Chocolate Shrimp

Appearance:

• Size: Chocolate Shrimp grow to about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) in length.
• Coloration: Their defining feature is a smooth, dark brown to almost black color, which can vary slightly in shade depending on the individual shrimp and environmental conditions. Higher-grade Chocolate Shrimp will have a more solid, deep brown color with fewer transparent areas.
• Variation: Some individuals may exhibit lighter or darker brown hues based on genetics, diet, and water conditions.

Natural Habitat:

• Origin: Chocolate Shrimp, like other Neocaridina varieties, originate from freshwater streams and rivers in Taiwan. The Chocolate color variant is a product of selective breeding in captivity, not found in the wild.
• Environment: In their natural habitat, they live in slow-moving waters with abundant vegetation and plenty of surfaces for biofilm to grow.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: Chocolate Shrimp are adaptable and can tolerate temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C), with an ideal range of 72-78°F (22-26°C).
• pH: They prefer slightly alkaline to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.5-7.5.
• Water Hardness: Moderate water hardness (GH 6-8, KH 3-6) is ideal. They can tolerate softer or harder water, but stability is key for their health.
• Water Quality: Like all shrimp, they require clean water with low levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. Ammonia and nitrite levels should always be 0 ppm, and nitrates should be kept below 20 ppm. Regular water changes are crucial.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 5 gallons is recommended for a small group of Chocolate Shrimp, but larger tanks (10 gallons or more) are ideal for maintaining stable water parameters and allowing for colony expansion.
• Substrate: Inert substrates like sand or fine gravel are suitable, but darker substrates can enhance the shrimp's brown color, making them stand out more.
• Plants & Decorations: Heavily planted tanks are perfect for Chocolate Shrimp. Live plants, such as Java Moss, Anubias, and floating plants, provide shelter, surfaces for biofilm growth, and natural beauty. Rocks, driftwood, and leaf litter can also be added to mimic their natural environment and offer hiding spots.
• Filtration: Use a gentle sponge filter or a filter with an intake guard to prevent shrimp from being sucked in. Sponge filters also help provide surfaces for biofilm and beneficial bacteria to grow.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient, especially if live plants are present. Chocolate Shrimp are not sensitive to light, but areas of shade from plants will make them feel more comfortable.

Behavior:

• Peaceful: Chocolate Shrimp are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them ideal tank mates for other non-predatory species.
• Active Foragers: They spend much of their time grazing on algae, biofilm, and detritus. They are always actively exploring the tank, making them enjoyable to observe.
• Social: Chocolate Shrimp thrive in groups, and it’s best to keep them in colonies of at least 10 individuals. The larger the group, the more active and visible they will be.

Tank Mates:

• Compatible Tank Mates: Chocolate Shrimp can be housed with other peaceful species, such as small fish (like rasboras, small tetras, or guppies), snails (such as Nerite or Mystery snails), and other shrimp varieties (like Red Cherry Shrimp or Amano Shrimp).
• Avoid Predators: Larger or aggressive fish, such as cichlids or bettas, should be avoided, as they may prey on the shrimp.
• Shrimp-Only Tanks: To maximize breeding success and reduce stress, some hobbyists prefer to keep Chocolate Shrimp in species-only tanks.

Feeding:

• Omnivores: Chocolate Shrimp feed on a variety of foods, primarily grazing on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter.
• Diet: In addition to natural grazing, supplement their diet with high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables (like spinach, zucchini, or kale), and occasional protein sources such as frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp. Offering a balanced diet helps maintain their color and health.
• Algae Control: While Chocolate Shrimp will consume some algae, they are not as efficient as other species, such as Amano Shrimp, in controlling large algae blooms.

Breeding:

• Ease of Breeding: Chocolate Shrimp are prolific breeders and will readily reproduce in a well-maintained tank with stable water conditions.
• Breeding Setup: No special setup is needed for breeding. Females will carry eggs under their abdomen for about 3-4 weeks before the eggs hatch into fully formed baby shrimp.
• Selective Breeding: To maintain or enhance the rich brown color, selective breeding may be necessary. This involves separating shrimp with the most intense coloration to breed future generations with strong genetics.

Lifespan:

• Lifespan: Chocolate Shrimp typically live for 1-2 years, though with optimal care, some may live slightly longer.

Special Considerations:

• Copper Sensitivity: Like all shrimp, Chocolate Shrimp are extremely sensitive to copper, which can be found in medications and fertilizers. Always check product labels and avoid copper-based treatments.
• Acclimation: When introducing them to a new tank, use the drip acclimation method to gradually adjust them to changes in water parameters.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes (10-20% weekly) are essential to keep water parameters stable and ensure optimal water quality.