Blue Dream Shrimp care guide
Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. 'Blue Dream') — minimum tank 20 L, temperature 20-26 °C, pH 6.5-7.8.
Overview
The Blue Dream Shrimp is a high-grade colour form of Neocaridina davidi displaying a deep, almost royal blue across the body. It is widely regarded as one of the most intensely pigmented blue lines of N. davidi available in the trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Atyidae
- Genus: Neocaridina
- Scientific name: Neocaridina davidi var. 'Blue Dream'
- Common synonyms: Blue Dream, Dream Blue
Habitat
Wild Neocaridina davidi inhabits streams of Taiwan and southern China. Blue Dream is captive-bred and tolerates the same broadly neutral, moderately mineralised water as other Neocaridina varieties.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 20 L (5.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 2-3 cm
- Temperature: 20-26 °C (68-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.8
- GH: 6-12 °dGH
- KH: 2-8 °dKH
- Lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet
A continuous biofilm grazer and detritivore. Supplement with prepared shrimp food, blanched vegetables and occasional protein. Feed small portions to avoid water-quality issues.
Compatibility
Peaceful and best kept in a species-only or shrimp-dominated tank. Suitable companions are Otocinclus, Pygmy Cory and Nerite Snails. Avoid cichlids, crayfish and larger fish. Do not mix with other Neocaridina davidi colour forms as cross-breeding rapidly dilutes colour into wild-type brown.
Breeding
Reliable breeders. Berried females carry 20-30 eggs for about 30 days. Offspring are miniature blue shrimp that feed on biofilm; cover from moss and plants improves survival.