Dream Blue Velvet Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), BREDBY: Aquatic Arts

This shrimp is Bred by Aquatic Arts, developed and raised in our own systems with a focus on long-term health, stability, and adaptability in the home aquarium.

The original Neocaridina davidi species is native to Taiwan and surrounding regions of East Asia. This variety, however, has been selectively bred in captivity to achieve its unique coloration and patterning while maintaining strong genetics and consistent performance in aquarium conditions.

A well-balanced aquascape brings out the best in this shrimp, providing both grazing surfaces and a sense of security throughout the aquarium.

• Plants: Mosses are especially important, offering both shelter and a natural grazing area for biofilm. Aquatic Arts moss, grown directly in our shrimp systems, is an excellent choice and integrates seamlessly into established colonies. Additional plants such as Anubias, Java Fern, and floating plants can help create a stable, low-stress environment.

• Hardscape: Driftwood and smooth stones provide structure while increasing surface area for biofilm development. Layering hardscape elements creates depth and natural pathways for shrimp to explore.

• Botanicals: Light use of botanicals such as Indian Almond Leaves or alder cones can support biofilm growth and introduce subtle tannins. These elements help replicate a more natural environment while supporting long-term stability.

A thoughtfully arranged aquarium encourages natural behavior, supports consistent grazing, and allows a shrimp colony to develop and thrive over time.

This shrimp relies heavily on naturally occurring biofilm as its primary food source, constantly grazing on surfaces throughout the aquarium.

A well-established tank with moss, hardscape, and botanicals will naturally support this behavior. Supplementing with high-quality prepared foods ensures proper nutrition, consistent molting, and strong overall health.

• Staple Foods: High-quality sinking pellets and shrimp-specific foods provide a balanced diet and should be offered regularly.

• Biofilm Support: Snowflake foods and botanicals help promote biofilm growth, creating a natural and continuous food source.

• Protein (Occasional): Occasional protein-rich foods can be offered in small amounts to support growth and breeding.

• Calcium: A consistent source of calcium is important for proper molting and shell development. This can be provided through specialized foods or natural sources within the aquarium.

Feeding should be consistent but controlled, as overfeeding can negatively impact water quality. A balanced approach supports both the shrimp and the overall stability of the system.

Aquatic Arts Snowflake Premium Shrimp Food and Aquatic Arts Pollen Granules Premium Shrimp Food are excellent supplements to the diet of any shrimp. For those looking to get started or expand their feeding routine, our Shrimp Food Sample Pack and Shrimp Starter Pack offer a convenient way to provide a complete and balanced approach, combining essential foods and botanicals used in our own systems.

This shrimp is peaceful and does best in a calm, well-maintained aquarium with compatible tank mates.

• Ideal Tank Mates: Small, peaceful fish such as rasboras, small tetras, and other gentle community species. Snails and other non-aggressive invertebrates are also excellent companions.

• Shrimp-Only Setups: For best results and maximum colony growth, a species-only aquarium is recommended. This allows shrimp to breed and behave naturally without predation pressure.

• Use Caution: Even peaceful fish may prey on shrimp fry. Providing dense cover with moss and hardscape can help improve survival rates.

• Avoid: Large, aggressive, or predatory fish, as well as species known to nip or hunt invertebrates.

A thoughtfully selected community helps reduce stress, encourages natural behavior, and supports the long-term success of a shrimp colony.

his shrimp is generally compatible with other peaceful shrimp species when kept in a stable environment.

• Same Species: Mixing with the same species or variant is fully compatible and will support natural colony growth.

• Other Neocaridina: Can be kept with other Neocaridina varieties, but interbreeding is likely and may result in less defined coloration over time.

• Caridina Species: May be kept with Caridina species in some cases, but differences in water parameters should be carefully considered before mixing.

• Colony Behavior: Shrimp are social and do best in groups, where they will display more natural behavior and increased activity.

Providing stable water conditions and adequate space will help ensure compatibility and long-term success when keeping multiple shrimp together.

This shrimp is relatively easy to breed in a stable, well-maintained aquarium and will readily establish a colony under the right conditions.

Females will carry eggs beneath their abdomen, often referred to as being “berried,” until the young hatch as fully formed miniature shrimp. No larval stage is required, making reproduction straightforward in freshwater systems.

Providing consistent water parameters, a reliable food source, and plenty of grazing surfaces such as moss and biofilm-rich hardscape will encourage successful breeding and higher survival rates among shrimp fry.

For best results, a shrimp-only setup or a tank with minimal predation is recommended. Dense cover will help protect young shrimp and allow the colony to grow naturally over time.

Will I receive a specific color or pattern?

No. Shrimp are available in both Selected Grade and Unassorted options. Selected Grade offers more consistent coloration, while Unassorted showcases the natural variation within the line.

What is the difference between Selected Grade and Unassorted?

Selected Grade shrimp are chosen for more defined coloration and patterning. Unassorted shrimp reflect the full range of natural variation and are ideal for building a diverse, active colony.

Are these shrimp good for beginners?

Yes. These shrimp are well-suited for beginners when kept in a stable, established aquarium with consistent water parameters.

How many shrimp should I start with?

A group of at least 6–10 shrimp is recommended to help establish a healthy and active colony.

Will these shrimp breed in my tank?

Yes. In stable conditions with proper feeding and minimal predation, this shrimp will readily breed and form a colony over time.

Do I need a filter?

Yes. A gentle filtration system such as a sponge filter is recommended to maintain water quality while protecting shrimp and fry.

What do these shrimp eat?

They primarily graze on biofilm and algae but should be supplemented with high-quality shrimp foods, botanicals, and occasional protein.

Do I need to add calcium to the tank?

Yes. Calcium is important for proper molting and shell development and can be provided through food or natural sources in the aquarium.

Can I keep these shrimp with fish?

They can be kept with small, peaceful fish, but shrimp fry may be eaten. A shrimp-only tank is recommended for best colony growth.

Can I mix these shrimp with other shrimp?

They can be kept with other Neocaridina, but interbreeding may occur and can affect coloration over time.