Black Rose Shrimp - Neocaridina Davidi : Complete Shrimp Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Black Rose Shrimp (Neocaridina Davidi) have become popular among shrimp enthusiasts due to their hardy and adaptable nature. These Shrimp lack aggressive tendencies and can thrive in various water conditions, making them an excellent addition to aquariums. Their primary role is to graze on algae and biofilm, and they do an excellent job of keeping the tank clean. Regarding tank mates, Black Rose Shrimp can coexist with several non-aggressive fish species, such as Dwarf Corydoras, Rasboras, Otocinclus Catfish, and Dwarf Gouramis. However, keeping shrimplets safe from fish is essential as they are vulnerable to predators.
Creating an ideal aquarium setup for Black Rose Shrimp requires careful consideration of their specific needs. These small freshwater shrimp thrive in a well-maintained aquarium with stable water parameters. It is recommended to have a tank with a minimum size of 20 litres or larger to provide ample space for a colony to grow. The substrate should consist of fine-grained sand or smooth gravel, as they enjoy foraging in the substrate for algae and detritus. Live plants, such as Java moss and Anubias, provide both a natural aesthetic and hiding places for the shrimp.
Maintaining a stable temperature and a pH level is crucial for their well-being. Additionally, a gentle filtration system, such as a sponge filter, should be employed to prevent shrimp from being sucked into the filter. Regular water changes and monitoring of water parameters are essential to ensure a thriving aquarium. It's crucial to ensure that your tap water is free of harmful chemicals and metals before introducing Black Rose Shrimp to your tank. Additionally, if using fertilizers, it's crucial to avoid those containing copper as it can harm the Shrimp.
High-quality Black Rose Shrimp exhibit a striking ebony hue that uniformly envelops their entire body and appendages. This intense black pigmentation should exhibit consistent coverage from their cephalothorax to their telson, devoid of any lighter or translucent areas. Conversely, lower-grade specimens tend to resemble Chocolate shrimp, displaying a colouration that leans more towards a dark brown rather than the profound black of their high-grade counterparts. Furthermore, their appendages may predominantly exhibit translucency or manifest a significantly lighter shade compared to their body.
Black Rose Shrimp Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Neocaridina shrimp, including the Black Rose Shrimp, can be challenging to identify by sex until they reach maturity. At this stage, distinguishing between the genders becomes much more apparent. Female Black Rose Shrimp will generally be darker and more significant than their male counterparts and will have a more rounded underbelly. On the other hand, males will exhibit a straight underbelly.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina Davidi |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Black Shrimp, Black Neocaridina |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Malacostraca |
| Order | Decapoda |
| Family | Atyidae |
| Genus | Neocaridina |
| Origins | Taiwan , China , Vietnam |
| Max Size | 4 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparous |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 2 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 4 - 8 |
| KH | 3 - 15 |
| TDS | 150 - 200 |
| ℉ | 65 - 85 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 18 - 29 |
Natural Habitat
The Black Rose Shrimp is a product of selective breeding, originating from its ancestor, the Chocolate Shrimp. and bred over and over again till the darkest colour has been achieved. As a result, it does not have a natural habitat in the wild. However, its wild-type relative, the Neocaridina Shrimp, is commonly found in Southeast Asia, inhabiting ponds and streams with an array of vegetation and natural substrates like rocks or wood. These provide the perfect grazing and hiding spots for the shrimp, allowing them to seek refuge in the crevices and cracks when they sense danger.
Breeding
Breeding Black Rose Shrimp is a relatively straightforward process, as with all Neocaridina species; these shrimp are highly prolific breeders. Only a few individuals of both sexes are necessary to ensure a constant supply of pregnant females. Unlike other shrimp species, Black Rose shrimp do not display a saddle, making it challenging to determine whether a female is carrying eggs or not until they are fertilized and moved to the swimmerets.
The gestation period for female Black Rose shrimp is approximately 28 to 30 days, during which they continuously care for their eggs, ensuring they are well-aerated and splashed with fresh water. Once hatched, the shrimplets will resemble miniature versions of their adult counterparts. While powdered food can be given to shrimplets, they will also graze on algae and biofilm, much like adult Black Rose shrimp. Therefore, if breeding is not as successful as desired, ensure that both sexes are present, monitor water parameters closely, and provide sufficient calcium-rich foods to promote proper moulting.
Diet & Feeding
Black Rose Shrimp are primarily bottom-dwellers and opportunistic feeders that will consume a broad range of food items. While they prefer grazing on biofilm, this may not be sufficient in aquariums with a low biofilm density, thus requiring a supplementary diet of high-quality dried fish or shrimp food. Additionally, blanched vegetable treats such as zucchini, cucumber, broccoli, and courgette, as well as dried leaves such as Indian Almond leaves or Mulberry leaves, are also appreciated by these shrimp and can be included as part of their varied diet.
