Chocolate Shrimp - Neocaridina Davidi : Complete Shrimp Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Chocolate Shrimp (Neocaridina Davidi), a popular species of freshwater shrimp, are remarkably adaptable to a wide range of water conditions, making them an easy-to-keep species for aquarists of all levels. With their scavenging behaviour, these shrimp work tirelessly to keep planted aquariums clean by consuming leftover waste and debris. Known for their peaceful temperament and social nature, Chocolate Shrimp can be kept with various Shrimp species, small non-aggressive fish, and most snails, making them a versatile addition to any community aquarium. These Shrimp should be maintained in groups of 10 or more so they feel more comfortable and display natural behaviours.
Caring for Chocolate Shrimp is notably straightforward, as they exhibit remarkable hardiness. Under optimal conditions, these crustaceans typically enjoy a lifespan of approximately 1 to 2 years within a well-maintained aquarium environment. Their adaptability extends to a broad spectrum of water parameters, owing to their robust nature. In most instances, the use of a heater is unnecessary unless one resides in regions characterized by exceedingly cold climates. These Shrimp thrive at room temperature for the majority of the year. As a general guideline for freshwater Dwarf Shrimp, it is recommended to allocate a minimum tank capacity of 20 litres, with a preference for larger tanks exceeding 40 litres. The increased volume of water provides greater stability and facilitates the adjustment of water parameters without inducing significant fluctuations.
Chocolate Shrimp are closely related to Bloody Mary Shrimp and Black Rose Shrimp, and their unique solid brown colouration is a recent variation to enter the market. Their shades of brown range from light to dark, with some displaying a delicate blue shimmer. Like Red Cherry Shrimp, Chocolate Shrimp are graded based on their level of transparency. The Sakura grade features minor lines or dots of transparency, while the Cherry grade has specks of brown across its body. The Fire grade is entirely brown with no visible lines, and the Painted Fire is an opaque Fire grade where the saddles and eggs are only visible under specific lighting. To avoid producing wild-type offspring in the second generation, keeping different colours of Neocaridina separate is essential. Although there are some exceptions, interbreeding can lead to changes in intensity and colouring over time.
Chocolate Shrimp Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Accurately identifying the sex of Chocolate Shrimp, like all Neocaridinas, can be challenging until they reach maturity. Upon reaching full development, it becomes apparent that females are larger than males and have a rounder underbelly. Conversely, males possess a straight underbelly, which serves as a reliable distinguishing characteristic.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina Davidi |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Brown Shrimp, Sakura Chocolate, Fire Chocolate, Chocolate Sakura Shrimp |
| 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 - 14 |
| KH | 0 - 10 |
| TDS | 100 - 200 |
| ℉ | 64 - 84 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 17 - 28 |
Natural Habitat
The Chocolate Shrimp is a product of selective breeding, originating from its ancestor, the Red Cherry Shrimp. 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 vegetation and natural substrates like rocks or wood. These provide the shrimp's perfect grazing and hiding spots, allowing them to seek refuge in the crevices and cracks when they sense danger.
Breeding
Breeding Chocolate Shrimp, like all Neocaridina species, is an uncomplicated process due to their prolific breeding nature. A few shrimp of both sexes are all that is necessary to initiate breeding, and they will continue to reproduce incessantly.
Identifying whether a female is carrying eggs or not can be challenging as the saddle is not visible. However, after fertilization, the female moves the eggs to her swimmerets, where they develop for approximately 28 to 30 days before hatching into miniature versions of the adult shrimp.
While powdered food is ideal for feeding shrimplets, they can also graze on algae and biofilm-like their adult counterparts. Therefore, if your Chocolate Shrimp aren't breeding as expected, it's crucial to ensure that both sexes are present, monitor your water parameters, and provide adequate nourishment containing ample calcium to facilitate proper moulting.
Diet & Feeding
As with all freshwater Shrimp, the Chocolate Shrimp is a scavenger that will consume nearly anything. While they have a particular affinity for biofilm, which is often lacking in our home aquariums, it is essential to supplement their diet with high-quality dried fish or shrimp food. You may offer blanched vegetables such as courgette, broccoli, zucchini, or cucumber as an occasional treat to enhance their diet. Adding dried leaves such as Indian Almond or Mulberry leaves to your aquarium can also benefit your shrimp's health.
