Blue Velvet Shrimp

Scientific Name:

Neocaridina davidi (Blue Velvet Shrimp is a color variant of this species).

Adult Size:

Typically between 1 - 1.5 inches (2.5 - 3.8 cm).

Life Expectancy:

Blue Velvet Shrimp can live 1-2 years under optimal conditions.

Habitat:

• Freshwater environments such as streams and ponds.
• Originally found in Taiwan.
• In aquariums, they thrive in planted tanks with driftwood, rocks, and dense vegetation for hiding and grazing.

Minimum Tank Size:

A minimum of 5 gallons (19 Liters) is recommended, though larger tanks are better for colonies.

Ideal Tank Conditions:

• Water Temperature: 65°F - 80°F (18°C - 27°C).
• pH: Between 6.5 and 7.5.
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (GH 4-8, KH 3-15).
• Ammonia & Nitrites: Must be kept at 0 ppm.
• Nitrates: Below 20 ppm is ideal.
• Substrate: Fine sand or gravel with a focus on live plants and biofilm surfaces for grazing.

Temperament:

• Peaceful and non-aggressive.
• They coexist well with other shrimp species and small, peaceful fish.
• Best kept in a shrimp-only tank or with similarly sized, non-predatory tank mates.

Diet & Nutrition:

• Omnivorous, feeding on algae, biofilm, and detritus.
• You can supplement their diet with algae wafers, specialized shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and occasional protein-rich foods like fish flakes or pellets.

Breeding & Spawning:

• Blue Velvet Shrimp breed readily when kept in stable, optimal conditions.
• Females carry eggs in their swimmerets (underbelly) for 2-3 weeks before they hatch.
• No special intervention is needed for breeding, though providing lots of hiding spots (plants, moss) is essential for the survival of shrimplets.
• Baby shrimp are fully independent and do not go through a larval stage.

Gender:

• Females are typically larger, more vibrant, and have a rounder body, especially in the abdomen area where eggs are carried.
• Males are smaller, more slender, and generally less colourful compared to females.