Neocaridina Shrimp (Ocean blue neocaridina)

A freshwater shrimp cloaked in ocean blue, despite never seeing the sea.

Ocean Blue Neocaridina shrimp bring vivid cobalt colour, peaceful algae control and easy breeding to planted freshwater aquariums—ideal for nano tanks.

• Water conditions: Ocean Blue Neocaridina are freshwater shrimp that thrive in stable, well-oxygenated water. Aim for a temperature of 18–24°C (64–75°F), pH 6.5–7.5, general hardness (GH) around 6–8 dGH, carbonate hardness (KH) around 2–4 dKH and TDS in the region of 150–250 ppm. They are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, so these should always read zero; keep nitrate below 20 ppm with regular partial water changes. Avoid sudden swings in temperature, pH or hardness, as instability is the main cause of failed moults and stress. Copper is highly toxic to shrimp, so check that fertilisers, medications and tap-water conditioners are copper-free. Provide gentle filtration and surface agitation rather than strong current, and drip-acclimatise new arrivals over 45–90 minutes to match temperature and water chemistry. A mature, biologically stable aquarium is far more important than chasing exact numbers.
• Suitable tank mates: These are peaceful, small shrimp that suit community aquariums built around calm, nano-sized fish. Good companions include ember tetras, chili and exclamation-point rasboras, celestial pearl danios, Boraras species, otocinclus, small Corydoras and peaceful snails such as nerites and ramshorns. Avoid large or boisterous fish, cichlids, loaches, barbs, goldfish, gouramis with predatory habits, and anything large enough to eat a shrimp. Even small fish may eat newly hatched shrimplets, so plenty of moss, floating plants and dense planting will help populations thrive. Protect shrimp from filter intakes with a sponge guard, and never use copper-based treatments in a shrimp tank. If you keep them with fish, choose species that occupy the upper water column and leave the substrate and plants to the shrimp. A species-only or shrimp-focused planted tank remains the safest route for maximum colour, breeding and long-term success.
• Feeding habits: Ocean Blue Neocaridina are natural grazers and constant foragers. Their diet should be built around biofilm, soft algae and leaf litter, supplemented with dedicated shrimp foods. Offer small amounts of shrimp pellets, algae wafers, blanched spinach, courgette, kale or nettle, plus dried Indian almond or mulberry leaves for biofilm and hiding cover. Mineral-rich foods and calcium sources support healthy moulting, especially in soft water. Protein should be offered sparingly—once or twice a week is usually enough—using a quality shrimp food or frozen bloodworm in tiny amounts. Feed only what the colony can clear within a few hours, two to three times weekly, and remove uneaten food to protect water quality. Overfeeding is a common mistake: it fouls the water, encourages planaria and can cause moulting problems. Watch body condition and adjust portions; a well-planted, mature tank supplies much of their food naturally.
• Care requirements: Provide a mature, cycled aquarium of at least 10 litres for a small colony, with more volume for stability. Use a sponge filter or gentle internal filter with a guard, and keep a tight-fitting lid because shrimp can climb. Dense live plants, Java moss, floating plants, cholla wood and ceramic hides give security and grazing surfaces. Perform 10–20% water changes weekly or fortnightly with temperature-matched, dechlorinated water, and test regularly for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH and hardness. Avoid unnecessary medications and never use copper. Maintain stable parameters to support successful moulting; sudden changes can cause “white ring of death” or failed sheds. These shrimp breed readily in good conditions, and females carry eggs under the abdomen. To preserve the strong Ocean Blue colour, cull or separate duller individuals and avoid mixing with other Neocaridina colour morphs. Quarantine new livestock where possible. Sizing note: the listed 0 cm–0 cm range is a placeholder; shipped juveniles are typically 1.5–2.5 cm, with adults reaching around 3 cm.