Blue Pearl Shrimp care guide
Blue Pearl Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. 'Blue Pearl') — minimum tank 20 L, temperature 18-28 °C, pH 6.5-8.
Overview
Blue Pearl Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. 'Blue Pearl') is a freshwater dwarf shrimp of the family Atyidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. Translucent pale blue Neocaridina, one of the earlier blue lines. Color shows best in groups against dark backgrounds.
Taxonomy
- Family: Atyidae
- Genus: Neocaridina
- Scientific name: Neocaridina davidi var. 'Blue Pearl'
- Common synonyms: Blue Pearl
Habitat
The wild ancestor Neocaridina davidi originates from Taiwan and adjacent eastern China, where it inhabits lowland streams, ditches and ponds with abundant submerged vegetation and leaf litter. Colour forms are selectively bred from the dark wild type and propagated in commercial culture worldwide. The Aquairi knowledge base records this entry from: Taiwan (selectively bred).
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 20 L (5.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 2-3 cm
- Temperature: 18-28 °C (64-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8
- GH: 4-14 °dGH
- KH: 2-8 °dKH
- Lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet
A grazing detritivore. In the aquarium the shrimp continuously feeds on biofilm, soft algae, decaying plant matter and dropped food. A small daily ration of a shrimp-formulated sinking pellet, occasional blanched spinach or zucchini and rare protein wafers keep the colony in good condition without polluting the water.
Compatibility
Peaceful and best kept in a colony of ten or more in a stable, well-cycled, planted aquarium. Suitable tank mates listed in the Aquairi knowledge base: Otocinclus, Pygmy Cory, Nerite Snail. Should be kept away from: Cichlids, Crayfish.
Breeding
Reproduces in fresh water without a planktonic larval stage. Mature females develop ripe ovaries visible as a yellow or olive "saddle" on the back; after a successful moult they are fertilised by males and carry the fertilised eggs under the pleopods for roughly three to four weeks before juveniles hatch as miniature fully-formed shrimp. Stable parameters and absence of predation are the main success factors.