shipping water to a clean container
3. Set up a drip line using airline tubing with a loose knot tied to control flow rate
4. Drip tank water into the container at 1-2 drops per second
5. Continue until the container volume has at least tripled (1-2 hours)
6. Gently transfer shrimp to your tank using a net, discarding the acclimation water

For detailed instructions with photos, read our complete drip acclimation guide.

Neocaridina shrimp are omnivorous scavengers that consume:

• Biofilm and algae growing on surfaces in the aquarium
• Plant matter and decaying leaves
• Uneaten fish food and detritus
• Specialized shrimp foods containing minerals and proteins

For optimal health and coloration, supplement their natural grazing with quality shrimp foods. We recommend Bacter AE, Shrimp Baby, and our full food range.

Yes! Under good conditions, you'll often find females carrying eggs (“berried”) within weeks of introduction.

The breeding process:

1. Females release pheromones to attract males
2. They carry 20–30 eggs for 3–4 weeks
3. Hatchlings emerge as miniature versions of adults
4. Reach maturity in 2–3 months

To encourage breeding, provide stable conditions, hiding spots like moss, and sufficient food. Learn more in our breeding guide.

Yes, and their offspring usually revert to wild coloration. To maintain color purity:

• Keep one color per tank
• Don't mix varieties like Blue Dream and Bloody Mary
• Start with high-grade specimens for breeding

Top breeding choices: Bloody Mary, Yellow, Blue Dream.

Good tankmates include:

• Small rasboras and tetras
• Otocinclus and pygmy corydoras
• Endler's livebearers, snails

Avoid:

• Bettas, barbs, gouramis, cichlids
• Loaches and crayfish

Even peaceful fish might eat babies—add hiding spots!

• Weekly 10–20% water changes
• Use a dechlorinator and aged water
• Test parameters regularly
• Sponge filters preferred
• Avoid copper and risky medications

Stability is key—avoid sudden parameter changes.

Popular choices:

• Bloody Mary – Deep red
• Blue Dream – Bright sky blue
• Yellow – Vibrant and visible
• Green Jade – Rich emerald hue
• Orange – Tangerine to pumpkin shades
• Koi Sunburst – Multicolored pattern
• Blue Ocean – Deep sapphire

Try our Skittles Rainbow pack for a mix!

Best starting count:

• Minimum: 10
• Ideal: 15–20 for 10 gallons

More shrimp = healthier colony, better visibility, and quicker growth.

• Breathable double bags with oxygen
• Seasonal heat/cold packs
• Fasted to reduce waste
• Shipped via USPS with live animal labels

Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. See our shipping process.