Neocaridina Shrimp Guide - An introduction for new shrimp keepers

Introduction to Keeping Dwarf Neocaridina Shrimp

Neocaridina shrimp are a popular choice among freshwater aquarium hobbyists due to their vibrant colors, ease of care, and ability to help maintain a clean tank. Their constant activity and silly personalities make them a joy to keep for both adults and kids.

Neocaridina are hardy shrimp that originate from Taiwan and come in various colors, including red, blue, yellow, orange, and green and more! This guide will cover the main steps for keeping and caring for Neocaridina shrimp successfully.

1. Tank Setup A properly set up aquarium is crucial for the health of your Neocaridina shrimp. Here are the key considerations:

Tank Size: A minimum of 5 gallons is recommended, though a 10-gallon or larger tank provides more stability. We recommend keeping about 10 shrimp per gallon.

Substrate: Fine gravel or sand works well for both shrimp and rooted plants.

Filtration: A sponge filter is ideal as it provides gentle filtration that doesn't harm shrimp fry and provides an important place for good bacteria to grow for the tank.

Plants and Decorations: Live plants such as java moss, pellia moss, and tall grass provide hiding spots and additional biofilm (Biofilm is a thin, slimy layer of microorganisms, such as bacteria, algae, and fungi, that naturally forms on surfaces submerged in water. In an aquarium, biofilm develops on tank walls, decorations, plants, and substrate. It is an important food source for Neocaridina shrimp, as they constantly graze on it for nutrients). Driftwood is another great option and can enhance water quality and mimic a natural environment for the shrimp to enjoy! 

Lighting: Moderate lighting is best, as too much can promote excessive algae growth.

2. Water Parameters Neocaridina shrimp are more adaptable than their Caridina cousins but still thrive best in stable water conditions.

We recommend the following tank parameters:

• Temperature: 65-78°F (18-25°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• GH (General Hardness): 6-8 dGH
• KH (Carbonate Hardness): 2-6 dKH
• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 150-250 ppm
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (Shrimp are highly sensitive to these toxins.)
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm (Regular water changes help maintain safe levels.)

3. Tank Mates We recommend that neocaridina shrimp be kept in a species-only tank or with peaceful tank mates that won't prey on them (Almost all fish will eat or harass shrimp). 

Suitable tank mates include:

• Small snails (e.g., nerite, mystery, or ramshorn snails)
• Small, peaceful fish like chili rasboras, celestial pearl danios, or ember tetras
• Other shrimp species with similar care requirements
• Avoid aggressive fish like cichlids, bettas, or large predatory species.

4. Feeding and Diet Neocaridina shrimp are scavengers and will consume algae, biofilm, and detritus. However, supplemental feeding ensures they receive a balanced diet:

• High-quality algae wafers
• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, carrots)
• Occasional protein sources such as freeze-dried daphnia or bloodworms
• Calcium-rich foods like cuttlebone or mineral supplements to promote healthy molting Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food can degrade water quality.

5. Breeding One of the most rewarding and fun aspects of keeping Neocaridina shrimp is their ease of breeding. Seeing the itty bitty baby shrimp is always a joy for us and our young kids!

• They breed readily in good stable tank conditions.
• Females carry eggs under their abdomen, which hatch into miniature shrimp in about 3-4 weeks.
• Provide hiding spots for baby shrimp to avoid predation if there are fish in the tank.
• Maintain good water quality and provide a well-balanced diet to support breeding.

6. Common Health Issues While Neocaridina shrimp are hardy, they can be susceptible to issues if kept in unhealthy tank conditions, or if certain parasites are introduced by adding contaminated plants or decorations to the tank. Some common problems include:

• Failed molts due to low calcium and total dissolved solid levels
• Bacterial infections, often caused by poor water conditions
• Parasites, which can be introduced from new plants or fish Regular water changes, (careful monitoring, and quarantine of new additions help prevent these problems.)

Conclusion Neocaridina shrimp are an excellent addition to any freshwater aquarium, offering interest and functionality. By providing a stable tank environment, suitable tank mates, and a balanced diet, you will soon be enjoying a thriving shrimp colony! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced aquarist, keeping these colorful shrimp is both rewarding and very enjoyable.