Care Guide - Neocarindina Shrimp

  • Nov 28, 2023
  • Dan
Care Guide - Neocarindina Shrimp

Introduction

Welcome to the fascinating world of Neocaridina shrimp keeping! These colourful and active little creatures are a joy to have in your aquarium. As the breeder of these unique shrimp, I'm here to guide you through the basics of caring for Neocaridina shrimp, including their needs, ideal tank mates, and even how to encourage breeding.

What Are Neocaridina Shrimp?

Neocaridina shrimp, commonly known as Cherry Shrimp, come in a variety of vibrant colours such as red, blue, yellow, and more. They are small, peaceful freshwater shrimp that can add a pop of colour and lively activity to your aquarium.

How to Care for Neocaridina Shrimp

1. Tank Setup:

  • Size: An 18-litre (5-gallon) tank is suitable for beginners, and it provides enough space for a small colony.
  • Substrate: Use fine-grained substrate like sand or gravel to allow the shrimp to sift through it easily.
  • Filtration: Gentle filtration is crucial, as these shrimp prefer slow-moving water. A sponge filter works well.

2. Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: Keep the water between 20-26°C (68-78°F).
  • pH Level: Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally around 6.5-7.5.
  • Water Hardness: Neocaridina shrimp prefer soft to moderately hard water (4-8 dGH).

3. Feeding:

  • Feed a high-quality shrimp-specific food 2-3 times a week.
  • Supplement their diet with blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or algae wafers.

4. Lighting:

  • Provide a natural day-night cycle with 8-10 hours of light daily.
  • Avoid intense lighting to prevent algae overgrowth.

5. Hiding Places:

  • Add plants, moss, or decorations to create hiding spots for the shrimp.
  • They love exploring and having places to moult safely.

What Fish Make Good Tank Mates?

Neocaridina shrimp are generally peaceful, but not all fish are suitable tank mates. Here are some compatible options for a community tank:

  • Small Rasboras: Such as Chili Rasbora or Mosquito Rasbora.
  • Small Tetras: Like Ember Tetras or Neon Tetras.
  • Otocinclus Catfish: Algae-eaters that won't bother the shrimp.
  • Dwarf Corydoras: Small bottom-dwelling catfish species.

Avoid large or aggressive fish, as they may see the shrimp as a tasty snack.

How to Breed Neocaridina Shrimp

Neocaridina shrimp are prolific breeders under the right conditions. Here's how you can encourage breeding:

  1. Water Quality: Maintain stable and optimal water parameters.
  2. Diet: Ensure a varied and nutrient-rich diet to support reproduction.
  3. Moulting Places: Provide hiding spots and soft substrate for moulting.
  4. Separate Juveniles: Once berried (pregnant) females are spotted, consider moving them to a breeding tank to protect the offspring.

With a bit of patience and attention to their needs, you may soon find your aquarium filled with adorable baby shrimp!

Remember, observing and enjoying these colourful shrimp in your aquarium is a rewarding experience. Feel free to experiment and learn more about these fascinating creatures as you continue your journey into the world of freshwater shrimp keeping. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out for guidance. Happy shrimp keeping!