Blackberry Bee Shrimp (Neocaridina heteropoda)

Blackberry Bee Shrimp make eye catching and functional additions to any peaceful freshwater aquarium. Its beautiful coloration adds a beautiful ornamental quality while its purposeful pursuit for algae and organic debris makes the Blackberry Bee Shrimp an invaluable aquarium cleanup crew. Alternating and variable colors of Black, dark Red and White cover the shrimp’s body.

The Blackberry Bee Shrimp have gained popularity thanks to their large appetite for all kinds of freshwater algae. These highly adaptable shrimp do well in any freshwater aquarium with good filtration and water quality. However, Blackberry Bee Shrimp will thrive in planted aquariums where food and shelter are abundant. For "shrimp-only" setups, Neocaridina shrimp can be kept in a dedicated aquarium of at least 3 gallons in size or a colony or breeding tank of least 10 gallons in size.

If there is a male and female in your aquarium Blackberry Bee Shrimp will most likely breed. The female will carry a clutch of yellowish eggs under her tail until they hatch in about 30 days. The newly born shrimp will look like miniature adult shrimp and will eat the same thing as the adults. If breeding these shrimp, it is important to keep them in a breeder aquarium with a sponge filter. This added precaution helps maximize survival of young shrimp.

Like all invertebrates, Blackberry Bee Shrimp are sensitive to copper. Copper-based medications should never be used in aquariums housing ornamental invertebrates. Do not house Blackberry Bee Shrimp in aquariums with loaches, puffers, and other larger carnivores that will feed on invertebrates.

Blackberry Bee Shrimp are omnivores that will consume algae, detritus and left-over food. If insufficient food is present, supplement with algae tablets or quality flake food or pellets.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1/4" to 1/2"

Care details

• Temperature: 60 - 80° F
• dKH: 3 - 10
• Color: Black, White and Tan
• Family: Atyidae
• Diet: Omnivore