Blue Diamond Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Neocaridina Shrimp Care Guide with Aquarium Size Requirement:

1. Species Overview:

• Neocaridina shrimp, commonly known as Cherry Shrimp or Sakura Shrimp, are freshwater dwarf shrimp originating from Asia. They come in various colors, including red, blue, yellow, and green, making them popular in the aquarium hobby.

2. Aquarium Size:

• Provide a tank with a capacity of at least 5 gallons for a small colony of Neocaridina shrimp.
• Larger tanks, such as 10 gallons or more, are recommended for maintaining stable water parameters and accommodating more shrimp.

3. Water Parameters:

• Maintain stable water conditions with a temperature range of 68°F to 78°F (20°C to 26°C).
• Keep the pH level in the range of 6.5 to 7.5.
• Ensure ammonia and nitrite levels are at zero, and keep nitrates low with regular water changes.

4. Substrate and Decor:

• Use a fine-grained substrate such as sand or gravel, which allows shrimp to forage and burrow.
• Incorporate live plants, moss, and driftwood to provide hiding spots and grazing areas.

5. Diet:

• Neocaridina shrimp are scavengers and algae eaters. They will consume algae, biofilm, and leftover fish food.
• Supplement their diet with blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cucumber, and specialized shrimp pellets or algae wafers.

6. Tank Mates:

• Neocaridina shrimp are peaceful and can coexist with small, non-predatory fish like small tetras, rasboras, or guppies.
• Avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive fish that may prey on the shrimp.

7. Breeding:

• Neocaridina shrimp breed readily in the right conditions.
• Provide plenty of hiding places and moss for the shrimp fry to hide in.
• Maintain stable water parameters and a consistent feeding schedule to encourage breeding.

8. Size of the Aquarium:

• Neocaridina shrimp do well in tanks as small as 5 gallons, but larger tanks provide more stability and space for colonies to thrive.

9. Disease Prevention:

• Quarantine new shrimp before introducing them to the main tank to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Avoid sudden changes in water parameters to prevent stress-related illnesses.

10. Maintenance:

• Perform regular water changes of 10-20% every week to maintain water quality.
• Monitor water parameters regularly and adjust as needed to ensure optimal conditions for shrimp.

By following these care guidelines, you can create a suitable and thriving environment for Neocaridina shrimp in your aquarium.