Getting Started with Neocaridina Shrimp

Neocaridina shrimp (Cherry, Yellow, Blue Velvet, and more) are the most forgiving species for anyone new to shrimp keeping. Unlike their Caridina cousins, they tolerate a wide range of pH and hardness, which means less fussing over water chemistry and more time enjoying your tank.

What you need

• A cycled tank, 5 gallons or larger
• Stable temperature between 68–78°F (20–25°C)
• Live plants or moss for grazing and cover
• A gentle sponge filter to protect the youngest shrimplets

Feeding

Neocaridina are grazers first, eaters second. Biofilm and algae will cover most of their diet — supplement with a high-quality shrimp pellet two to three times a week, removing anything uneaten after a couple of hours.

Breeding

Given stable conditions, a healthy colony will start breeding on its own within a few weeks. Berried females carry eggs under their tail for about 3–4 weeks before releasing miniature, fully-formed shrimplets.

Start with a group of ten to twenty for the best chance of a self-sustaining colony.