11 Neocaridina Species Types - Rare & Common Neocaridina
Below is a list of 11 different types of Neocaridina (with photos) found in the fishkeeping hobby, both rare and common.
Neocaridina is a genus of Shrimp from the family Atyidae. There are currently over 20 other varieties of Shrimp species. Neocaridinas live for about 1.5 years to 2.5 years and can grow up to a maximum size of 5cm.
Neocaridinas are known for being one of the hardiest Shrimp available and are perfect for the beginner aquarist. These hardy Shrimp can adapt to a wide variety of different water parameters and are ideal for those looking to have their first shrimp colony. Being robust, adaptable, and prolific breeders, Neocaridina are an excellent choice for any aquarist interested in Shrimp. They look fantastic in planted tanks because their bright colours contrast against the greens of the plants.
When buying Shrimp, please remember that they are social animals and thrive in large groups of ten or more individuals. If you keep less than that, they will usually hide rather than graze as a group out in the open.
There are various colour variations, including black, blue, red and green. The most common species being the Cherry Shrimp, Green Jade Shrimp and the Blue Dream Shrimp.
Because these Shrimp have been selectively bred to display these colours, it is not advised to keep multiple colours in the same tank. They will randomly mate, and the offspring will usually be drab brown, green or transparent colour.
Behaviour
All Neocaridina species are incredibly peaceful and non-aggressive. They love to be active all the time, making them enjoyable to watch, especially when they are sifting through the substrate, tumbling their eggs or simply hitching a ride on the back of a snails shell.
Habitat
Neocaridina can be found in freshwater bodies of Taiwan and Korea as well as the Chinese provinces of Anhui, Zhejiang and Henan. They inhabit slow-flowing streams, rivers, ponds and lakes surrounded by dense plantation and rocky substrate.
In the aquarium
Neocaridina species are often reasonably receptive and can handle a wide range of water parameters. Although they can tolerate cooler temperatures as low as 65 degrees Fahrenheit and warmer temperatures up to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, they do much better in temperatures around the mid to upper 70s. These Shrimp can also handle slightly acidic soft water but again do far better in harder water with a neutral pH level. The Nitrate should be 0ppm, the Ammonia should be 0ppm, and the Nitrate should be 20ppm or less. You should also perform weekly water changes to maintain the aquarium.
Aggressive or large fish are not recommended as tankmates for Shrimp. Barbs, Cichlids, Bettas, Goldfish or Large Tetras will often harass or bully the Shrimp or, given an opportunity, will consume them. Boisterous fish will cause your Shrimp unnecessary stress causing them to hide more often, making them experience a lower quality of life. It would be better to house your Shrimp in a species only aquarium or with very small peaceful fish. You can also keep them with other species of shrimp or aquarium snails.
Diet
Neocaridina Shrimp are omnivorous scavengers. Therefore, you can feed them practically anything. These Shrimp require little feeding as long as there is biofilm, algae or other microorganisms for them to graze on in your tank.
If you find you do not have adequate algae or biofilm in your aquarium, you can always substitute good-quality dried food like flakes, granules wafers, or pellets. Neocaridinas also enjoy nibbling on vegetables such as cucumber, blanched courgette and partly boiled broccoli.
If you have plants, you will always notice them actively searching through them and grazing on them. There is no need to worry though Shrimp do not eat healthy plants. However, they will eat rotting, decaying or dying plants.
Adding some leaves such as Indian Almond Leaves or Mulberry Leaves to their diet would be very beneficial because they have outstanding properties and qualities.
Breeding
Neocaridina reach sexual maturity around 4-6 months of age. These Shrimp will often reproduce if they are comfortable as long as you have both males and females in your aquarium. They will typically produce with no human intervention.
You will eventually see the eggs developing in the females ovaries. It will look like she has a saddle marking on her back. Once she moults, pheromones are released into the water, and you will often see the males frantically swimming all over the tank trying to find the female and fertilise her eggs.
Once fertilisation has taken place, the female pushes her eggs into her swimmerets. When a female shrimp reaches this stage, the common term is known as being \"berried\" since it looks like she's holding a bunch of berries under her. She will hold onto these eggs and continuously tumble them to prevent a fungus from killing her eggs for around 2 to 3 weeks until they hatch. Each bunch contains an average of 20 to 30 eggs, so you will soon notice your tank filled with lots of tiny shrimplets.
