If you're new to the world of freshwater shrimp keeping, you've probably come across two popular types: Neocaridina and Caridina. While they may seem similar at a glance, these shrimp have different needs and characteristics that are important to understand before adding them to your tank, so you can keep them healthy and happy.
Neocaridina shrimp
Neocaridina shrimp are often the first choice for beginners, and for good reason. They're hardy, adaptable, and come in a wide range of beautiful colors, like red, blue, orange, yellow, and even green. One of the most common types is the Red Cherry shrimp, which many hobbyists start with. These shrimp thrive in a wide variety of water conditions and are more forgiving when it comes to small changes in temperature, pH, and water hardness. Generally, they prefer a temperature range of about 68–78°F and do well in slightly alkaline to neutral water. Neocaridina are also less sensitive to water parameters, making them a great option for community tanks and newer shrimp keepers.
Caridina shrimp
Caridina shrimp, on the other hand, tend to be a bit more delicate and are usually kept by more experienced aquarists. They're known for their stunning patterns and colors, with popular varieties including Crystal Red, Crystal Black, and various kinds of Taiwan Bee shrimp. These shrimp require more stable and specific water parameters to thrive. Typically, they prefer softer, more acidic water, with temperatures in the 70–74°F range. Caridina do best in a well-established tank with clean, stable water and minimal fluctuations in parameters. Many shrimp keepers use specialized substrates and remineralized RO (reverse osmosis) water to maintain the perfect conditions for their Caridina colonies.
Both types of shrimp are fun to watch and do a great job at cleaning up biofilm and algae in planted aquariums. However, it's important to note that Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp should not be kept together in the same tank if you’re hoping to breed them successfully. Their water needs are just too different.
When choosing between Neocaridina and Caridina, it really comes down to your level of experience and how much effort you want to put into managing your tank’s water conditions. If you're looking for a colorful, low-maintenance shrimp that's great for beginners, Neocaridina are a fantastic choice. But if you're ready to dive deeper into the hobby and maintain more precise water parameters, Caridina shrimp can be incredibly rewarding.
Whichever you choose, both types of shrimp bring beauty and personality to any aquarium, and caring for them can quickly become an enjoyable and fascinating part of your aquarium journey.
Thanks so much!
Olivia