The Neocaridina shrimp is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly species in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Known for their vibrant colors, peaceful nature, and algae-eating habits, they’re an ideal choice for aquarists of all experience levels.
Whether you’re keeping Cherry Shrimp, Blue Dream Shrimp, or other colorful varieties, all Neocaridina species share similar care requirements. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Neocaridina shrimp care — including tank setup, water parameters, diet, breeding, and maintenance.
Introduction to Neocaridina Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi is a small freshwater shrimp species native to Taiwan. Over years of selective breeding, aquarists have developed numerous color variants such as Red Cherry, Blue Dream, Yellow Golden Back, Orange Sakura, and Bloody Mary.
These shrimp belong to the same family as the more delicate Caridina shrimp (like Crystal Red Shrimp), but Neocaridina are much hardier and adaptable — making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned hobbyists.

Neocaridina Shrimp Tank Setup
A proper tank setup is the foundation of successful Neocaridina shrimp care. These shrimp are small and peaceful, but they thrive only in stable, clean, and well-cycled environments.
Tank Size
- A minimum of 5 gallons is recommended for small colonies (10–15 shrimp).
- For breeding and long-term success, a 10–20 gallon tank is ideal.
- The larger the volume, the easier it is to maintain stable water parameters.
Substrate
Use a dark, inert substrate or fine gravel. Darker colors enhance shrimp coloration and make them feel secure. Avoid substrates that alter water chemistry (like active soils meant for Caridina shrimp).
Filtration
A sponge filter or gentle hang-on-back filter with a sponge pre-filter is ideal. This provides biological filtration without risking shrimp being sucked into the intake. Shrimp thrive in low to moderate water flow.
Lighting
Neocaridina shrimp do not require intense lighting. Moderate light helps promote algae and biofilm growth — their natural food source.
Aquascaping
Live plants, driftwood, and mosses are essential in a shrimp tank. They provide shelter, surfaces for biofilm, and help stabilize water quality. Popular plants include:
- Java Moss
- Anubias Nana
- Cryptocoryne species
- Dwarf Sagittaria
- Marimo Moss Balls
Water Parameters for Neocaridina Shrimp
Stable and clean water conditions are critical to Neocaridina shrimp care. These shrimp are hardy but sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, pH, or hardness.
- Temperature: 70–78°F (21–26°C)
- pH: 6.5 – 7.8
- GH: 6 – 12 dGH
- KH: 2 – 6 dKH
- TDS: 180- 250ppm
Additional Water Tips
- Always use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramine.
- Perform 10–20% weekly water changes to maintain cleanliness.
- Avoid copper-based medications or fertilizers — copper is toxic to shrimp.
- Use remineralized RO water if your tap water is unstable or too hard/soft.
Neocaridina Shrimp Tank Maintenance
Good maintenance habits ensure long-term success:
- Perform small, regular water changes instead of large, infrequent ones.
- Clean filters gently using tank water to preserve beneficial bacteria.
- Siphon debris from the substrate, but avoid deep vacuuming to protect biofilm.
- Maintain consistent temperature and avoid rapid fluctuations.
Diet and Feeding
Neocaridina shrimp are omnivorous scavengers. They feed naturally on algae, biofilm, and detritus, but a varied diet keeps them healthy and colorful.
Best Foods for Neocaridina Shrimp
- Staple Diet: High-quality shrimp pellets or granules (calcium-enriched for shell health).
- Vegetables: Blanched zucchini, spinach, cucumber, or kale.
- Protein Supplements: Frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, or shrimp-specific protein sticks (offered once a week).
- Natural Food Sources: Algae and biofilm growing on plants, rocks, and decorations.
Feeding Schedule
- Feed once daily or every other day in small amounts.
- Remove uneaten food after 2–3 hours to prevent ammonia spikes.
- Overfeeding is one of the most common causes of shrimp deaths — less is better.
Breeding Neocaridina Shrimp

Breeding Neocaridina shrimp is simple once they’re settled in a healthy environment. They reproduce readily without special water conditions.
Key Breeding Requirements
- Maintain warm, stable water around 75–78°F (24–26°C).
