Green Jade Shrimp

1. Physical Characteristics

• Coloration: The defining feature of Green Jade Shrimp is its deep, vivid green color. The intensity of the green can vary from light lime green to a dark emerald jade. Some shrimp may have a more translucent appearance, while others show solid green hues.
• Size: Adult Green Jade Shrimp reach around 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) in length, with females generally being larger and more robust than males.
• Lifespan: With good care, they can live up to 1.5 to 2 years in captivity.

2. Natural Habitat and Distribution

• Origin: Green Jade Shrimp, like other Neocaridina species, are selectively bred in captivity. Their wild ancestors, Neocaridina davidi, are native to freshwater streams and ponds in Taiwan and China. The Green Jade color variant is a result of selective breeding, so it does not naturally occur in the wild.
• Tank Environment: In aquariums, they thrive in planted tanks that mimic their natural habitat, with stable water parameters and plenty of live plants, driftwood, and moss.

3. Behavior and Temperament

• Peaceful: Green Jade Shrimp are peaceful creatures and do best when kept in groups. A colony of 10 or more is recommended for them to feel secure and display their natural behaviors.
• Active: They are active scavengers, constantly foraging for algae, biofilm, and detritus on plants, substrate, and tank decorations. Their vibrant green color adds a dynamic element to a planted tank.
• Social Structure: They are social shrimp and thrive in a colony. Keeping them in large numbers helps them feel more confident and active in the tank.

4. Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 5-10 gallons is recommended for a small group of Green Jade Shrimp. For larger colonies, a 20-gallon tank or more is ideal.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: They prefer a water temperature between 68-78°F (20-25°C).
  • pH: A neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 6.5-7.5 is ideal.
  • Hardness: Green Jade Shrimp prefer soft to moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) of 6-8 and carbonate hardness (KH) of 2-6.
  • Filtration: A gentle filter is important to maintain water quality without creating strong currents, as shrimp prefer calm waters.

• Substrate: A dark substrate is often used to enhance the green coloration of the shrimp. Fine gravel or aquarium soil that supports plant growth is ideal.

• Live Plants and Hiding Spots: These shrimp benefit from heavily planted tanks, as plants provide cover, surfaces for biofilm growth, and hiding spots, especially after molting. Popular plants include Java moss, Anubias, and Java ferns.

5. Diet

• Omnivores: Green Jade Shrimp are scavengers, feeding on algae, detritus, and leftover food. While they will find food naturally in a well-established tank, their diet should be supplemented.
• Food Options: A balanced diet includes high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or cucumber. They can also eat protein-based foods like freeze-dried bloodworms and brine shrimp on occasion.
• Algae Control: Like other Neocaridina shrimp, they help control algae by grazing on soft algae and biofilm. They are not aggressive algae eaters but will keep the tank clean of minor growths.

6. Breeding

• Ease of Breeding: Green Jade Shrimp are prolific breeders in captivity. As long as water conditions are stable and they have a plentiful food supply, they will reproduce readily.
• Mating: Female shrimp carry fertilized eggs under their abdomen, visible as greenish or brownish eggs due to their translucent body. The female can carry 20-30 eggs at a time, and the eggs hatch in about 2-4 weeks, depending on water temperature.
• Larvae: Once the eggs hatch, the baby shrimp (larvae) are fully formed and ready to forage for food. They require no special care and will start eating biofilm and algae from the tank.
• Colony Growth: A colony of Green Jade Shrimp can grow rapidly if tank conditions are optimal, and shrimp are kept free from predation.

7. Molting Process

• Molting: Like all shrimp, Green Jade Shrimp molt as they grow. Molting is a vulnerable time for shrimp, as their new exoskeleton is soft, so they often hide for protection until it hardens.
• Calcium Requirements: Calcium is essential for shrimp to form a healthy exoskeleton. Supplementing their diet with calcium-rich foods or adding calcium blocks to the tank can support healthy molting.

8. Compatibility

• Peaceful Tank Mates: Green Jade Shrimp do well in community tanks with small, peaceful fish. Ideal tank mates include:

  • Tetras
  • Guppies
  • Endler’s livebearers
  • Otocinclus catfish
  • Snails (like Nerite snails)

• Avoid Aggressive Fish: Large or aggressive fish like cichlids, bettas, and larger gouramis should be avoided, as they may prey on the shrimp.

9. Importance in Aquariums

• Tank Cleaners: Green Jade Shrimp play an important role in maintaining tank cleanliness by eating algae, biofilm, and decaying organic matter. They are a vital part of the “clean-up crew” in many aquariums.
• Natural Algae Control: While they are not aggressive algae eaters, they do help with algae control in small amounts by grazing on surfaces.

10. Fun Facts

• Green Jade Shrimp can range in shades of green, from pale lime to dark jade, depending on genetics and environmental conditions.
• They are a hardy shrimp species, making them a good choice for beginner aquarists interested in shrimp keeping or breeding.
• Their green color provides excellent camouflage in densely planted tanks, making them both functional and aesthetically pleasing in aquascapes.

Key Care Tips:

• Stable Water Parameters: Consistency is key for keeping Green Jade Shrimp healthy. Sudden changes in water quality or parameters can stress them and affect their health.
• Planted Tanks: Provide plenty of live plants and hiding spots to support their natural behaviors and to give them safe places to retreat during molting.
• Supplement Feeding: Ensure a well-rounded diet, even though they will find natural food sources in a well-established tank.