- Provide hiding spaces with mosses or fine plants for baby shrimp.
- Avoid aggressive tank mates that may prey on shrimplets.
Breeding Process
- Mature Females: Females become saddled with visible yellow or green eggs under the body.
- Egg Carrying: After mating, females carry 20–30 eggs under their abdomen (known as “berried” females).
- Hatching: Eggs hatch in about 3–4 weeks, depending on temperature.
- Shrimplet Care: Baby shrimp feed on biofilm, algae, and powdered shrimp food. No special intervention is needed if the tank is mature and stable.
Within a few months, a small group of 10 shrimp can grow into a thriving colony.
Tank Mates for Neocaridina Shrimp
While Neocaridina shrimp are peaceful, they can be easily stressed or preyed upon by larger fish.
Ideal Tank Mates
- Small schooling fish such as Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras, and Harlequin Rasboras.
- Bottom dwellers like Corydoras catfish and Otocinclus catfish.
- Peaceful snails like Nerite Snails or Mystery Snails.
- Dwarf freshwater crabs or small crayfish (only with caution and proper observation).
Avoid
- Aggressive or predatory species such as Cichlids, Gouramis, and Bettas.
- Any fish large enough to fit a shrimp in its mouth.
For the safest setup, many aquarists prefer a shrimp-only tank, especially if breeding is a goal.
Common Health Problems in Neocaridina Shrimp
While hardy, Neocaridina shrimp can experience issues if water quality or diet is poor.
Common Problems
- Molting Issues: Caused by unstable parameters or lack of calcium. Provide a mineral-rich diet and stable water conditions.
- Bacterial Infections: Indicated by lethargy, color loss, or white patches. Improve water quality and avoid contamination from new tank mates.
- Death After Molt: Usually linked to poor water stability or copper exposure. Always check additives and fertilizers for shrimp safety.
Regular water testing and consistent maintenance help prevent most of these issues.
Aquascaping Ideas for Shrimp Tanks
Neocaridina shrimp thrive in planted aquariums. Ideal aquascape elements include:
- Moss Plants: Java Moss, Christmas Moss, and Flame Moss — essential for shrimp grazing and breeding.
- Foreground Plants: Dwarf Sagittaria, Cryptocoryne lucens, or Monte Carlo for natural coverage.
- Midground Plants: Anubias Nana, Java Fern, or Bucephalandra for shelter.
- Background Plants: Vallisneria and Amazon Sword for balance and structure.
- Natural Decorations: Driftwood, cholla wood, and Indian Almond Leaves (they release tannins and create biofilm).
These elements create a thriving, self-sustaining shrimp ecosystem that enhances both aesthetics and shrimp health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are Neocaridina shrimp good for beginners?
Yes. Neocaridina shrimp are among the hardiest and easiest freshwater shrimp to care for. They adapt well to a wide range of water conditions and breed easily in established aquariums.
2. How many shrimp should I start with?
A group of 10–15 shrimp is ideal for starting a small colony. They’ll feel more comfortable and breed more readily in groups.
3. How long do Neocaridina shrimp live?
With proper care, they typically live 1.5–2 years, although some can live up to 3 years in ideal conditions.
4. How can I improve shrimp color?
Provide a balanced diet rich in natural carotenoids and minerals, maintain clean water, and use dark substrate to help enhance coloration.
5. Can I keep different colors of Neocaridina together?
While possible, crossbreeding will result in offspring with mixed or dull colors. To maintain pure color lines (like Blue Dream or Bloody Mary), keep each color in a separate tank.
Conclusion
The Neocaridina shrimp is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding species to keep in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Their brilliant colors, fascinating behavior, and ability to clean the tank naturally make them a favorite for aquascapers and shrimp enthusiasts alike.
By maintaining stable water conditions, providing live plants and mosses, and offering a balanced diet, you can enjoy a thriving, colorful shrimp colony for years to come.Whether you’re starting with the iconic Red Cherry Shrimp or venturing into rarer varieties like Blue Dream Shrimp, mastering Neocaridina shrimp care opens the door to a truly captivating aquarium experience.